Pfeiffer Falls Trail In Big Sur Reopens For First Time In 13 Years
California has now dropped most of its COVID-19 restrictions, but this popular hiking trail has been closed a lot longer than that. In fact, Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Big Sur has been closed for a long 13 years. At last, hikers can get to enjoy this spectacular trail once again, just in time to celebrate California’s return to the new normal.
Hike the Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Big Sur
Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Falls Trail was closed after suffering devastating fire damage during one of the worst California wildfires in June 2008. At that time, the massive Basin Complex Fire tore through 162,818 acres of the Big Sur coastline. The lightning-sparked fire destroyed most of the Pfeiffer Falls Trail’s infrastructure, including railings, steps, bridges, walls and signs.
Thanks to the combined efforts of California State Parks and a conservation group, Save the Redwoods League, the trail will finally reopen to the public on June 18. The trail is set to be better than ever before, due to improved access for hikers, as well as bolstered ecosystems for the park’s wildlife inhabitants.
One impressive new feature of the hiking trail is the scenic 70-foot pedestrian expansion bridge, which spans the Pfeiffer Redwood Creek ravine. Foot traffic is taken away from the sensitive streambed, thus improving the natural habitat of the aquatic ecosystem below. However, the new bridge also offers hikers incredible views of the ravine and waterfalls.
Other improvements include the replacement of more than 4,500 sq ft of asphalt and concrete with a more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable dirt trail.
The newly renovated Pfeiffer Falls Trail completes a 1.5-mile loop with the Valley View Trail. Not only will visitors find the improvements to the infrastructure mentioned above, but they will also find new interpretive panels along the way. These panels will educate visitors on the redwoods and climate change, the Big Sur watershed, as well as the partnership between California State Parks and the US Forest Service.
California State Park announces the reopening
As reported by The Tribune, Jim Doran, program manager for California State Park’s Monterey District Roads and Trails spoke ahead of Friday’s reopening. Doran said, “Before the 2008 Basin Complex Fire, this was one of the most popular trails in Big Sur – a destination for California tourists. With the trail’s many improvements completed, we’re happy to welcome visitors once again.”
“Areas of it are very close to the creek,” Doran said. “Then, as you progress further up, closer to the waterfall, you get incredible views into the redwood canopy because you’re farther up on the hillside. It provides a more diverse experience.”
Of course, the newly reopened hiking trail isn’t the only attraction to enjoy in the area. Visitors should make sure they visit Esalen Hot Springs for night bathing under the stars, the quirky Henry Miller Memorial Library – a non-profit alt-cultural venue and bookshop nestled deep in the forest – as well as Point Sur State Historic Park, the Los Padres National Forest and the beautiful Pfeiffer Beach.
Read up on all the attractions in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the official California State Park’s website.
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Photo credit: Deposit photos
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