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Notices & Closures

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OPEN

Monterey
Plaskett Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground
Ponderosa Campground
Nacimieto Campground
Pfeiffer Day Use Area
Sand Dollar Beach Day Use Area
Willow Creek Day Use Area
Mill Creek Day Use Area
Arroyo Seco Campgound
Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
White Oaks Campground
China Camp Campground
Memorial Park Campground
Limekiln State Park (restricted to day use)

Mt. Pinos
McGill Campground
Mt. Pinos Campground
Ballinger Campground/OHV
Campo Alto Campground
Chuchupate Campground
Reyes Creek Campground

Ojai
Wheeler Gorge Campground
Holiday Group Campground
Pine Mountain Campground
Middle Lion Campground
Pine Mountain Campground
Reyes Peak Campground
Rose Valley Campground

Santa Barbara
Fremont Campground
Paradise Campground
Sage Hill Campground
White Rock DUA
First Crossing Day Use Area
Lower Oso Day Use Area
Falls Day Use Area
Aliso Trailhead

Santa Lucia
Cerro Alto Campground
Nira Camp Ground
Davy Brown Campground
Navajo Flat Campground/OHV
Turkey Flat OHV Day Use Area

KOA
Lake Isabella / Kern River

CLOSED

SEASONAL CLOSURES:

Monterey
Escondido Campground

TEMPORARY CLOSURES:

Mt. Pinos
Chuchupate Campground

Santa Barbara
Los Prietos Campground
Upper Oso Campground
Live Oak Day Use Area
Sandstone Day Use Area
Red Rock Day Use Area & Trailhead

Santa Lucia
Figueroa Campground
La Panza 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.
NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

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