The Hike
There are two places to begin the Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View hike, depending on where you parked. If after paying the fee and entering the park you turned right towards the lodge front desk, and parked in the lot opposite the gift shop and lobby, then you'll want to head up the road that goes east directly away from Highway 1 into the forest. Just a few yards up this road will be a sign on the right marking the start of the trail from this point.
If you turned left after entering the park, and parked near the actual beginning of the trail, you'll see the signs directly east (away from Highway 1) of the parking area.
The wide and well-maintained trail begins with a modest climb through the majestic redwoods, walking among the patches of clover-like redwood sorrel. After a short distance, you'll see the start of the loop, where you'll want to begin by going to the right, heading around the trail counter-clockwise.
Head up some steps and when you come to the Oak Grove Trail turnoff on the right, go straight. You'll be tracing along the south bank of Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek, crisscrossing over it on large wooden bridges four times.
Eventually you'll come to a fork where the Pfeiffer Falls are to the right and the Valley View Trail return loop heads off to the left over a bridge. Take the short right fork to the falls, where you'll climb a couple sets of stairs before arriving at viewing platform with benches.
Head back to the junction with the Valley View Trail and continue counter-clockwise to the right across the double bridges. After a short climb you'll see the spur to the Valley View overlook to the right. It's a somewhat steep but short climb to the top where a viewing bench has been placed in a perfect spot for looking northwest out to the ocean.
Surprisingly, cell phone service (at least Verizon which I've used) works great up here, and the overlook may be a fun place to call your pals at home and make them wish they were with you.
Also notice the splendid examples of native oak trees along this part of the trail, especially up along the ridge to the lookout bench.
From the lookout, head back down to the main Valley View Trail loop and continue to your right. The trail will wind down the hill and eventually drop you back into the redwoods where you'll cross over the creek one last time and walk down to the parking lots.
Alternate Exploring
If you have the time and energy, consider taking the roughly 3 mile long Oak Grove Trail loop that heads south near the beginning of the main hike. There is some elevation gain on this trail, and you pass the Mt. Manual Trail that goes off to the left and end up at the Homestead Cabin.
You can then either trace your way back to the Falls/Valley View loop, or continue around to the right and head back along the road towards the lodge lobby.
Getting There
The beginning of this trail is in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Look for the main entrance sign on the inland (east) side of Highway 1 about 26 miles south of Carmel, or 63.5 miles north of the Hearst Castle turnoff.
You'll drive to the entrance kiosk to pay a small fee and then after a short drive can choose to park either on the right near the lodge/gift shop building or turn left and park in a lot closer to the beginning of the trail.
Links To More Information
• Where this trail lies along the Big Sur coast
• Official Ca. Parks & Recreation page
|
