Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park / McWay Falls

How to Get There

From Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (37 mi): Take CA-1 south for approximately 37 miles along the scenic Big Sur coast to reach Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Overview

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a Big Sur park on Highway 1, about 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, best known for McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round from McWay Creek onto a beach in a cove, and at high tide falls directly into the ocean, one of only two tidefalls in California. A half-mile trail leads from the parking area through a tunnel under the highway to the overlook, on the site of the Browns’ former mansion.

The 3,762-acre park, established in 1962, is also home to 300-foot redwoods more than 2,500 years old, and two hike-in camping areas with ocean views (reservations required). The park is named for a respected local rancher, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, who died in 1928.

Things to Do

Visit One of Big Sur's Most Iconic Coastal Destinations

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of California's most famous state parks, located along the rugged Big Sur coastline. The park is renowned for its dramatic ocean scenery, redwood groves, mountain landscapes, and the world-famous McWay Falls. Its combination of coastal and forest environments makes it one of the most photographed destinations on the Pacific Coast.

See the Spectacular McWay Falls

The park's signature attraction is McWay Falls, an approximately 80-foot waterfall that cascades from granite cliffs onto a secluded cove along the Pacific Ocean. One of the few waterfalls in the United States that flows directly onto a beach, McWay Falls is a must-see stop for visitors exploring Highway 1 and Big Sur.

Explore Ancient Redwood Forests

The inland portion of the park protects magnificent coast redwood groves that thrive in cool canyon environments. Visitors can walk among some of California's tallest trees while enjoying shaded trails, lush vegetation, and peaceful natural surroundings.

Enjoy Scenic Photography and Sightseeing

The park's coastal overlooks provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, offshore coves, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Sunrise, sunset, and seasonal coastal fog create exceptional opportunities for landscape photography.

Discover Big Sur's Natural Beauty

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park showcases the diverse ecosystems that make Big Sur famous, including redwood forests, coastal scrub, chaparral, and oceanfront habitats. Visitors can experience both towering forests and dramatic coastline within a relatively compact area.

Observe Wildlife and Native Plants

Wildlife commonly observed in the park includes deer, hawks, songbirds, California condors in the greater Big Sur region, and marine mammals visible offshore. Seasonal wildflowers and native vegetation add color and variety throughout the year.

Top Trails

McWay Falls Overlook Trail

Length: Approximately 0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This short, accessible trail leads to the park's famous overlook of McWay Falls and the picturesque cove below. It is one of the most popular walks in Big Sur and provides stunning views with minimal effort.

Ewoldsen Trail

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: About 1,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The park's premier hiking route climbs through redwood forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral-covered slopes before reaching viewpoints overlooking the Big Sur coastline. The trail offers an excellent combination of forest and ocean scenery.

Partington Cove Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

Located near the park, this short but scenic trail descends through a historic tunnel to a secluded rocky cove. Visitors enjoy dramatic coastal scenery and a glimpse into Big Sur's early transportation history.

Canyon View Segments of the Ewoldsen Trail

Length: Varies along route
Elevation Gain: Moderate to Significant
Difficulty: Moderate

These sections of the trail provide panoramic views of redwood canyons, the Pacific Ocean, and the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, making them especially popular among photographers and experienced hikers.

Sources: California State Parks official Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park information, including details on McWay Falls, redwood groves, hiking trails, wildlife, visitor facilities, and recreational opportunities. r> Additional information verified through California State Parks and Big Sur visitor resources covering the McWay Falls Overlook Trail, Ewoldsen Trail, coastal viewpoints, redwood habitats, and natural features within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park", and "McWay Falls", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0