McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns CA

• 5-star hike
• ½ mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 20 feet
• Big Sur, CA | Big Sur
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The image shows a scenic coastal landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff onto a sandy beach. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with the ocean extending into the horizon. The waterfall, the rocky formations, and the vibrant greenery make this location particularly picturesque and interesting.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff onto a sandy beach. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with the ocean extending into the horizon. The waterfall, the rocky formations, and the vibrant greenery make this location particularly picturesque and interesting.

McWay Falls dropping into a protected, sheltered cove.

Without doubt the main attraction at Big Sur's Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Creek falls, where the eponymous creek crashes 80 feet down the coastal cliffs and straight onto the picturesque beach. You'll probably recognize the McWay Creek Falls from the brochure of almost every California tourist publication you can find.

Located right next to Route 1 this is a convenient must-see side trip, and clocking in at a total hike length of just over half a mile makes this short journey accessible to everyone.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ McWay Falls Trail 0.6 mi out & back, easy, gain 20 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

For those who prefer to stretch their legs on a longer hike, the 2,000 acre coastside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers several great trails trails. We would recommend the 4½ mile Canyon Trail and Ewoldsen Trail loop, which is a great way to experience the diversity of this picturesque park - complete with wildflowers, steep canyons, and some of the biggest redwoods in the State.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with a view of the ocean, rocky outcrops, and a sandy beach. The coastline is bordered by steep, green hills and cliffs. The water is a clear blue with visible waves and foam patterns.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with a view of the ocean, rocky outcrops, and a sandy beach. The coastline is bordered by steep, green hills and cliffs. The water is a clear blue with visible waves and foam patterns.

Tangents:
• Official: CA State Parks
• AllTrails Public: Overlook Trail
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