
Here, the trees start to dwindle, leaving you with unrestricted panoramic views across the canyon and the shoreline below. The route first leads you through redwood and oak forests along the side of a creek, then climbs up to the Tin House. This strenuous trail (temporarily closed due to the Dolan Fire) is a favorite among hikers looking for an exciting but challenging excursion in Big Sur. Here some other routes to traverse once you’ve snapped your photos of the famed McWay Falls on the Overlook Trail. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers plenty of spectacular hiking trails fit for every skill level. It is advisable to check for the latest updates before embarking on this hike. McWay Falls can still be seen from the portion of the trail that is open for exploration. Note that due to nearby erosion and dangerous conditions, the Overlook Trail is currently only partially open. If you visit during the right season, you’ll also be able to see migrating whales passing by. At the vista point, you can see McWay Falls dropping down onto the sandy beach below in McWay Cove. You can access this path either from the stairs near the entrance kiosk or from the south parking lot. Get your camera and put on your hiking shoes-McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is only a short hike away.įor the least amount of effort, you’ll get some of the most stunning views in all of Big Sur by hiking this short and easy trail. Luckily, there is a scenic trail that gives visitors access to prime panoramic views of the falls, sans the danger. And as much as we want to run our hands through the cascading waterfall, we know it’s not safe to get up close. We’d even go so far as to say it is even more impressive in person. Yes, McWay Falls is just as beautiful in real life as it is in pictures. Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s McWay Falls Get ready to be enchanted by the sounds of the crashing waves, and don’t forget to look out for whales, dolphins, and sea lions during your stay. If you’re looking for a secluded campground with unbeatable views of the Big Sur coastline, this is the spot for you. With a limit of up to eight people per site, the Julia Pfeiffer Burns campgrounds fill up quickly make sure you reserve a spot through Reserve California before hitting the road. Both campgrounds are walk-in only, meaning no vehicle access is permitted, so be prepared to carry in all of your gear on foot. Number of sites: 2 campgrounds with 9 sites eachĮven though it only has two campgrounds, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is still one of the best state parks in California for camping.

Location: 52801 California State Route 1, Big SurĪmenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings
