Ed. note: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has reopened. Highway 1 is open into the park from the north, and the towns of Carmel and Monterey, but significant travel delays can be expected. As of July 17, 2024, Highway 1 is closed approximately 5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, with no alternate routes. For the latest on road closures and possible detours, check the CalTrans Quick Map.
Want a short hike with a huge reward? The ½-mile round-trip Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park could be the biggest-bang-for-not-much-work hike on the planet. The almost-flat stroll ends at an oceanfront overlook with flawless views of McWay Falls, a favorite spot of Big Sur pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns, for whom the park is named. Let’s just say Julia had good taste. The plume of water drops some 80 feet from the top of a granite cliff to a sandy cove below (not even footprints on the sand mar the perfection, as this beach is closed to the public).
If you’re up for more of a leg stretch, also hike the 1-mile round-trip Partington Cove Trail. The steep but short hike leads over a wooden bridge down to a 60-foot tunnel. Walk through and emerge onto the rocky beach. A few of the trails at this picturesque state park are closed due to erosion—check the trails section of the park’s website for the latest information before traveling.