California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League Announce the Reopening of Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Big Sur

Scenic trail featuring redwoods and a waterfall reopens–for a second time–after reconstruction of the trail’s damaged pedestrian bridge

San Francisco, Calif. (September 15, 2025) — California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League announced the reopening of Pfeiffer Falls Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which was closed after the trail’s pedestrian bridge was damaged in a storm by a fallen redwood tree in January 2023. With the reconstruction of the bridge completed, the trail is now accessible to the public again.

“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.”

Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a popular 0.75-mile hike through a redwood-filled gorge that leads to a picturesque 60-foot waterfall. This trail also features a 70-foot-long pedestrian bridge that spans the Pfeiffer Redwood Creek ravine, giving visitors a dramatic vantage surrounded by redwood trees. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park receives an estimated 750,000 visitors each year, with the Pfeiffer Falls Trail being one of the park’s biggest draws.

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.

“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.

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 the FAQ page.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

One of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forests. Our supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 220,000 acres of irreplaceable forests in 66 state, national, and local parks and reserves.

Tags: 2025, CA State Parks, footbridge, Pfeiffer Falls Bridge, Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Press Release