Rating:
Area: Big Sur
Distance: 4½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,600ft

Without any doubt the main attraction at Big Sur's Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Creek falls, where the eponymous creek crashes 80 feet down the coastal cliffs and straight onto the picturesque beach. You'll probably recognize the McWay Creek Falls because a photo of it is in almost every California tourist brochure. Many people stop at the park and walk the half-mile Overlook Trail where you can get a good photo of the falls.

However, for those that want to stretch their legs a bit, Julie Pfeiffer State Park has several trails throughout its 2,000 acres. There are trails of varying lengths, but the 4½ mile Canyon Trail and Ewoldsen Trail loop is a great way to experience this very diverse park. If you opt for this steep hike you will be rewarded with wildflowers, steep canyons, and some of the biggest redwoods in the State. And if you’re lucky and the sun is shining when you reach the top of the Coastal Range you might just be rewarded with a panoramic view of the ocean and Big Sur's rugged coastline. Although this hike is a bit steep and difficult in spots, it is well worth the effort.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is 34 miles south of Carmel right off of Route 1. Camping can be found at the park and in the surrounding Big Sur area, however, the town of Big Sur is very small so make sure you have plenty of water before you set off. In addition, because it is the California coast, the weather is variable so be sure to wear layers.

[words by Jenna]

Tangents:
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Redwood Hikes trail description and map
* add your flickr photos to the Trailspotting gallery with the tag trailspottingpfeiffer