Scenic trail featuring redwoods and a waterfall reopens–for a second time–after reconstruction of the trail’s damaged pedestrian bridge.
California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League have reopened the Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park after completing repairs to its pedestrian bridge, which was damaged by a fallen redwood tree in early 2023. The 0.75-mile trail winds through a spectacular redwood gorge and leads to a 60-foot waterfall, with a dramatic 70-foot pedestrian bridge spanning Pfeiffer Redwood Creek. With the bridge rebuilt and the trail fully accessible, visitors can once again enjoy one of Big Sur’s most iconic hikes and complete the 1.5-mile loop with the connecting Valley View Trail.
“We’re proud to announce the reopening of the Pfeiffer Falls Trail,” says Jim Doran, State Parks Monterey District maintenance chief. “State Parks staff have worked hard to replace the damaged portion of the bridge so visitors can enjoy this lovely hike through the redwoods again. This complex repair was accomplished in partnership with Save the Redwoods League and with assistance from the California Conservation Corps.”
In 2008, Pfeiffer Falls Trail was devastated by the 162,818-acre Basin Complex Fire. In 2017, Save the Redwoods League partnered with California State Parks for an extensive renovation of the trail, including a reimagined trail alignment, the removal of asphalt and concrete pathing, installation of new signage and the construction of the pedestrian bridge. The trail reopened in 2021, until a redwood tree fell during a storm and destroyed part of the trail’s bridge in early 2023, forcing another closure. 
Photo from California State Parks
“It’s unfortunate that the trail had to close so soon after our original renovations, but our close partnership with California State Parks allowed us to rebuild the bridge better than ever,” says Matthew Gomez, senior parks program manager for Save the Redwoods League. “The ravine is a challenging area to build something as intricate as this bridge, so it took a lot of careful planning. We supported California State Parks, which jumped in and shouldered the heavy lifting. We’re excited for people to head back out to the park and enjoy this beautiful redwood trail again.”
Following a thorough design and plan assessment phase, the reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge took half a year to complete. Crews were able to salvage most of the original bridge, replacing 15 feet with new materials during the repair project. Save the Redwoods League assisted with the bridge’s unique fiber-reinforced polymer splice, while State Parks provided support for the bridge’s other components, such as the handrails and decking, and handled all project labor.
Photo from Lisa Morales Winner, courtesy of Save the Redwoods League
The California Conservation Corps, State Parks’ Monterey District and statewide trail crews were instrumental in assisting with the bridge’s reconstruction.
With Pfeiffer Falls Trail now reopened to the public, visitors can hike to Pfeiffer Falls and complete the 1.5-mile loop that it forms, along with the connecting Valley View Trail within the park.
Recreate Responsibly
State Parks reminds all visitors to recreate responsibly. Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures while recreating in California’s State Park System:
- Know Before You Go — Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a backup plan in case your destination is crowded. If campgrounds within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are full, Big Sur Lodge is a good alternative.
- Plan Ahead — Be sure to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, protective outdoor attire, and any other items you may need. Check maps and signage at entry points as well.
- Play It Safe — Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips
- Leave No Trace — Leave areas as you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Learn more by visiting our FAQ.
