Located in the iconic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the short loop hike on the Pfeiffer Falls Trail and the Valley View Overlook Trail is one of the absolute gems of Big Sur. At just under 2.5 miles, this hike may be short, but the quality and diversity of trails and views makes this trail a true great!
Beginning on the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, you will begin with a walk through a Redwood filled canyon as you make your way to the falls. From the falls, the trail then climbs to a great little viewpoint high above the valley! If you’re looking for an easy yet awesome hike in Big Sur, this might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Miles/Elevation:
2.4 miles
550 feet vertical gain
About Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
Located in the heart of Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park sits nestled in a deep coastal valley a few miles inland from the sea. Flanking the banks of the Big Sur River, this park contains no coastal or beach access, but does harbor some ideal conditions for the growth of Coast Redwoods!
Containing only about 1,000 acres of land, Pfeiffer Big Sur is not a massive park by any means, but it is magnificent despite its small stature! Named for the Pfeiffer family, who settled and ranched this land in the late 1800’s, the park now is primarily known for its hiking! The numerous short trails here make it a great stopping point on a drive through the magnificent Big Sur Coast!
Getting To The Trailhead:
The trailhead accessing Pfeiffer Falls and the Valley View Trail is located just off Highway 1 in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the Central Coast of California. There is not a robust public transit option in Big Sur, so you will most likely need to drive yourself.
The trailhead is about 28 miles south of Carmel and Monterey, about a 45 minute drive. From San Francisco, the trailhead is about a 2 and ½ hour drive. While it is doable as a day trip from the Bay Area, it does require a lot of driving each way!
Upon arrival at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, take Pfeiffer Big Sur Road to enter the park itself. Continue straight until you reach the entrance kiosk. Upon paying the $10 day use fee, continue until either of the parking lots. It doesn’t really matter which lot you park in, but the first one will yield a slightly shorter hike.
The Pfeiffer Falls Loop:
To Pfeiffer Falls:
From the parking lots in the park, you’ll first need to follow the River Path to reach the trailhead. This flat and wide trail takes you along the Big Sur River back towards the park entrance and the beginning of the Pfeiffer Falls Trail.
After a quick few hundred feet, you’ll arrive at the boardwalk surrounding some of the park’s biggest trees! It’s worth a quick look at these monsters, and when you’re ready cross the road to really begin the hike!
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For the first quarter mile or so, the trail will be primarily flat as you walk to the far end of the road heading deeper into the park. Don’t walk on the road, there is a trail, and after about a quarter mile you’ll arrive at the second road crossing. Continue straight to head further into the forest!
Right after leaving the road crossing, there is an intersection. Stay right to reach the waterfall first, but if you would prefer to finish with the waterfall you could take a left.
The trail now will begin to climb steeply up the canyon. The views aren’t anything huge, you are in a tree filled canyon after all, but the setting is certainly bucolic. Pfeiffer Redwood Creek babbles down the center of the valley, ferns and other greenery cover the forest floor, and Redwoods hundreds of feet tall reach into the sky!
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The trail is very steep though! Perhaps half a mile into the hike, the dirt trail gives way to boardwalks. And these boardwalks have stairs, lots of stairs! It will definitely get your heart pounding, but the climb isn’t too big. Climb the first set, cross the bridge (cool right?), climb the second set, and you’ll be nearly there!
Always follow basic trail etiquette when on trail!
You’ll likely hear the falls before you see them, but very soon you’ll round the corner and see the falls. It’s not the tallest, and it’s not the most powerful, but this waterfall fits seemingly perfectly into the surrounding Redwood forest! It’s peaceful, it’s pretty, it’s almost delicate! I feel like a huge pounding waterfall would almost be out of place in this serene setting!
After enjoying the falls and taking in the view, head out and continue the loop!
To The Overlook:
From the falls, head downhill towards the bottom of the canyon and then begin the climb up the other side of the valley. From the bottom of the valley to the overlook is probably 250 vertical feet and just under half a mile.
After climbing up from the valley floor, you’ll reach another intersection. To continue back to the trailhead and skip the overlook, stay left here. Otherwise, head right!
The trail up here leaves the Redwoods and travels through thinner, leafier, forest. The trail quality isn’t quite as nice as the lower trail to the falls, but it’s not bad enough to really complain about either. The hike to the overlook is pretty uneventful, but it won’t take long to reach it.
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The overlook itself isn’t anything too remarkable; it doesn’t protrude up above the trees or drop off dramatically on all sides, but it is a nice view! You’ll be able to see all the way down the valley to the ocean, as well as across the valley towards the densely wooded western slope. Is it the best view in Big Sur? Definitely not, but it’s not bad for this short of a hike!
Hiking Down:
From the viewpoint, it’s only about ¾’s of a mile back to the trailhead. Make sure to take a right at the first intersection you encounter. You don’t really want to head back past the falls though you could if you really want.
While descending you’ll travel back down through the different environments of the valley, and before long you’ll be looking at the tops of the soaring Redwoods! Once you can see the upper branches, it won’t be long until you’re beneath them, and then before you know it you will be back at the trailhead!
After just an hour or so of hiking, I was back at the trailhead! You can’t really ask for more than this on a sub 3 mile hike!
Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 10/10
An easy nearby hike is the Creamery Meadows Trail at Andrew Molera State Park!
As far as 2-3 mile hikes go this is about as good as it gets. A very nicely made trail takes you between old growth Redwoods, a beautiful waterfall, and the upper viewpoint. You might complain that the big views are lacking, but considering the Redwoods and the waterfall, it’s a small complaint! I challenge anyone to find a clearly better 2-3 mile hike!
Pros:
- Excellent views
- Redwoods
- Waterfall
- Well made trail
Cons:
- No great ocean views
Alternative Hikes:
Soberanes Point and Whale Peak
The South Shore and Cypress Grove Trail
When To Hike The Pfeiffer Falls Loop:
Big Sur is definitely a 4 season destination. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, and the weather should be pleasant and mostly dry. Spring is also the best time to see wildflowers in all their glory!
Summer brings the warmest temperature of the year (still comfortable), and morning fog that usually burns off by afternoon. Fall generally boasts the clearest weather, while winter brings the most precipitation, though it’s still a nice place to visit and you’ll get some really nice days throughout the year!
Honestly, I’ve been to this area every time of year, and Big Sur is always awesome!
Links For Further Reading:
Valley View Overlook – California | AllTrails
Pfeiffer Falls Trail – California | AllTrails
Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Trail | Big Sur | Hikespeak.com
How to Hike to Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View in Big Sur, CA – California Crossroads
