Great Hikes

Pfeiffer Falls

Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer

   Pfeiffer Falls may be 300 miles away, but if you’re ready for some scenery that defines the concept of “charm,” Pfeiffer Big Sur State park is the place to go.
   Head north on the Coast Highway and just keep going. Skip Santa Barbara and take a break in Cambria. Another hour or so north and you’ll be in Redwood Forest heaven, rocky coastline to your left and dense tall trees to your right.
   Just as the road levels down and flattens out you’ll see signs directing you into Pfeiffer Park. Park at the Lodge and follow the signs by foot up the paved road to the trailhead.
   This can be a short and easy hike to the scenic waterfalls – or you can continue the adventure through some 600 acres of wild and woody forests. Either way, this is a definite change of pace from the scrub brush terrain of Southern California. The trees are towering redwoods, the air is crisp and much of the time the sky is obscured by the lush and dense canopy high above.
   The Pfeiffer Falls trail is beautifully groomed with wooden steps set into the earth. You’ll gradually work your way uphill over little bridges and walkways, past huge hollow trees and deeper into the woods. You’ll know when you’re nearing the falls by the sound of rushing water, luring you to the source. It’s not a huge cascade but it is as picturesque as it gets. The water spills over a looming rock dome and fills a small basin before running downhill in a narrow stream.
   Just to the right of the falls, there is a solidly built viewing platform that allows you to step up for a closer look, also a great spot to sit down and just enjoy the setting.
   If you head straight back the entire adventure will take less than an hour. However, for the hardier, you’ll see a variety of other clearly marked trails, including the very scenic overlook route that provides sweeping views of the Big Sur forests and valley.
   There is also a bevy of wildlife, seemingly a little tamer than what we encounter here. Deer, squirrels and more scamper around throughout the protected parklands relatively unafraid of human visitors. If you’re one of those folks who really enjoy seeing Bambi and family in the wilds, Pfeiffer Park will fulfill your deer quota for a while.
   It’s a long drive but you just can’t say that you live in California without having walked through Big Sur.
   Fearless readers who are interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.