Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a protected area in Monterey County, California, covering more than 1,000 acres along the Big Sur River and connecting forests of coast redwoods with hillsides and river valleys. Several walking trails pass through the redwood groves and climb to viewpoints on the wooded slopes.

John Pfeiffer sold around 700 acres of his land to the state of California in 1933 after refusing a purchase offer for real estate development, laying the foundation for the protected area today. Over the following decades the territory expanded through additional land transfers and purchases.

California residents visit the area for weekend camping trips and holidays when the riverside sites fill up quickly with families exploring the forest trails together. On warm summer days many visitors use the shallow parts of the river to wade or sit by the water.

The riverside camping sites require advance reservations through the state booking system, especially on weekends and during summer months. Most walking trails start near the camping areas and are accessible for all fitness levels, though the higher routes become steeper.

A single coast redwood within the boundaries carries the name Colonial Tree and is estimated to be around 1,200 years old. This tree has survived several centuries of climate shifts and forest fires and ranks among the oldest living organisms in the region.

Location: Monterey County

Inception: 1933

Phone: +18316671112

Website: http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570

GPS coordinates: 36.24760,-121.78200

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:18