Pfeiffer Falls Trail [CLOSED] is a 1.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Big Sur, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.
NOTE: The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is currently closed for construction according to the park website (December 2, 2020) but the Valley View Trail is open. For up to date information on this trail please see here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29833 This route has a nice climb and a lovely waterfall at the end...it's a great picnicking spot.
California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543
Directions from LA Basin: Drive south on Interstate 15 to Highway 79 South (Temecula). Follow Hwy. 79 approximately 25 miles southeast to the Forest Service station at Oak Grove (west side of highway). Trailhead parking is located behind the office.
December 31, 2020
November 28, 2020Fantastic - overlook is not closed! Nice hike.
October 17, 2020
October 3, 2020The trail is still closed as of 10/3/2020. It’s been closed sense 2008. The guy that was there said the reason it’s still closed is due to permits from the state.
July 17, 2020The trail was closed but we snuck by the closed sign and it was completely safe and beautiful. We moved really slow because I was with my 7 year old son and we explored a lot and hung our hammock for a while too. A great trail for kids.
June 27, 2020Nice climb. Falls are closed out for construction.
October 2, 2019June 2, 2018There is a sign (photo uploaded) where the trail splits from Valley View. They are reconstructing the entire trail. Expected complete early 2019.
February 3, 2018A great hike. The SP web site says it's closed now (Feb 2018). Does anyone know if that's a seasonal closure and it will be open again in the summer, or if it's more long-term?
December 21, 2017big
October 14, 2017Nice trail. Beautiful at the top
March 29, 2017Very beautiful trail that leads to a lovely waterfall which makes for a great way to splash yourself and cool off from the short hike. Nice place to relax and have lunch! :D
November 28, 2016Awesome hike to rejuvenate & get centered.
October 22, 2016This is a pretty trail but when I went it had a lot of trash (be a Good Samaritan and pick some up peeps!!) The waterfall itself was smaller than I expected but it is still worth hiking to. This hike is a a decent uphill until you reach the trail head for the falls where it gets more downhill.
September 11, 2016photo op.
August 15, 2016Great hike with plenty of level ground and up hill climbing. Lots of wildlife and people so you are not alone on the trail. The water fall is decent however lots of bugs when you get there so it's hard to enjoy the falls for long. Parking in the hotel lot near the end was fine, they didn't tow us.
July 22, 2016Short hike with beautiful view of falls.
July 20, 2016For our first hike in Big Sur, myself and my wife thoroughly loved it an easy and enjoyable hike for two beginners
June 30, 2016I'd call this a warm up hike. Wakes up your muscles and gets the blood flowing, but short enough to bring the whole family. Bring your camera! Beautiful waterfall and blue jays in the trees.
June 16, 2016The falls were pretty underwhelming considering the work to hike the trail. The trail is heavily packed so don't be surprised if you brush up against other people when passing. Still glad I did it.
April 28, 2016Unfortunately this was more of our rest stop before we headed to 17-mile drive. We didn't get to fully explore, but it left a lasting impression!
March 19, 2016I've done this hike twice, and both times I've enjoyed this quick short hike. The waterfall isn't no McWay Falls, but it's still a cute little waterfall. There wasn't many people on the trail when I went both times and once you're on top of the rock to get a better view, it's a good time to sit, take out some snacks, and have a little break. We also decided to do the Valley View Trail along with this hike to make it longer. Visited May 2015 and December 2015
February 28, 2016Wasn't to difficult and was well worth the ending! Easy in and out.. Lots of people and kids on the trail!
February 16, 2016Short trail, but steeper than expected. The waterfall is a bit underwhelming.
February 12, 2016nice semi easy hike. Beautiful camping by the river
January 24, 2016Crowded trail.
January 20, 2016it was ok,
January 11, 2016Very green...waterfall was pretty & a good turning back point. I personally don't care for out & back trails, I prefer loop trails which is why I rate it 3 Stars. Other than that, it was nice.
