Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The Park is currently OPEN.
The Highway 1 project was successful, and access has been restored to Big Sur. The advanced date for opening has allowed people to access the Big Sur area earlier than expected, providing opportunities for local businesses and a return to normal for park visitors. Due to the new traffic signal, significant delays can be expected, but the public is allowed into Big Sur at this time.
California State Parks is supporting the Governor’s Office and the Big Sur community by opening all recreational activities as soon as possible. State Parks will be open to camping on Thursday, May 23rd so that people may enjoy the state park system in a safe, responsible, and enjoyable manner.
Some of the lodges and private campgrounds may be open this weekend. We encourage visitors to look for overnight accommodation in the surrounding area, including the Big Sur Lodge, which is currently taking guests. However, the soonest we can responsibly provide camping opportunities will be May 23rd. We apologize for any inconvenience over the next seven days due to the earlier than anticipated opening date.
State Parks is proud to have been a significant contributing agency to the emergency response effort. During the closure, we provided equipment staging facilities, emergency response, medical evacuation areas, and facilities for the community that were temporarily stranded in Big Sur. We are now shifting our operations from emergency support back to our regular campground activities. We want to thank you for your understanding as we worked diligently to return to normal operations.
Thank you for your interest and support of California State Parks.
Big Sur State Parks will OPEN for Campers with reservations Thursday, May 23. This includes Andrew Molera SP, Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP.
Highway 1 is closed approximately 5 miles South of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park due to three additional landslides. Limekiln SP remains CLOSED as it is within this section of Highway 1. The anticipated full opening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide is not until Fall of 2024.
Camping reservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com up to 6 months in advance.
Always check area weather forecasts and road updates before visiting. NOAA Weather- Big Sur
For more information about USFS properties and current closures, please visit USFS - Los Padres National Forest - Big Sur
For current highway closures and conditions please visit CalTrans - Road Conditions Map
Follow us on social media @BigSurStateParks for photos and information.
HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURES
Northbound / Southbound 1 Full Closure
From 1 Mile South of Limekiln Creek to Lime Creek Bridge
Due to Slide Removal
No estimated time for reopening of closure.
Information courtesy of
Last updated: 05/17/2024
About Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
THERE IS NO BEACH OR OCEAN ACCESS IN THIS PARK
The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows. A large campground accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers and RVers. Many campsites are located along the Big Sur River. Wildlife includes bobcats, black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as dippers and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park. The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, cafe, and a grocery store.
Weather
CHECK CURRENT WEATHER
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised. In winter, overnight temperatures can range in the 30s-50s (Fahrenheit). Winter daytime temperatures can be low 50s-mid 70s. In summer, overnight temperatures can range in the 50s-70s, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s-80s. Summer mornings bring fog, which usually burns off by midday.
Location
Near mile marker 47.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 26 miles south of Carmel.
GOOGLE MAP
Ewoldsen Nature Center Now Open Friday through Monday
The Ewoldsen Nature Center is now open for all visitors to enjoy on
Friday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Set amidst life-size murals of Big Sur's natural habitat areas, visitors are encouraged to learn about the flora and fauna of Pfeiffer State Park and beyond. Adults and children alike can experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" at our digital condor flight station designed with actual Big Sur condor flight patterns. Hosted by State Parks staff and volunteers, the Ewoldsen Nature Center is a place of wonder and delight for all who stop by.
We'd love to see you here!!
Park Interpretive Programs