Directions To McWay Falls Unless landslides have closed Highway One (it happens), McWay Falls is easy to get to on a drive along the Big Sur Coast. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Identified by a green gate at Highway1, thistrail is a dirt wagon roadleading down to the Pacific Ocean starting at the Partington Cove turnout. the fine is roughly $400/person. During high tide, it is a tidefall, a waterfall that empties directly into the ocean. Sure you can hike to waterfalls all day, but where will you stay at night? 99% of travelers recommend this experience. I have seen much better in Idaho and Hawaiian. McWay Falls (Big Sur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. I would not bother. We first went in the morning and it was foggy. You can pull into the park to see more beauty (like Canyon Falls in the creek above McWay Falls). Privacy | Affiliate Disclaimer | Contact, Willow Creek Vista Point And Picnic Grounds, Los Padres National Forest, Salmon Creek Falls Trail In The Los Padres National Forest, Download the official Julia Pfeiffer Burns Sate Park brochure. Read more about the McWay Falls Hike! How hard would it be to visit McWay Falls? Heading away from the coastline might seem confusing at first. There are no roads too smooth or too bumpy to steer you away from new experiences and discoveries. Otherwise, devote 30-60 minutes to the pleasant-to-the-eye hike toward the McWay Falls Overlook. [] in Big Sur went to seeMcWay Fallswhich I highly recommend seeing. Thank you very much, Enjoy your trip. The trail starts as a descent along a short staircase. Walking off the McWay Falls Trail is prohibited. Follow the Waterfall Overlook Trail. Are there campgrounds close to McWay Falls? At only .6 miles roundtrip, the wheel chair accessible Overlook Trail passes under the Pacific Coast Highway, turns north to curve around McWay Cove, and overlooks McWay Falls and the beach below. Please adhere to closure notices. There is no beach or ocean access in this state park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. WATERS TRAIL ** CLOSED ** 1 mile one way The Waters Trail leads south from the Tin House fire road until it connects with the Ewoldsen Trail. If you are traveling south on Hwy 1 from Monterey/Carmel area, go past Pfeiffer Big Sur about 10-15 minutes to Julia Pfeiffer Burns park. TAN BARK TRAIL**OPEN**3.2 miles one wayThe trail starts at the Partington Cove turnout and heads east following Partington Creek before a series of switchbacks that lead to the coastal ridge tops. The trail is more of a packed dirt sidewalk vs a "trail". Furthermore, there is no beach access. Because McWay Falls is so famous, at almost any time of day, the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park parking lot is full. A unique 80-foot tidefall in the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Parkthe water appears to cascade directly into the ocean during high tide, while low tide reveals the sandy beach below. When Helen donated the land to the state of California, she stipulated that the house should be converted to a museum, or if it was not completed in five years, that it be torn down. I got there about 7:30am. McWay Falls, Waterfall House and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are located in Big Sur, along California Highway 1 between Monterey and Cambria. The fresh water from the creek turns into a waterfall that spills onto the beach sand. An overlook is perched above the ocean at trail's end, delivering a breathtaking perspective of McWay Falls. The waterfall is mesmerizing, the water color spectacular, and we even saw otters frolicking! 1,751' Down Fear not, youre on the right track. Waterfalls. Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. McWay Falls used to be a coastal waterfall or a tidefalls that emptied directly into the ocean, but in 1983 a massive fire and landslide just north of the park changed everything. My boyfriend received a parking ticket there but lost the ticket. Seeing waterfall, sea, waves, rocks, trees, flowers, wow theyre come together in one place. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. What order should we do it in and how long would you think we should take at each place please? We were disappointed that there doesnt appear to be a trail down to the actual beach. We had to walk on the narrow shoulder but luckily passing drivers were driving more slowly. Search Nikko Gandia Travels on YouTube. All stops have free parking options, are easily accessible to most, and can be explored rather quickly. WATERFALL OVERLOOK TRAIL/MCWAY FALLS **OPEN** .5 miles roundtrip This trail can be accessed from the south parking lot or the stairs near the entrance kiosk. Assuming this is connected to all the other closures in the area due to mudslides. We were stopped by a ranger, but as soon as we pointed out the open spot, she let us through. Once you go down, the path levels out and hardly changes elevation from now on. We'd like to explore big sur, 17 mile Dr, Bixby creek bridge, mcway falls, Pfeiffer beach, hearst castle and elephant seals. Big Surs Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is renowned for its 80-foot McWay Falls and some of the most breathtaking views anywhere along the California coast. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising and in following the rules of the Amazon Associates Program Operating Agreement. 1,100' Down Only the overlook is open, so walk about 5 mins to the view then turn around. 1,108' Up We want visit Mcway Falls. Explore different ways to experience this place. Park, grab a camera and water and set off on the hiking adventure to McWay Falls. There is a $10 parking fee. 1161.56 m Up An overlook is perched above the ocean at trail's end, delivering a breathtaking perspective of McWay Falls. If you look closely, you can also see the old electric railcar tramway that connected the house to the highway and a nearby caretakers cottage. There is a fee to pay for parking if you drive into the park. The falls overlook is a short walk from the parking lot easily manageable for the young children. McWay Falls Overlook Trail can be accessed two different ways. The state park fee is $10. You can see a wonderful view of the falls still. In my opinion, the best view is from the main road (Highway 1) but you need to get out on foot. Atthe bottom of the trail, where it reaches Partington Creek, it splits north and south. The California coastline already offers some of the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and among the most underrated sights is the Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Update March, 2023: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed due to road closures. Is there someone we can contact? McWay Falls Overlook occupies the site of the terrace of the erstwhile Waterfall House, owned by Lathrop and Hlne Brown. Created by a land slide in 1983, the picturesque cove denies access to all and everyone. Sound of gurgling stream at the bottom of the gully calms. You will walk down stairs to a paved path and leads through a tunnel, and the path meanders to McWay Falls. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 9 miles to the Pfeiffer Beach turnouff (Sycamore Canyon Road), 19 miles to Point Sur State Historic Park, 34 miles to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. And looks like it had been for awhile. 3,810' Down GOOGLE STREET VIEW. This California State Park gets VERY busy and VERY crowded. $10 park entrance fee All Rights Reserved. Your email address will not be published. Since it is in an erosion zone, there is no beach access and the state reminds visitors to stay on the trail, since it's both "extremely hazardous" and trespassing is a "citable offense." Safe travels. The address is 65100 Cabrillo Highway (Highway One), Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CA 93920. Trail closed less than 1/4 of mile into it, but you can still get a great view of the falls. It is a small lot and its not a loop, so that could be come a nightmare really quickly. Great overlook and waterfall - just wish we couldve done the full thing! The observation deck is jam-packed with selfie-takers, photographers, smiling families, and large groups taking every variation of a group photo you might ever imagine. The land may slide. There is a $10 a day charge and parking is limited. The other is on the Ewoldsen trail, in the redwoods, a short walk in. Get a view from the top with the Falls Overlook or hike the 3/4 mile Gorge Trail to stand at the bottom of this behemoth. You could spend all day here with the multiple interior and coastal hiking trails. The trail is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and provides both southern and northern coastal views, making it a unique and exciting trail to explore. Just above the McWay Falls Overlook are the foundation and terrace remnants of the McWay Waterfall House. See all 6 McWay Falls tours on Tripadvisor, See all McWay Falls experiences on Tripadvisor, View all hotels near McWay Falls on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near McWay Falls on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near McWay Falls on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Hotels near Point Sur State Historic Park, Hotels near Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Motels near Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Points of Interest & Landmarks in Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Tickets & Tours, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Tickets & Tours, Point Sur State Historic Park: Tickets & Tours, Andrew Molera State Park: Tickets & Tours, One day Elephant Experience In Chiang Mai, By Chiang Mai Elephant Home, ATV Adventure with Camel Ride and Tequila tasting in Cabo, Jet Ski Rental from Cape Coral to Sanibel or Fort Myers. Your email address will not be published. The Waters Trail is currently closed at its' junction with the Tin Housefire road. It was partially closed when I went, waterfall was pretty. Walk underneath Highway 1 using the pedestrian underpass and turn right. One is in the parking area near the Ewoldsen Trailhead. Bathrooms are on site and you can access this trail with a wheelchair, stroller if you choose to. California Condors are often seen in the Eucalyptus trees here. But that also means that the beach is untouched, and "not even footprints on the sand mar the perfection," as the Visit California website described. The total trail with the loop from the parking lot and back is about 5 miles / 8km. Many links on this site are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and purchase the item, I may receive a small affiliate commission it costs you nothing extra but helps me keep the lights on and the hosting for this site paid. My biggest recommendation is to park on the road nearby and not in the main (small car park). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Offer subject to change without notice. While the waterfall is absolutely gorgeous and a must-see destination for any Big Sur traveler, this was one of our least favorite hikes purely for the noise and crowds but it was a holiday week and the weather was perfect. An obstacle is erected at the halfway point of the original trail to prevent the hikers from walking farther. If you're driving the PCH or visiting Big Sur, this is an absolute must-see! According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience McWay Falls: McWay Falls, Big Sur: Address, Phone Number, McWay Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. The simplest answer: Easy. Read on for a detailed description of the location and a waterfall trail. Its one of beautiful places in the world. McWay Falls, Waterfall House and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are located in Big Sur, along California Highway 1 between Monterey and Cambria. 348.01 m Up Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It is so popular that cars even park on the sides of the road up and down the Pacific Coast Highway , Paying for day use access into one California state park ($10/car per day) will get you into all California state parks, including Big Sur state parks like. The elusive waterfall is a sight that draws masses to explore the most popular route in California. Protected by a giant cliff, the waterfall sits in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, roughly 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Using Mapquest, the drive from Sacramento to San Diego would take over 8 hours going on the most direct route- Interstate 5. We recommend booking McWay Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Views were incredible and the falls were flowin! Tripadvisor. Starting near Monterey, Northern California, and running almost all the way to San Simeon, Central California, the 90-mile scenic drive encompasses ragged shorelines, secluded coves, dramatic beaches, sweeping hills, forests with centuries-old trees, and a number of astounding waterfalls. Because it is capable of spilling right into the ocean, McWay Falls can be categorized as a "tidefalls," making it a rare attraction. Your email address will not be published. Once through the tunnel, you can follow the trail left or right. TIP: Download an offline map before entering the Big Sur area. Like everyone is saying, much of this is closed so you can really only go down a portion of the path and go just far enough to see the water fall from the side. With this help on your side, your chances of visiting McWay Falls increase tenfold. In 1911, Helen married Lathrop Brown, a close friend to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. The trail passes under the highway and then heads north around McWay Cove, overlooking the waterfall and beach that was created from a 1983 landslide. 1161.27 m Down, 7.0 mi We first headed right over to the observation deck to check out McWay Falls. The McWay Falls Trail is located off the road to your left. The Park's entry fee is $10 for the day, per car, which gives you access to all California State Parks until sundown. Take stairs across from rest rooms in main parking lot. Still an amazing view! The overlook view of the cove where the waterfall drops, is stunning to say the least. GOOGLE STREET VIEWEWOLDSEN TRAIL** CLOSED **5 milesTheEwoldsentrail startsfrom the Canyon trail and gainselevation through a redwood forest. As we were driving on the PCH from LA to San Fran, we looked up a few stop points. 436.13 m Up McWay Falls is an incredibly scenic waterfall. The Overlook Trail leaves from the parking lot and at first, youre actually walking away from the ocean, so it will feel like youre going the wrong way. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a fee area. There are restrooms near the trailhead. The remaining terraces and foundations are still there, with the bottom level now a viewing station for McWay Falls and the magnificent coast of Big Sur. With the overcast weather and the sky threatening to burst into tears at any moment, we were able to secure an empty spot as soon as we drove across the bridge. But even without hiking to the end of the original trail, the views of the cascading water against the sheer cliff are a sight to behold. 335.38 m Down. It was gorgeous but most of the trail was closed. Orphaned at age 15, she inherited $10,000,000. I would have stayed longer but the end of trail IS the viewing area and others were arriving and I didn't want to be crowded(pandemic). We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. The falls are the most photographed falls in California. No four-legged visitors are allowed on the McWay Falls Overlook Trail. There was nobody to talk to or complain to so we just left. Something else? A waitress on our journey recommended the stop and so we did. Pretty short. Tucked up in the hillside just north of the falls are the remains of Waterfall House, long-gone but for its imported palm trees, foundations, steps and terraces. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you drive slowly enough, you can spot the massive drop from the road. A well-marked sign nestles along the scenic drive, directing you to turn to the left if you drive south. This is a stop on my 1 Day Big Sur PCH Road Trip! Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur. It is such a beautiful sight, you won't want to leave. We had seen a glimpse of McWay falls as we drove past Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on the first day of our Big Sur road trip, but the traffic and the parking was so congested, we decided to skip it and come back the next day. There is not a safe way to access the beach, so you will see McWay Falls from a viewing platform, and it is usually crowded so expect crowds. It's not your typical library, memorial, or book store. I am guessing you would add another 2-3 hours if you are to take Highway 1 to see the sights you wanted to see. The state park ticket is valid all day long and is accepted at all California state parks. Short easy trail; half closed but can still get a decent view of the waterfall. Paid the $10 state park access fee and parked. In the south, the area neighborsLimekiln State Park. The walk from the parking lot is easy and only takes about 10 minutes. Short and easy hike to the falls. Family friendly; impressive for what it is; parking would definitely be a hassle on a busy day on CA-1. More than 7,000 gallons of water pour over these cascading red quartzite waterfalls every second. TIP: Make sure your visit to McWay Falls is not only inspiring, but also safe. With a majestic fairy tale like cove, an 80 foot waterfall plunging off vertical granite cliffs, and steep canyons filled with ancient, 2,500 year old, 300 foot redwood trees, this California state park is one of the most visited parks along the Pacific Coast Highway. Note that as of March 27, 2019 the park is closed until further notice due to storm damage to the entrance station and restroom. Most of the trail is closed. NOT OKAY! Dont try to climb over wooden railings. If you feel like you need something to lean on, fetch a pair of hiking staffs. 0.3mi Taste of Greece: Culinary Traditions & Ancient Ruins, The Kingdoms of Andalusia: Secret Gardens and Haunted Palaces, Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Medieval Villages, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Freemasons, Antiques and Their Afterlives at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Spring-Heeled Jack, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, The Truth About Sharks With Melissa Cristina Mrquez, Designing Soft Circuits & E-Textiles With Linh My Truong, Get Real: Defining Reality With Ashley Christine, This Stunning Sabertooth Cat Skull Belonged to a Big Male That Died Young, Eat Like Vikings and Other Ancient Seafarers, The Most Wondrous State Parks to Visit During the Government Shutdown, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Library of Congress / LC-DIG-ggbain-07424, Courtesy of The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Foundation, http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_mcwayfalls.html, http://loyaltytraveler.boardingarea.com/2013/09/23/the-peoples-mansion-at-julia-pfeiffer-burns-state-park-big-sur-california/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Pfeiffer_Burns_State_Park, http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/578/files/JuliaPfeifferBurnsCamp041410.pdf, https://loyaltytraveler.boardingarea.com/2013/09/23/the-peoples-mansion-at-julia-pfeiffer-burns-state-park-big-sur-california/. Photography Tip: If I were you, Id stay at this very spot a little bit longer. Spent about a half an hour here. Ciao, vorrei sapere se per arrivare al belvedere senza entrare nel parco ci sono indicazioni direttamente sulla strada.. insomma facile arrivarci? It is a short 0.6-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint for McWay Falls, which can be reached directly from Highway One or from parking areas withing Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. Try this 2.0-mile loop trail near Glasco, New York. Parking lot is small and fills up quickly but there is space to park on the road nearby. The McWay Falls Transformation McWay Falls used to be a coastal waterfall or a tidefalls that emptied directly into the ocean, but in 1983 a massive fire and landslide just north of the park changed everything. 1,497' Down I feel like there should be more sitting options for people to sit and gaze out at the view. California Condors are often seen in the Eucalyptus trees here. There is a bit of an easy hike to get back to them. There are no destinations too small or insignificant to fuel your curiosity and creativity. . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The trail passes under the highway and then heads north around McWay Cove, overlooking the waterfall, and beach that was created by a 1983 land slide. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Watch out for traffic though because part of the road has a very narrow shoulder. During our trip to Big Sur a few weeks ago, the original trail was slightly modified due to hazardous conditions. Photos (546) Directions. For those who need some guidance or at least a vague idea how to find the secluded waterfall, continue reading this short guide to visiting McWay Falls in the picturesque Big Sur area. Follow the trail to its end at the viewing platform. Introduction Even short trails can be worthwhile excursions, and the path to McWay Falls is one of the prime examples of must-do trips along Highway 1. The trail starts near the booth where you pay to park, which is directly across from the bathrooms. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. But leave they did. SHORT TERM CLOSURE: This area is temporarily closed. All rights reserved. The pristine waters crossing this forest form a hidden waterfall among the dense vegetation. When traveling south on Highway 1 from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, it is approximately: When traveling north on Highway 1 from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, it is approximately: Type: Camping, Outdoors, Road Trip, State ParkDetails: Big Sur, California, Driving, Pacific Coast, Road Trip, Walking, Waterfall, PreviousWillow Creek Vista Point And Picnic Grounds, Los Padres National Forest, Salmon Creek Falls Trail In The Los Padres National ForestNext. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=578. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Once you see one waterfall, the rest just flow! The waterfall now plunges not into the ocean, but onto the beach, and in certain times of day, into the tides. 4.8 mi For those looking for more of a challenge in the park, there's also the mile-long round-trip Partington Cove Trail, which is quite steep, but leads to a wooden bridge and a 60-foot tunnel that opens up on a rocky beach. I don't think he was an official. Oh no, this trail is closed. You will have better luck looking for a camp site in Limekiln State Park or in the surrounding national forest. Without stopping, you are looking at 10-11 hours of driving. Great view of McWay Falls, which is essentially a Big Sur staple. This is about an injury or accident With such spectacular views, its hard to imagine why anyone would ever leave such a place. I made a vlog w/ tips & info about all 5 stops & 2 restaurants! McWay Falls is a beautiful and remarkable waterfall dropping into an untouched cove on the California coast. 337.58 m Up Los Padres National Forest, Monterey District, NOAAs Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. While McWay Falls, pouring over the cliffs onto the sandy beach below, is one of the most beautiful and well known waterfalls in Big Sur, it is definitely not the only waterfall. Throughout this blog post, youll also find plenty of tips and my recent photos to (if you still need it) further inspire you to visit McWay Falls, the second most popular landmark in Big Sur, California. Avoid. I wish we had just parked on the road for free. All it takes is a few short steps from here to spot the gushing waterfall dropping from a steep cliff in the distance. The entire park, including Waterfall House, was given to the state of California by the college roommate and best man of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, an east coaster named Lathrop Brown. They were nice but nothing that took my breath away. The Tan Bark Trail can be accessed from this fireroad. The Overlook Trail is wheelchair accessible. I cannot remember if there is a specific sign saying, McWay Falls." Join Roads and Destinations' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and exclusive travel resourses. Pfieffer beach would be in front of McWay falls. We're hoping to explore our beautiful state next weekend driving from Sacramento to San Diego in one day. I want to explore the place again. Please explain. Apart from it, grab a phone with a camera or a camera. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Half of the trail is closed from a rock or mud slide. It's a peaceful nature walk - not really a hike. Hi, Yes there is a waterfall but its very small. Hi. Bring binoculars for extended animal and bird watching near the Fall. 9.4 km 3,811' Up The place should appeal mostly to photographers, both amateur and profession. Located in Big Sur in Monterey County, about an hour south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and about 75 minutes north of Hearst Castle, the half-mile round-trip trail is accessible from the south parking lot of the state park. Before this visit to McWay Falls, I jotted down exact distances with proper directions, including time it would take us to get to the site from the closest towns and cities. Despite its brevity, the trail passes under the Pacific Coast Highway also known as Highway 1 before turning northward around McWay Cove to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall, which descends about 80 feet into the ocean from a granite cliff. McWay Falls is a short walk from the parking area. Its a madhouse, because in every car is a group of people who all want to see McWay Falls. A very short walk so definitely worth checking it out. Beautiful waterfall in a very quick hike. 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. Any attempt to get closer to McWay Fall or visit the cove are prohibited. If you can stumble upon the Bixby Creek Bridge just by driving along Highway 1, finding McWay Falls should be somewhat similar.. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 1,752' Up Welcome to Roads and Destinations! Over time, the ocean current carried the dirt from the landslide and construction south and created a beach at the foot of several coves along the shoreline, including McWay Falls. Lampson Falls Trail is an accessible trail which extends 0.5 miles from the trailhead (Google Maps) to a scenic overlook of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondacks with a vertical drop of approximately 100 feet. If in doubt, follow a sign sitting at the trailhead. The area is highly hazardous. Read our. They worked the land for decades, finally selling it in 1924 to the Browns, who built themselves a modern (for the time) home called Waterfall House. When Lathrop died a few years later Helen gave the entire property to the state, but with a couple of provisos: First, it would be a park named for one of the old pioneers, her good friend Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and 1/31/23: road to the trail was closed, including adjacent lots along the road to stop people from parking nearby and walking up the road to the trailhead. From the many internet photos and youtube videos these falls look like a slice of Heaven You can park outside of the state park and save $10. Very short hike to get a view of the incredible waterfall. Cliff areas beyond the fenced boundaries, including the beach, Saddle Rock, and McWay Falls area are completely off limits. There is more coastal beauty than any picture can capture. McWay Falls gets its name from Christopher McWay, an early pioneer in Big Sur. 7.6 km The California coastline already offers some of the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and among the most underrated sights is the Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which leads to McWay Falls, one of the few waterfalls that empties directly into the Pacific. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). We visited McWay Falls on an early Sunday afternoon. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I do not think so just the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park sign. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Mcway Falls is wonderful! Surf conditions can be very rough and swimming or wading is not advised. 12 Most Stunning National Parks in the U.S.