Can you get to the beach at McWay Falls?

Can you get to the beach at McWay Falls?

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.

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 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park open?

The park is open to day use visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Can you get to McWay Falls right now?

The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is still only partially open as of February 8, 2021 due to trail erosion that has caused dangerous conditions. The 1-mile out-and-back hike leads you to a trail on the cliffs along the coast. At the viewpoint, you can see McWay Falls pouring down on the sandy beach below in McWay cove.

What city is McWay Falls?

Big Sur

McWay Falls
McWay Falls
Location in California
Location Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, Monterey County, California, United States
Coordinates 36°09′28.1″N 121°40′19.7″WCoordinates: 36°09′28.1″N 121°40′19.7″W

How was McWay cove formed?

McWay Falls is a beautiful and remarkable waterfall dropping into an untouched cove on the California coast. In years past, the 80-foot waterfall landed right in the ocean. A 1983 landslide deposited sand at the base of the waterfall and created the sandy cove seen today beside McWay Falls.

How do you see McWay Falls?

The best view of McWay Falls is from the overlook inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You can park on the shoulder of the highway and walk to the trail, or you can park in a designated parking spot inside the park. Our recommendation is to park inside.

What is McWay Falls?

McWay Falls is a beautiful and remarkable waterfall dropping into an untouched cove on the California coast. McWay Falls is the star of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.

How did McWay Falls kiss the ocean?

A 1983 landslide deposited sand at the base of the waterfall and created the sandy cove seen today beside McWay Falls. Now McWay Falls only kisses the ocean when high tide waves roll ashore.

How do I get to McWay Falls Overlook Trail?

It is a short 0.6-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint for McWay Falls, which can be reached directly from Highway One or from parking areas withing Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. 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.

Does McWay Falls meet the ocean at high tide?

McWay Falls now meets the ocean only when the tide is in, but over time, the beach may wear away so that the falls drop directly into the ocean again. Due to the high cliffs surrounding the cove, the beach is inaccessible except by boat, and may be covered by surf at high tide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY6dWIK2bPM

author

Back to Top