Notices & Closures

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OPEN

Monterey
Pfeiffer Day Use Area
Plaskett Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground
Sand Dollar Beach Day Use Area
Willow Creek Day Use Area
Mill Creek Day Use Area
Memorial Park Campground

Santa Lucia
Cerro Alto Campground (Short term closure
Monday, Jan. 29th – Wednesday, Jan. 31st)
Figueroa Campground
Nira Camp Ground
Davy Brown Campground
Turkey Flat OHV Day Use Area

Santa Barbara
Paradise Campground
First Crossing Day Use Area
White Rock DUA

Mt. Pinos
Ballinger Campground/OHV
Reyes Creek Campground

KOA
Lake Isabella / Kern River

CLOSED

SEASONAL CLOSURES:

Mt. Pinos
Campo Alto Campground
Mt. Pinos Campground
McGill Campground
Pine Mountain Campground
Reyes Peak Campground

TEMPORARY CLOSURES:

Monterey
Ponderosa Campground
Nacimieto Campground
Arroyo Seco Campgound
Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
Escondido Campground
China Camp Campground (30 more days for Road work)
Limekiln State Park
White Oaks Campground (30 more days for Road work)

Santa Lucia
La Panza Campground
Navajo Flat Campground/OHV

Santa Barbara
Upper Oso Campground
Lower Oso Day Use Area
Aliso Trailhead
Falls Day Use Area
Fremont Campground
Live Oak Day Use Area
Sandstone Day Use Area
Red Rock Day Use Area & Trailhead
Los Prietos Campground
Sage Hill Campground

Ojai
Holiday Group Campground (opening Feb. 1st)
Middle Lion Campground (30 more days for Road work)
Pine Mountain Campground
Reyes Peak Campground
Rose Valley Campground (opening Feb. 1st)
Wheeler Gorge Campground (opening Feb. 1st)

Mt. Pinos
Chuchupate Campground

Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area

The creek crossing is evaluated daily during rain storms to determine whether the facility will be open or closed. If the facility is closed there will be signage at the top of the road to inform you. Please be aware that parking along the road is not allowed and is enforced.

Los Padres National Forest | Big Sur, CA

With its stunning Keyhole Arch rock and distinctive purple sand beach, Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area is a hot spot in the heart of Big Sur. The arch is one of Big Sur’s most photographed sites, While often dangerous currents deter swimmers, the area is great for surfing and strolling along the beach, admiring the purple sand, caused by manganese garnet deposits washed down from the surrounding hills.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Highlights

• Keyhole arch and purple sand beach
• Picnic tables and restrooms

FAQs

Q: How long is the walk from the parking lot to the beach? Is there an incline?
A: The walk from either parking lot is about 4-5 minutes. The path is sandy and flat and leads you straight onto the beach.
Q: Where is the closest phone service?
A: The closest phone service to Pfeiffer Beach is two miles up Sycamore Canyon.
Q: Is there reentry?
A: No. Each Day Use pass is valid for ONE entry only.
Q: What are the hours of operation for Pfeiffer Beach?
A: Sunrise to sunset.
Q: If the kiosk is closed when I arrive, do I still have to pay?
A: Yes. There are self-registration station.
Q: What if the parking area is full?
A: Due to limited parking at Pfeiffer Beach, you may be turned around by staff and asked to try again later.
Q: Are weddings permitted at Pfeiffer Beach?
A: Weddings are NOT permitted from March 15th - October 15th due to limited parking and peak season.

Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Fees

$15.00 per car
$30.00 per van
$50.00 per bus
Cash preferred but credit cards accepted (3.5% convenience fee)

Where you'll be

Big Sur, CA 93920
Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area

Big Sur, CA 93920