Barry PhilipsBig Sur is one of California’s most breathtaking outdoor destinations, attracting hikers from around the world with its dramatic cliffs, ancient redwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Stretching for nearly 90 miles along Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur offers trails suitable for beginners, experienced backpackers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full hiking vacation, choosing the right trail can make all the difference. Some hikes lead to hidden beaches, while others climb high ridges with unforgettable coastal vistas. From short family-friendly walks to challenging all-day adventures, Big Sur has something for everyone.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top hiking trails in Big Sur, including trail difficulty, distance, highlights, best visiting seasons, and essential hiking tips to help you prepare for your adventure.
Top Hiking Trails In Big Sur
1. Ewoldsen Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2.5–3 hours
Ewoldsen Trail is often considered the perfect introduction to Big Sur hiking. Located inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this loop combines lush redwood groves with sweeping ocean panoramas.
Highlights include:
- Massive redwood trees
- Fern-covered forest
- Ocean overlooks
- Wildflowers in spring
- Peaceful creek crossings
The gradual climb rewards hikers with spectacular coastal views before descending through beautiful forest scenery.
2. McWay Falls Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Perhaps the most famous walk in Big Sur, this short trail leads visitors to the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading directly onto the beach.
Perfect for:
- Families
- First-time visitors
- Photographers
- Sunset viewing
Although access to the beach is prohibited, the overlook offers one of California’s most photographed landscapes.
3. Pfeiffer Falls Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Recently restored, Pfeiffer Falls Trail takes hikers through redwood forests to a beautiful waterfall.
Highlights include:
- Suspension footbridge
- Shaded forest
- Easy terrain
- Family-friendly route
- Year-round water flow
This trail is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relaxing hike without significant elevation gain.
4. Buzzard’s Roost Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Buzzard’s Roost Trail provides some of the best elevated views of the Big Sur coastline.
What you’ll enjoy:
- Panoramic Pacific views
- Rolling hills
- Spring wildflowers
- Quiet hiking experience
- Excellent photography opportunities
Morning hikes often provide clearer visibility before coastal fog develops.
5. Tanbark Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Tanbark Trail climbs steadily into Los Padres National Forest, offering incredible views while passing waterfalls and lush vegetation.
Expect:
- Steep sections
- River crossings
- Dense forest
- Beautiful waterfalls
- Fewer crowds
Proper hiking shoes are highly recommended.
6. Pine Ridge Trail
Distance: Up to 24 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Pine Ridge Trail is among Big Sur’s most famous backpacking adventures.
Highlights include:
- Deep wilderness
- Redwood forests
- Mountain ridges
- Camping opportunities
- Sykes Camp area
This trail is best suited for experienced hikers who are prepared for a long journey.
7. Partington Cove Trail
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
This unique trail leads to a historic tunnel carved through rock before opening onto a secluded cove.
Visitors love:
- Historic tunnel
- Rocky shoreline
- Ocean views
- Short hiking distance
- Photography opportunities
It is one of Big Sur’s most distinctive short hikes.
8. Salmon Creek Falls Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
A quick but rewarding trail leading to one of Big Sur’s most accessible waterfalls.
Features include:
- Beautiful cascading waterfall
- Forest scenery
- Great family destination
- Short walking distance
- Picnic opportunities nearby
The waterfall is especially impressive after winter rains.
9. Cone Peak Trail
Distance: 6–8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Cone Peak offers one of California’s highest coastal mountain summits.
You’ll experience:
- 360-degree mountain views
- Pacific Ocean panoramas
- Challenging elevation gain
- Rare alpine plants
- Outstanding sunrise hikes
This trail requires good physical fitness.
10. Cruickshank Trail
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Cruickshank Trail travels through diverse ecosystems while offering magnificent coastal overlooks.
Highlights:
- Redwoods
- Oak woodland
- Ocean vistas
- Spring wildflowers
- Peaceful atmosphere
It is a favorite among experienced hikers looking for solitude.
11. Valley View Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Valley View Trail offers spectacular overlooks of the Big Sur River Valley.
Why visitors enjoy it:
- Beginner-friendly
- Redwood forests
- Scenic overlooks
- Birdwatching
- Short hiking time
It’s an excellent option for families with children.
12. Timber Top Trail
Distance: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
This challenging trail rewards determined hikers with breathtaking ocean panoramas from high ridges.
Expect:
- Steep climbs
- Rugged terrain
- Remote wilderness
- Coastal mountain scenery
- Incredible sunset views
Carry plenty of water, as shade can be limited.
Why Hike in Big Sur?
Big Sur is widely regarded as one of America’s most scenic hiking destinations because it combines:
- Towering coastal redwood forests
- Spectacular Pacific Ocean viewpoints
- Remote wilderness experiences
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Waterfalls and rivers
- Diverse ecosystems
- Year-round hiking opportunities
The area’s protected state parks and national forests preserve hundreds of miles of hiking trails that showcase California’s natural beauty.
Best Time to Hike Big Sur
Each season offers a different experience:
Spring
- Wildflowers bloom
- Waterfalls are strongest
- Mild temperatures
Summer
- Long daylight hours
- Popular tourist season
- Morning coastal fog
Autumn
- Comfortable weather
- Fewer crowds
- Excellent visibility
Winter
- Green landscapes
- Powerful waterfalls
- Possible trail closures after storms
Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for hiking.
Essential Hiking Tips
Before heading onto the trails:
- Check trail conditions before departing.
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots.
- Dress in layers.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Download offline maps.
- Inform someone of your hiking plans.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Respect wildlife.
- Pack out all trash.
Preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Wildlife You May Encounter
Big Sur’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including:
- California condors
- Mule deer
- Bobcats
- Gray foxes
- Sea otters
- Harbor seals
- California quail
- Banana slugs
Observe animals from a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
What to Pack
A well-prepared daypack should include:
- Water
- Energy snacks
- Trail map
- First-aid kit
- Phone and power bank
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Camera
Comparison Table
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best Feature | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewoldsen Trail | 4.5 miles | Moderate | Redwoods & Ocean Views | Most Visitors |
| McWay Falls Overlook | 0.6 miles | Easy | Famous Waterfall | Families |
| Pfeiffer Falls | 1.4 miles | Easy | Suspension Bridge | Beginners |
| Buzzard’s Roost | 4.8 miles | Moderate | Coastal Panorama | Photographers |
| Tanbark Trail | 6 miles | Moderate–Difficult | Forest & Waterfalls | Adventure Seekers |
| Pine Ridge Trail | 24 miles | Difficult | Backpacking | Experienced Hikers |
| Partington Cove | 1 mile | Moderate | Historic Tunnel | Sightseeing |
| Salmon Creek Falls | 0.6 miles | Easy | Scenic Waterfall | Quick Hike |
| Cone Peak | 6–8 miles | Strenuous | Summit Views | Fitness Enthusiasts |
| Cruickshank Trail | 10 miles | Moderate–Difficult | Diverse Landscapes | Solitude Seekers |
| Valley View Trail | 2 miles | Easy | River Valley Views | Families |
| Timber Top Trail | 11 miles | Difficult | Ridge Views | Experienced Hikers |
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Conclusion
Big Sur remains one of the world’s premier hiking destinations, offering unforgettable adventures for hikers of every skill level. Whether you’re admiring the iconic beauty of McWay Falls, wandering beneath ancient redwoods on the Ewoldsen Trail, or conquering the rugged ascent of Cone Peak, every trail showcases a different side of California’s spectacular Central Coast.
Planning ahead, choosing a trail that matches your experience level, and respecting the natural environment will help ensure a rewarding visit. With its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless scenic vistas, Big Sur is a destination that inspires hikers to return again and again. No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to create lasting memories in one of America’s most breathtaking wilderness regions.