Purple Sand & Stone Arches at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur

If you are heading to Big Sur, the exquisite Pfeiffer Beach is a must see.  It is easy to miss the unmarked turnoff for this secluded beach.  Take a severely sharp turn off Highway 1 on Sycamore Canyon Road at mile marker 45.64, the second right turn after Big Sur Station if you are heading south.  The meandering, narrow Sycamore Canyon Road is bordered by the occasional and surprising home, given the solitude.  Follow Sycamore Canyon Road just over two miles to reach the parking area.

Take a ridiculously short .1 mile hike on a flat, sandy path from the parking area to the beach.  The path is flanked by Monterey Cypress and the Sycamore Canyon Creek, on the left, flows down to form a serene pool at the beach.  The sun beats down on the purple-hued sand and huge waves roll and crash against the rocks and beach.  The wind is usually blustery and harsh in this area.

You will be wowed by the sea stack formations here.  There are three arches.  Two stand side by side, close to the beach.  The third, called Keyhole Arch, stands further north, alone and solitary in a wall of rock several yards out in the ocean at high tide.  For a few weeks, beginning in mid-December, sunlight comes through the northern keyhole arch perfectly (or close to it) due to the angle of the sunset, and photographers will gather to get that perfect shot.  The surf here can also be incredibly powerful, with huge dramatic waves.

Pfeiffer Beach is not a state park, but rather, a part of the Los Padres Nation Forest.  During the spring, the low bluffs above the beach are dotted with wildflowers, including California poppies, verbena, Indian paintbrush, and lupines.  The cliffs and arches at Pfeiffer Beach are primarily granite which continues to erode over the years with the sea’s crashing waves.

Helpful Tips:

• If you are heading south on Hwy 1, the Pfeiffer Beach turnoff is on the right, shortly after you pass the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance.  The very sharp right turn is at mile marker 45.64 on unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road.  Sycamore Canyon Road is a paved, ungated road.
• Pfeiffer Beach does not allow you to park outside and walk in, as you can at other places such as Point Lobos.  Au Contraire.  You have to pay the $10.00 entrance fee to enter in your vehicle.
• There are a limited number of parking spots and when they’re filled you are out of luck.  They do not allow overnight camping, and no RVs or campers are allowed in due to the narrow road.
• Be aware that there is a “nude” section at the extreme far north end of the beach so that if you see a swimsuit or clothing lying on the beach you may be approaching a naked person!
• Pfeiffer Beach can also be extremely crowded on weekends so you may want to visit during the week when it is less busy.
• There are pit toilets available but no water to wash your hands.  I recommend bringing hand sanitizer.
• It can be quite chilly and very windy, bring a sweater or jacket.
• The walk from the parking lot to the beach is short and well marked.
• Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach.
• Picnic tables and benches are available near the parking lot.
• GPS coordinates for Pfeiffer Beach are 36.2383,-121.8150.
• No campfires are allowed.
• Swimming and wading are not recommended due to dangerous waves and rip currents.

Cost:

Daily admission is 10.00 or you can purchase an annual pass for 50.00.  Both cash and credit cards are accepted.

Hours:

They are open daily 8 am to sunset.

Helpful Links:

For more information, see Sycamore Canyon and Pfeiffer Beach

Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!