Are dogs allowed on Pfeiffer Beach?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Pfeiffer Beach but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Pfeiffer Beach?

No, Pfeiffer Beach does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Pfeiffer Beach?

Pfeiffer Beach is rated easy. It is 0.9 miles long with 213 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Pfeiffer Beach suitable for kids?

Yes, Pfeiffer Beach is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

EasyOut and Back

California

Pfeiffer Beach

Big Sur, California

0.9 mi

Distance

213 ft

Elev. Gain

18m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

This is not a trail, it is a walk on the beach.

From Wikipedia

Pfeiffer Beach is located in the Big Sur region of California. It is one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast and is well known for Keyhole Rock, a popular photography subject. On a limited number of days in December and January each year, photographers crowd the beach to obtain pictures of the setting sun visible through the arch. Due to the steep terrain prevalent along the Big Sur coast, it is one of the few ocean access points within Big Sur

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:3 ft

Max:22 ft

65 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.