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Pfeiffer Falls

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California, USA

About Pfeiffer Falls

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Pfeiffer Falls is a small multi-stranded 60ft waterfall typically within the shadowy forest confines within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

We noticed that this was one of the more popular waterfalls on the Big Sur coast, and it was for good reason.

Big_Sur_State_Park_035_03192010 - Julie checking out Pfeiffer Falls
Julie checking out Pfeiffer Falls

Not only did we get a pretty nice waterfall, but we also got a nice view of the valley from an overlook, and it was all within a short day hike.

We also noticed a hidden upper tier of the falls so perhaps the total drop of this falls was a lot more than the reported 60ft main drop.

The first time we did this hike in 2001, we actually did it in a three-mile loop that took in the Valley View Overlook (of Big Sur Valley) as well as the waterfall itself.

However, on a separate visit in 2010, fire damage from 2009 wiped out the shorter less-than-one-mile round trip trail from the lodging area to the falls and back.

Big_Sur_State_Park_050_03192010 - The Big Sur Valley Overlook, which was on a spur trail branching off the Pfeiffer Falls Trail
The Big Sur Valley Overlook, which was on a spur trail branching off the Pfeiffer Falls Trail

Given the rather turbulent recent history with drought and fires, I’m sure this situation will remain in flux.

Pfeiffer Falls Trail Description

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Tagged with: big sur, monterey, bay area, central coast, california, waterfall, pfeiffer big sur, ventana



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