Where does McWay Falls fall?
Depending on the tide, McWay Falls either falls directly into the Pacific Ocean, or onto a pristine little cove. Either way, it is a beautiful sight, and one of the most photographed landmarks in California.
Is the McWay Falls state park access fee good all day?
TIP: The state park access fee is good all day, so after McWay Falls if you are headed north on HW1, stop at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Access is already paid, since you already paid for access at McWay Falls.
When is the best time to visit McWay Falls?
The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until December. The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is still only partially open as of February 8, 2021 due to trail erosion that has caused dangerous conditions. McWay Falls can still be seen from the section of the trail that is open.
Where can I see McWay Falls at low tide?
Today the pristine white cove is an integral part of the perfection of McWay Falls at low tide. When the tide is in, though, McWay Falls still tumbles headlong into the Pacific Ocean. While you can view McWay Falls from the side of California Highway 1, walking the short McWay Falls Overlook Trail will allow you to have an unobstructed view.
Can you access McWay Falls?
McWay Falls Overlook Trail can be accessed two different ways. Option one is to simply park along Highway One for free and start down the trail. You may also pull into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and pay an entrance fee to walk a bit farther.
Is Julia Pfeiffer Beach Open?
The park is open to day use visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Do you have to pay for McWay Falls?
The best place to get to McWay Falls is from Falls Trail just past the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You'll pay a day use fee to park here, but the Falls Trail goes under Pacific Coast Highway via a tunnel, making it a safer option than jockeying for a parking spot along busy Highway 1.
Can you go to McWay beach?
Access to the beach below is off-limits to the public to keep it as pristine as possible (and if you are seen trespassing, there is a big fine). But luckily there are several viewpoints and overlooks, so take as many photos of McWay Falls as you can. Natural beauty like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is Big Sur accessible right now?
Highway 1 remains fully accessible from the Monterey Peninsula to San Simeon. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, South Coast Ridge Road, Central Coast Ridge Road/Cone Peak Road, remain closed for repairs.
Is Big Sur open to drive through?
Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.
Can you hike down to beach McWay Falls?
For safety reasons you can not go down. People have attempted but they only got fined as there are a lot of rangers patrolling the area. You can only view the falls from the look out area they created.
Can you paddle board to McWay Falls?
Paddling into McWay Falls was another moment that blew my mind. If you hug the coast there, you can weave in and out of giant rock formations, caves, and tunnels. And once you get to a giant boulder that looks perfect for diving off of, you're greeted by this giant hundred foot waterfall breaking right on the beach.
Do you need a reservation for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?
Reservations are required and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275. No dogs are permitted in the campground or on park trails.
Can you kayak to McWay Falls?
It seems like it would be a pretty fantastic trip to kayak in and stand under the falls, though, if you have your own gear.
Is Ewoldsen trail closed?
UPDATE (May 29, 2022): Several trails east of Highway 1 (including Ewoldsen, Canyon, and Waters) remain closed until further notice due to damage from the Dolan Fire and debris flows caused by heavy rains. These areas contain numerous compromised trees and trail hazards.
Do you need to book in advance to visit McWay Falls?
We recommend booking McWay Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your t...
What hotels are near McWay Falls?
Hotels near McWay Falls: (7.13 mi) Post Ranch Inn (6.57 mi) Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort (9.72 mi) Glen Oaks Big Sur (5.66 mi) Deetjen's Big Su...
What restaurants are near McWay Falls?
Restaurants near McWay Falls: (5.65 mi) Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant (6.23 mi) Nepenthe (7.11 mi) Sierra Mar (6.44 mi) The Sur House (7.24 mi)...
What attractions are near McWay Falls?
Attractions near McWay Falls: (0.00 mi) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (6.25 mi) Big Sur Tours and More (1.60 mi) Partington Cove (6.09 mi) Bixby...
Where to see McWay Falls?
You can view McWay Falls from the west side of California Highway 1, at a pullout just north of the park. Parking is very limited, though, and there is a lot of vegetation that may obstruct the view. Plus California Highway 1 is a narrow road, often with traffic congestion at popular viewpoints, including McWay Falls.
Where is the McWay Falls Trail?
The McWay Falls Trail is an easy Big Sur waterfall hike and one of the easiest hikes in Big Sur. McWay Falls Overlook occupies the site of the terrace of the erstwhile Waterfall House, owned by Lathrop and Hélène Brown. In 1961, Hélène Brown donated the property to the State of California, stipulating that Waterfall House be made into a museum ...
What is the name of the waterfall in Big Sur?
Created by McWay Creek, McWay Falls flows year round, unlike many other famous waterfalls in California. The setting of the thin silver ribbon of water, amidst the cliffs and greenery of Big Sur, with the turquoise waters of the cove below, and the blue of the ocean beyond, is simply magical.
Why is McWay Falls so good?
Golden hour and sunset are great because the waterfall is in the light and the cliffs turn to gold.
How tall is McWay Falls?
McWay Falls in Big Sur is an 80-foot cascade that makes the perfect picture postcard. In a state known for its numerous beautiful waterfalls, McWay Falls holds its own as a must-see year-round ribbon of water along the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
What animals roost in McWay Falls?
Sea otters and harbor seals can sometimes be seen in the cove. California condors reportedly roost in the eucalyptus trees by McWay Falls.
What happened to Highway 1 in California?
California Highway 1 was damaged, and repairs in the region resulted in lots of landslide debris being deposited in the ocean.
How long is the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls?
Overlook Trail to McWay Falls is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Big Sur, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from September until December. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 170 ftRoute type Loop.
Where is the trail to McWay Cove?
The trail passes under the highway and then heads north around McWay Cove, overlooking the waterfall and beach that was created from a 1983 land slide.
Is the trail to the falls closed?
The full trail is closed. The trail ends at a lookout over the falls, which is nice, but is crowded. Hopefully they’ll repair the full trail soon so that it’s possible to get down there. It’s a 10 dollar charge to park to see the falls, not really worth the price due to the limitation.
Is the McWay Falls Overlook Trail open?
The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is still only partially open as of February 8, 2021 due to trail erosion that has caused dangerous conditions. McWay Falls can still be seen from the section of the trail that is open. Please check with the park for updates https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578 There is no beach access here.
Why is the McWay Falls Overlook Trail closed?
The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is closed at the halfway point due to trail erosion that has caused dangerous conditions. NOTE: There is no beach access.
Where is the water trail in the Tin House?
The Waters Trail leads south from the Tin House fire road. The Ewoldsen trail is closed so the Waters trail is currently an out and back hike. The 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.
When was McWay Falls updated?
Last Updated: December 14, 2020. McWay Falls is truly a one of a kind place I had the honor of visiting twice. If you haven’t already been here, you should definitely add it to your list. But before you go, there’s probably a couple of questions or expectations you may have beforehand and I want to clear it up for you before you do ...
Can you hike down to McWay Falls?
2) Can you actually hike down to McWay Falls? Unfortunately it is illegal to go down there. The reason why is because of the many dangers including deaths that have happened from people trying to do that. There is no road or path that leads down there and you would literally be risking your life to scale down there.
Can you enter McWay Falls on a map?
Nope, it’s very simple. You can literally input Mcway Falls on your map, but do it before you enter Big Sur as the connection tends to come and go. You’ll literally find parking lots right above the waterfall overlooking it. That’s how I took the picture from above.