Buzzard's Roost Trail
A challenging Big Sur hike offering stunning coastal vistas, transitioning from redwood forests to dramatic summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, clearer views
Buzzard's Roost Trail
Best Time
Cooler temps, clearer views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging Big Sur hike offering stunning coastal vistas, transitioning from redwood forests to dramatic summit views.
"The view at the top was nice but overall not sure it was 5 stars nice. Trail was moderate strenuous."
🚗 Trailhead Parking
Trailhead is unmarked, located on Hwy 1, south of Big Sur Park entrance, right after the bridge on the west side. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Be cautious of poison oak along the trail. Stay on marked paths to avoid contact. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Buzzard's Roost Overlook
Summit of the trail
Panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding hills, especially breathtaking on a clear day.
Redwood to Cloud Transition
Trail ascent
Experience a unique hike starting in redwoods and ascending above the clouds for a dramatic change in scenery.
Challenging Ascent Options
Trail split
Choose between a less maintained, lighter path or a steeper, switchback-filled route for an extra challenge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Difficulty
Best Time for Views & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Trailhead Parking
Trailhead is unmarked, located on Hwy 1, south of Big Sur Park entrance, right after the bridge on the west side. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Be cautious of poison oak along the trail. Stay on marked paths to avoid contact. :warning:
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, sunblock, and bug spray, especially for warmer hikes. :droplet:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is steep with eroded sections; sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Trailhead Parking
Trailhead is unmarked, located on Hwy 1, south of Big Sur Park entrance, right after the bridge on the west side. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Be cautious of poison oak along the trail. Stay on marked paths to avoid contact. :warning:
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, sunblock, and bug spray, especially for warmer hikes. :droplet:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is steep with eroded sections; sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Trail Split Choice
Left trail is less maintained but easier; right trail is steeper with switchbacks for a bigger challenge. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the rewarding, panoramic views from Buzzard's Roost, especially the unique transition from redwood forest to summit. The challenging, steep terrain offers a good workout, though some find the presence of power lines and roads detracts from the natural beauty.
"The view at the top was nice but overall not sure it was 5 stars nice. Trail was moderate strenuous. Very doable but either up or down, no flat. Nothing wrong with that, per se. Just FYI."
Trevis Crane
"Nice 3 mile RT hike, worth the time. Near the top the trail has erosion that creates some tall steps to finish the last bit. Trailhead is right on Hwy 1 about one hundred yards south of the Big Sur Park entrance. Right after the bridge, on the west side of Hwy 1. See attached pic of the trailhead. It is not marked."
Daran Hermans
"This was my 1st same here I hiked it up to buzzards roost view point which was very beautiful and I'm pretty sure it would've been even more amazing if it wasn't so cloudy then you can see the whole Bay or beach but it was an overcast so you are unable to see it it would come and go it was very hot on the way up there are however sections with some shade there is a lot of poison oak so you have to be very careful! take some sunblock some bugs spray and a good sun hat and definitely some water to keep yourself hydrated. That was a very nice hike I loved it."
Sandra C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is unmarked and located on Highway 1, about a hundred yards south of the Big Sur Park entrance, immediately after crossing the bridge on the west side of the highway.
Information on public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for accessing this trail.
Parking is typically along the shoulder of Highway 1 near the trailhead. It can get busy, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, if you are camping at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you can often walk to the trailhead, making it a convenient option.
While some sources mention 'Buzzard's Roost MTB Trail,' the primary Buzzard's Roost Trail is generally described as a hiking trail and can be very steep.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Buzzard's Roost Trail is generally a free public access trail. There are no admission fees required.
As an outdoor trail, Buzzard's Roost is accessible at all hours. However, for safety and the best experience, hiking during daylight hours is recommended.
Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking on Buzzard's Roost Trail. Always check local park regulations for any updates.
Buzzard's Roost Trail is located near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but the trail itself is often accessed independently.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to the steep terrain, potential for erosion, and lack of lighting.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderate to strenuous. It's characterized by steep ascents and descents with little flat ground, and some eroded sections near the top.
The roundtrip distance is approximately 3 miles, with an elevation gain of around 750 feet in 1.3 miles to the top.
You can expect spectacular panoramic views of the coastline, surrounding ridgelines, and the Pacific Ocean. However, views can be obscured by clouds or fog.
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the trailhead. Plan to use facilities at nearby parks or visitor centers before or after your hike.
It can be less crowded than other Big Sur hikes, especially if you go early in the morning or on a weekday.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit overlook offers stunning coastal vistas. The transition from redwood forest to open sky also provides unique photographic moments.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Fog can create a dramatic, moody atmosphere for photos, though it will obscure the distant views. Embrace the unique conditions!
Some reviewers noted the presence of a large road and power lines near the top, which can detract from natural landscape photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and water colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the 'left trail' option for a slightly less intense climb.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
Be prepared for the challenging terrain and carry sufficient water and snacks. The well-defined, albeit steep, path makes navigation straightforward.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the power lines and road near the summit, which might require careful framing to exclude them from your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail: Difficulty and Terrain
For those seeking an extra challenge, the trail splits. The right path offers a more intense climb with steeper inclines and switchbacks, while the left path is slightly less maintained but provides a gentler ascent.
The Reward: Views and Natural Beauty
However, it's important to note that coastal California weather can be unpredictable. Views can be significantly impacted by fog and clouds, which frequently roll in and can obscure the expansive vistas.
Essential Preparations for Your Hike
Be aware of the presence of poison oak along the trail. It's essential to stick to the marked paths and wear long pants and sleeves if you are particularly sensitive.
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