The Important Information to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Except you are a California native, you may not know that Huge Sur has a secret. Somewhat than being a singular landmark, the area encompasses a wide range of show-stopping vistas, close-knit communities, and state parks alongside Freeway 1. And some of the scenic of these parks is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Named after the legendary Huge Sur feminine pioneer and rancher, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stands out even among the many remainder of the area’s points of interest. The park options stands of centuries-old redwood timber and offers a haven for a wide range of California wildlife, although it’s finest recognized for the 80-foot-high McWay Falls, a formidable cascade that drops immediately from a sheer cliff to the sandy seaside beneath.

“That’s what most individuals need to see,” says Stephen Copeland. A former Huge Sur resident and the founding father of Huge Sur Guides and Mountaineering, he has spent a long time main guests up and down among the space’s finest trails. However, as Copeland factors out, viewing McWay Falls is simply the beginning of issues to do right here.

This is what it is advisable to know earlier than planning a visit to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

What to Do

Usually, guests who need to see McWay Falls have two choices: driving into the park and strolling about half a mile to a viewing platform, or just parking on the aspect of Freeway 1 and snapping pics from there. As of March 2026, nevertheless, you’ll be able to solely see it from the latter possibility; the Overlook Path to view McWay Falls is at present closed. Don’t fear about lacking out, although. “For my part, the view from the freeway is healthier,” says Copeland. “It’s really easy to drag over on the west aspect of the freeway on the turnout simply to the north of the doorway. You stroll 10 ft, and there it’s.”

Whereas the park’s crescent-shaped, sandy shore might look engaging, guests needs to be conscious that seaside entry is strictly prohibited at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; you’ll have to stay to admiring the sights from a distance. Whilst you do, regulate the turquoise waves for passing grey whales, who migrate by the realm between December and April. There’s even a bit of the park beneath the waves, the place skilled divers can see underwater rock formations and marine life.

Again on land, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has a formidable roster of mountaineering trails that may’t be missed. You may wander by towering redwoods on the five-mile Ewoldsen Path, Copeland’s prime suggestion. “The Ewoldsen Path is without doubt one of the most stunning hikes in Huge Sur,” he says. “It is an absolute should for individuals who like mountaineering. There [are] wildflowers there, old-growth redwood timber, and oak timber. It’s a extremely unbelievable surroundings that lots of people do not find out about, as a result of they solely go there to see the waterfall.”

Different mountaineering choices embody the mile-long out-and-back path to Partington Cove, the place a tanbark transport port as soon as stood. This brief however steep trek takes you thru a tunnel and ends at a viewpoint with expansive views of the cove. “I’ve seen each type of wildlife in that cove,” says Copeland. However even when the cove is abandoned, he says, “On day when the waves are robust, simply sitting on these rocks and watching the waves hit the rocks is definitely worth the value of admission proper there. It’s spectacular.”

After mountaineering and sightseeing in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you’ll be able to cap off your go to with a meal at one in every of Huge Sur’s best-known eating places, Nepenthe. About 5 miles north of the park, this clifftop eatery dishes up California delicacies made with regionally sourced substances—don’t miss the signature “Ambrosiaburger.”

Finest Time to Go to

Due to California’s balmy climate, there’s by no means actually a nasty time to go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Circumstances keep average all yr spherical, with temperatures hovering between the 50s and 70s from January by December. You might get a few of Huge Sur’s well-known “Might grey” or “June gloom” through the summer time months, however clouds usually clear within the afternoon.

In fact, you can even plan your journey across the park’s wildlife. Grey whales migrate by the realm between December and April yearly, whereas humpbacks go to within the spring and fall, and blue whales make their look from June by October. You’ll doubtless see some type of animal regardless of while you go to, but when recognizing a sure species is in your bucket checklist, test the park’s web site or name for extra info.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to mingle arts and tradition together with your state park expertise by timing your go to to one of many space’s annual occasions. Carmel-by-the-Sea hosts a Culinary Week and Bach Competition in the summertime, whereas close by Monterey has a fall Jazz Competition.

The right way to Get There

The closest airport to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about an hour north. If you wish to begin from the south finish of Huge Sur, you’ll be able to fly into San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP). A automotive will probably be important to get to the park—and the remainder of Huge Sur’s locations—however driving instructions are easy. From the north, merely observe Freeway 1, previous Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park. “There are big indicators at Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is lower than 10 miles south,” says Copeland. From San Luis Obispo, you’ll be able to choose up Freeway 1 and drive north, passing San Simeon and Hearst Fort, to achieve the park.