Pfeiffer Big Sur with Kids!
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a wonderful place to spend time with kids. Situated within northern Big Sur, a mountainous region along the coastal portion of the Santa Lucia Mountains, it is unique to the rest of Big Sur as it boasts of redwood forests and oak groves, as opposed to the overall rocky coastline. The Big Sur River courses through this 1,006-acre park, which makes for fun family river play, camping, and hiking.
Location: coastal region of Central California, between Carmel and San Simeon. Near mile marker 47.2 on California Highway 1.
Hiking!
There are a few short hiking trails within Pfeiffer Big Sur that are perfect for kids to complete. There are also a few trails that begin within Pfeiffer Big Sur and continue for miles into the surrounding Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. Families with children can easily double back on these expansive trails when they’re done exploring.
Warden’s Path/River Path is a short 0.6 mile loop that offers a great introduction to the park. The River Path travels along the northern banks of the Big Sur River and crosses to the southern side, where it becomes Warden’s Path. The Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center (which is discussed in more detail below) can be found on the Warden’s Path. One river crossing is a series of concrete slabs that may be hidden when the river is full, but makes for fun river leaping sessions during the drier summer months.
Location: trail begins at parking lot #1 or behind the Big Sur Lodge.
Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a very popular trail due in part to its proximity to the park entrance/Highway 1. It also has great views at the end. After a short, moderate climb, the trail forks. To your right, the trail leads to Pfeiffer Falls, which is a 60-foot waterfall. Then to your left, the trail leads to Valley View Overlook, which offers an expansive view of the Big Sur River valley below. The trail is 2 miles roundtrip.
Location: trailhead across the street from Big Sur Lodge.
Big Sur River Gorge begins as a paved trail (0.5 mile round trip) and heads quickly into narrow forest path along the Big Sur River. However, when the trail ends families can continue, wading in the river or scrambling over boulders, as far as desired into the undeveloped wilderness.
Be sure to provide a helping hand for little ones when rock scrambling as they can be slippery. In fact, if your kids are anything like ours, they’ll be drawn to boulders in the middle of the river like moths to flames, so expect to get a little wet.
Location: trailheads at day use lot #3 and site 118. Head east.
Mount Manuel Trail begins at a really cool old homestead cabin, built by John Pfeiffer in the late 1800s. It branches off from the River Gorge Trail and travels through shady oak grove for about a mile or so. The trail then begins to climb up into US Forest Service land and is 8 miles round-trip, most of which is in full sun. Keep an eye out for poison oak (leaves of three, leave them be)!
Location: trailhead begins along the River Gorge Trail at homestead cabin.
Pine Ridge Trail is one of our favorite trails within the park. It’s technically a 23-mile one-way trail, so we barely scratch its surface, but we do enjoy the pine-filled, scenic climb for a few miles as it skirts around the campground. See if you can find the pine with a giant chasm at its base!
Location: there are trailheads south of Big Sur Station, from parking lot #4, and next to sites 1 and 32.
EXPLORING!
Pfeiffer Big Sur is a super family-friendly place that kids love to explore. There are a many things to do within the state park, but there are also many places to experience only a short drive away.
Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center is a small nature center that is packed with information and models of local wildlife. They have an active Junior Ranger progam for ages 7 and up and an awesome badge to take home when completed. For current hours and schedule of activites, visit the Parks and Recreation website.
Location: on the Warden’s Path, south of the Big Sur River.
The Big Sur River is a great place to spend the day swimming and splashing around with family. Kids may spot steelhead fish or crawdads if they’re quiet and still!
Location: runs through the park with various access points.
The Big Sur River Inn and vicinity is located a few miles north of the park entrance on Highway 1. There’s a gas station, general store, swimming pool, lodging, and restaurant. The restaurant is an especially popular place to eat, while lounging in the river on Adirondack chairs.
Location: along Highway 1, mile marker 49.
Pfeiffer Beach is a very photogenic beach, with water crashing through arches in giant rocks. Kids may love to explore small tide pools, clamber up sandy hills, and build structures out of driftwood. They may also enjoy discovering purple sand!
The beach can be very windy and cold, even in the middle of summer, so come prepared with warm clothing. Entrance fee is $10.
Location: off west side of Highway 1, mile marker 46, about 1 mile south of campground. Entrance is slightly hidden. Drive down narrow, winding Sycamore Canyon Road for a few miles until you get to the pay station and beach parking lot.
Camping!
Pfeiffer Big Sur has 189 campsites, all in equally beautiful environments. Some sites are on river banks (these cost more), while others are located in oak groves or under redwood canopies. There are also flush toilets and showers scattered throughout, a laundromat, and a camp store. Within the Big Sur lodge, there’s a restaurant, cafe, ice cream parlor, and gift shop.
Click HERE for campground map.
The campground is very popular, so be sure to book 6 months in advance for peak seasons. Reservations can be made at Reserve California.
