Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a state park in Monterey County, California near the area of Big Sur on the state's Central Coast. It covers approximately 1006acre of land. The park is centered on the Big Sur River. It has been nicknamed a "mini Yosemite."HistoryPfeiffer Big Sur State Park is named after John Pfeiffer, who lived in a cabin on the property beginning in 1884. He was the son of Michael Pfeiffer and Barbara Laquet. The Pfeiffer family immigrated from France and were among the first European settlers in the area. Many features in Big Sur are named for the descendants of the Pfeiffers.In 1930, John Pfeiffer had the opportunity to sell his land to a Los Angeles developer for $210,000. The developer wanted to build a subdivision on the land. Instead, Pfeiffer sold 700acre to the state of California in 1933.Overnight StaysPfeiffer Big Sur State Park has both a hotel and a campground within its boundaries. The campgrounds were closed in the winter of 2008-2009 due to the Basin Complex Fire, but most are open as of May 22, 2009. The campgrounds have coin-operated showers, bathrooms and a convenience store. The convenience store also offers WiFi access.HikingPfeiffer Big Sur State Park is known for its redwood groves and trail to Pfeiffer Falls. Mud slides caused by the Basin Complex fire necessitated rerouting the Pfeiffer Falls Trail which is currently open. Reestablishing the old trail, with the wooden foot bridges is scheduled for to begin in 2016.