Pfeiffer Falls Trail (CLOSED) is a 1.4 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, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until September.
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
closed
no dogs
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.
There is a sign (photo uploaded) where the trail splits from Valley View. They are reconstructing the entire trail. Expected complete early 2019.
A 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?
Nice trail. Beautiful at the top
Very 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
Awesome hike to rejuvenate & get centered.
This 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.
photo op.
Great 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.
Short hike with beautiful view of falls.
For our first hike in Big Sur, myself and my wife thoroughly loved it an easy and enjoyable hike for two beginners
I'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.
The 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.
Unfortunately 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!
I'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
Wasn't to difficult and was well worth the ending! Easy in and out.. Lots of people and kids on the trail!
Short trail, but steeper than expected. The waterfall is a bit underwhelming.
nice semi easy hike. Beautiful camping by the river
Crowded trail.
it was ok,
Very 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.
Very well kept trail and very nice people on trail. Not much water at the fall but still worth the hike.
Ray P.
Not much water on the fall right now.
Hike was good, the fall had not much water, drought.
Easy trail. Lots of people, very quick trail to get to the falls. Good to do when you check into the rooms but not a workout, too easy.
Pleasant short trial which is very popular. It's too bad that a longer trial doesn't go further
Pfeiffer Falls is a nice day hike in the Big Sur area. The trail follows
Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek up the canyon through a redwood
forest to the base of the falls. We took the Valley View
Trail on the way back up the canyon into an oak and chaparral woodland area to the overlook.
From the overlook you can see sweeping views of the Santa Lucia
Range and Pacific Ocean but atch out for Poison oak that is beginning to crowd the trail.
Tourist trap, but the view is incredible & panoramic towards the ocean. The falls are nice too. To look at, but no swimming or water hole here..
If you're in the area and feel like some hiking, it's a good workout uphill with a nice view at the top. Mostly in the shade, so especially suited for a hot day. The trail is pretty popular, so if you're not a fan of crowds on trails, keep that in mind.
Short easy hike. Well worth doing.
Fun hike to do with a group of friends.