Big Sur is one of my favorite spots, partially because of the sky high redwoods they have. Before visiting, I had no clue where to find the best spots with redwoods, or if they even had any. After making it a primary goal to find some of the best spots when I visited, now I can unfold what I’ve found with you.
You can find the oldest redwoods in Big Sur by visiting Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Valley View Trail and the Redwood Deck in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and on Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. There are also redwoods along the Tanbark Trail, just 6 minutes north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
For secret spots and tips, keep reading.
The Best Places to See Redwoods in Big Sur
1. Tanbark Trail & Tin House
I hiked this trail a year ago and can safely say it’s my favorite hike EVER.
If you are looking to see redwoods while visiting, I 100% recommend going here. The trail begins with the beautiful creek about half a mile in, huge redwood trees, and ends with views of the ocean. The whole thing made me feel like I was in a fairy tale.
The whole trail is a 6 mile loop, so be sure to bring lots of water.
Tip: Park along Highway 1, basically at the Partington Cove trailhead. Instead of going towards the ocean, you go inland to the other trailhead named Tanbark Trail.
Partington Cove is also a great trail to see redwoods.
2. Pfeiffer Falls Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
One of the best ways to experience the towering redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is by hiking the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. The trail is a moderate 1.4-mile loop that takes hikers through a lush forest of redwoods and alongside a babbling creek.
As hikers make their way along the trail, they’ll be surrounded by some of the largest and oldest redwood trees in the area, some of which are over 1,000 years old.
The highlight of the trail is Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that drops into a small pool. Visitors can stop and take in the beauty of the falls before continuing on the trail, which winds its way back to the park’s main entrance.
Overall, the Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the stunning redwoods of Big Sur.You can find the trail here on AllTrails.
3. Colonial Tree at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is also home to the infamous Colonial Tree, the largest redwood in the park. This redwood can be found right by the Day Use #4 parking lot in the park.
This massive tree is estimated to be over 1,200 years old and stands at a towering 277 feet tall. As visitors approach the Colonial Tree, they’ll be struck by its size and age, as well as the intricate patterns of its bark and the ferns and other plants growing on its branches.
The tree’s base is surrounded by a fence to protect its delicate root system, but visitors can get close enough to appreciate its grandeur and take photographs.
The Colonial Tree is a living testament to the resilience and beauty of the redwood forests of Big Sur, and a visit to this ancient giant is sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. The Redwood Deck at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The Redwood Deck at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is another fantastic location to see the majestic redwoods that Big Sur is famous for. This viewing platform is located just a short walk from the park’s entrance.
The deck is nestled in a grove of old-growth redwoods, some of which are over 2,500 years old and reach heights of over 300 feet. Visitors can take in the beauty of these ancient giants, breathe in the fresh forest air, and listen to the sounds of the forest.
5. Valley View Trail Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The Valley View Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors on a journey through a stunning grove of towering redwoods.
The trail is a 1.5-mile loop that starts near the park’s campground and winds its way through a lush forest of old-growth redwoods. As hikers make their way along the trail, they’ll be surrounded by some of the tallest trees in the world, some of which are over 2,000 years old.
The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and visitors can stop at several lookout points to take in the panoramic scenery. The Valley View Trail is a great option for hikers of all skill levels and is accessible year-round, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
6. Ewoldsen Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The Ewoldsen Trail in Big Sur is a favorite among hikers for its stunning views and impressive redwoods. The trail is a moderate 4.5-mile loop that starts near the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and takes visitors through a diverse landscape of redwood forests, chaparral-covered hillsides, and rocky outcroppings.
As hikers make their way along the trail, they’ll be surrounded by massive redwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The canopy of the redwood forest provides a cool and shady environment.
The Ewoldsen Trail also offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Big Sur coastline, making it a perfect location for photography. Overall, the Ewoldsen Trail is a great choice for hikers looking to experience the beauty of Big Sur’s redwoods and scenic vistas.
Recommended: Car Camping in Big Sur (Where, How Much, & Is it Legal)?
How Big Do Redwoods Get?
The redwoods in Big Sur reach up to around 368 feet and 22 feet wide. However, these are not nearly as wide as the ones further up north which reach 311 feet tall, and nearly double the width at 40 feet. Their typical average lifespan ranges from 1,300 to 2,300 years (source).
These two different types of redwoods, as well as one more named dawn redwood, are the only tree species to fall under the genus of Sequoia. This species is one of the tallest living trees on the planet.
The redwoods found in Big Sur are coast redwoods. Not to confuse those in Big Sur with the Giant Sequoias (both apart of the Sequoia genus). Here’s a table I made comparing the two:
| Characteristics | Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. height | 368 feet | 311 feet |
| Width | 22 feet | 40 feet |
| Appearance | Tall, slender, single needles, reddish-brown bark | Column-like trunk, stout branches, overlapping awl-shaped leaves, reddish-brown bark |
| Location | Coastal strip from Central California to Southern Oregon | West slope of the Sierra Nevada |
Sierra redwood trees are the largest trees in the world. Many sierra redwoods are between 250 and 300 feet tall, the tallest being about 325 feet high.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
What Kind of Trees Does Big Sur Have?
Big Sur is home to the Coast Redwoods, a species under the Sequoia genus, within the family of cypress.
The redwoods found in Big Sur (Sequoia sempervirens) are commonly also called coast or coastal redwoods because they’re only found along the coast from Central California up to Southern Oregon. Redwoods typically grow in hardiness zones 7 through 9.
- Some other trees found in Big Sur:
- Live Oaks
- Maples
- Sycamores
- Bay Laurels
- Alders
Note: Big Sur does receive a lot of fog from the marine layer!
Recommended: Does Big Sur Get Foggy (& When)?
Other Places You Can See Redwoods
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Fun Fact: Big Sur was named after the Pfeiffer family because of their conservation efforts of homesteading. The land was sold in 1933 for $210,000 to a Los Angeles developer.
As a bonus, here is a video of a secret redwood hike in Big Sur. Here is the trail on AllTrails.