McWay Falls

Big Sur · CA

Entrances

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park day-use entrance / McWay parking area· Start here
Normal starting point for the Waterfall Overlook Trail when it reopens.
Highway 1, 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, CA 93920 · The Waterfall Overlook / McWay Falls Trail is currently closed for a retaining-wall project; there is no legal waterfall viewpoint access.
Partington Cove turnout
Partington Cove Trail users only.
Highway 1 south of McWay Cove, Big Sur, CA 93920 · Marked by a green gate. It is not a substitute route and does not legally connect to McWay Falls.

McWay Falls, California 93920, USA

Getting there

Car
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park day-use entrance / McWay parking area, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
0 min walk
The normal McWay Falls starting point; limited parking. Check Caltrans SR-1 conditions immediately before departure.
Other
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park day-use entrance / McWay parking area
Visitors may arrive by tour vehicle, bicycle or on foot along Highway 1; no scheduled public-transit stop or shuttle is identified for McWay Falls.

At the door

Step 1
Confirm the overlook trail is open
Check the official Julia Pfeiffer Burns trail-status page on the day of travel. As of November 11, 2026, the Waterfall Overlook / McWay Falls Trail is closed.
Step 2
Enter the day-use area and park legally
Use the Julia Pfeiffer Burns day-use lot if space is available; do not block Highway 1 or stop where prohibited.
Step 3
Pay or display a qualifying pass
A staffed kiosk may be intermittent. When it is closed, drivers must use the self-registration station to pay the California State Parks vehicle day-use fee.
Step 4
Use the signed trail only when reopened
Remain behind fences and do not descend toward McWay Cove, Saddle Rock, the beach or the falls.

Accessibility

Step-free access: No
Lifts: No

The Waterfall Overlook Trail was historically described as accessible from the parking area, but it is currently entirely closed. There is no currently confirmed step-free route to a legal waterfall viewpoint. The day-use area has parking, restrooms and drinking water; call the park before making the drive for a current accessibility assessment.

Source: parks.ca.gov

Parking

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park day-use / McWay parking area0 min walk · Limited parking; vehicles over 22 feet are not permitted. The current California State Parks vehicle day-use fee is US$10 per vehicle per day, with special rates possible at peak times. If the lot is full, there is no official waitlist, shuttle or alternative ticket.