Point Lobos
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2 days ago · This state park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well-respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean waters of Monterey Bay National Marine ...
- Trails
WATERFALL OVERLOOK TRAIL/MCWAY FALLS **OPEN**. .5 miles...
- Day Use
The park is open to day use visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset....
- Fees and Information
$30/night for an environmenal campsite at Julia Pfeiffer...
- Accessible Features
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches from the Big Sur...
- Point Lobos SNR
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called “The...
- Dogs at Parks
Rio de Los Angeles State Park State Recreation Area: Yes:...
- Events
Join a State Park Interpreter as you journey almost four (4)...
- Director
Quintero held multiple positions at the National Park...
- Public Notices
State Park and Recreation Commission Meeting The State Park...
- Transformation Effort
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- Trails
- What Can You Expect at Mcway Falls?
- Essential Facts About Mcway Falls, California
- How to Get to Mcway Falls in Big Sur, CA
- Tips For Your Mcway Falls Visit
- What to Bring on Your Visit to Mcway Falls, Big Sur
One of the best views in California! Created by McWay Creek, McWay Falls flows year round, unlike many other famous waterfalls in California. The setting of the thin silver ribbon of water, amidst the cliffs and greenery of Big Sur, with the turquoise waters of the cove below, and the blue of the ocean beyond, is simply magical. Until 1983, McWay F...
McWay Falls is located along California Highway 1, within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Although it flows year round, the flow is most robust in the winter and early spring. You can view McWay Falls from the west side of California Highway 1, at a pullout just north of the park. Parking is very limited, though, and there is a lot of vegetation t...
Getting to McWay Falls is straightforward. It is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, along California Highway 1 in Big Sur. McWay Falls is a must-stop spot on a Big Sur road trip! Coming from Carmel-by-the-Seain the north, drive California Highway 1 for 36.4 miles to arrive at the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Coming from San...
Arrive in the afternoon for good light
McWay Falls lies in shadow until the afternoon. Since it’s a thin sliver of water, it is best viewed in the afternoon, when sunlight falls on the cliffs.
Download or print maps and brochures prior to your visit
Do not expect cell phone reception in Big Sur. While there is good signage, both for the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and to the Overlook Trail within the park, make sure to download or print any maps or directions prior to heading out to Big Sur.
Be aware of park safety guidelines
Big Sur is a wilderness area, with poison oak, ticks, and wildlife. Be aware of park safety guidelines and recommendations and follow them.
Drinking Water
McWay Falls Overlook Trail is a short walk, but carrying a supply of drinking water when on a hike is always a good idea.
Sun Protection
The McWay Falls Overlook Trail and Overlook are exposed for the most part, so use sunscreen. Also wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat. We like this natural waterproof sunscreen!
Camera
Bring your smartphone or a camera for photos and videos of the beautiful waterfall. Looking for a small camera that takes great landscape photos? Consider the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. It shoots excellent high-resolution photos, and great video as well. Get it on Amazon!
WATERFALL OVERLOOK TRAIL/MCWAY FALLS **OPEN**. .5 miles roundtrip. This trail can be accessed from the stairs near the entrance kiosk. The trail passes under the highway and then heads north around McWay Cove, overlooking the waterfall, and beach that was created by a 1983 land slide.
May 21, 2024 · It is a short 0.6-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint for McWay Falls, which can be reached directly from Highway One or from parking areas withing Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. McWay Falls Overlook Trail can be accessed two different ways. Option one is to simply park along Highway One for free and start down the trail.
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- Highway 1, Big Sur, 93920, CA
Even short trails can be worthwhile excursions, and the path to McWay Falls is one of the prime examples of must-do trips along Highway 1. The trail is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and provides both southern and northern coastal views, making it a unique and exciting trail to explore.
A unique 80-foot tidefall in the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park—the water appears to cascade directly into the ocean during high tide, while low tide reveals the sandy beach below. Try spotting condors overhead during the short nature walk from the parking lot to the viewing point.
McWay Falls is an 80-foot-tall (24 m) waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round from McWay Creek in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, about 37 miles (60 km) south of Carmel, into the Pacific Ocean.
