Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park reopens after Timber Fire left burn scars and closed trails
By Jazmon DeJarnette
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MONTEREY COUNTY, California (KSBW) — Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has reopened to visitors after being closed for two months during the Timber Fire, which burned approximately 517 acres of the park.
“When we’re just looking around the place, you can see the burn scars. I just have to envisage what it was like for the firefighters to be here. But so grateful for what they do, putting their lives at risk for nature so that we can come back and enjoy it later on,” said David Dutton, a visitor.
The park had served as a base camp for firefighters battling the blaze. Now that the fire camp has moved out, cleanup efforts have prepared the park to welcome visitors once again.
“Now that fire camp has moved out, we have gone in, been able to clean up, and with their assistance as well, to just prepare the park to be able to welcome visitors again,” said Rachel Tuttle, Supervising Ranger for California State Parks.
Visitors now have access to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and the Big Sur River.
“The river is just fantastic. I mean, it’s just so peaceful. We’re able to get next to the big log and actually jump fully in and just enjoy it,” said Dutton.
“We’re glad it’s reopened. We’ve been able to see a lot. Not everything. Some things are still closed. You can see some of the burn scar, but we’re glad to be back and hope more people come,” said Judy Dutton, another visitor.
Several trails remain closed due to safety risks, including unstable trees, falling rocks, and debris.
“The trails that are remaining closed are Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Valley View Trail, the Oak Grove Trail, Mount Manuel Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and the Big Sur River Gorge Trail,” said Tuttle.
Visitors are reminded that entering closed trails or burned areas will result in citations.
“We mainly wanted to go to River Gorge, but that’s closed still for the fire season. But we were able to find some cool spots along the river, too,” a visitor said.
California State Parks emphasized the importance of the reopening as part of the park’s recovery.
“It’s such a landmark in Big Sur, really. It has so many aspects of Big Sur that we all love to enjoy. So we have our redwoods, we have access to the Big Sur River. So we’re so excited to be able to welcome visitors back, which includes the locals, to be able to come and enjoy,” said Tuttle.
State Parks officials noted that the remaining closed trails could reopen by spring.
Here is a list of the closed and open areas.
Closed areas: – Big Sur River Gorge, Pfeiffer Falls, Valley View Trail, Oak Grove Trail, Mount Manuel Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Day Use Road.
Open areas: – Buzzard Roost Trail, Warden’s Path, River Path, Homestead Cabin, Campground.
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