Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Reopen After Timber Fire

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will reopen to the public on October 16, following its closure for over two months due to the devastating Timber Fire. The fire, which scorched tens of thousands of acres near Big Sur along Highway 1 in Monterey County, prompted the closure of several Big Sur state parks starting in late August.

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Officials announced the partial reopening as a significant step in the recovery of the Big Sur area. The park served as a critical hub for emergency response, hosting thousands of firefighters and support personnel from across the state and the country. CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies utilized the park as a base camp and incident command location throughout the wildfire.

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More than 500 acres within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park were affected by the Timber Fire, which ultimately consumed over 25,000 acres. The reopening will include access to several park trails, the Big Sur lodge, the Redwood Grove Boardwalk, the Nature Center, and the Campfire Center.

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However, certain areas will remain closed to the public due to safety concerns stemming from fire damage. These include Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Valley View Trail, Oak Grove Trail, and Mount Manuel Trail. Hazards such as unstable trees, falling rocks and debris, damaged trails, erosion, and the potential for debris flows and flash flooding during rainstorms continue to be present in burned areas. Park staff will continue to assess fire impacts and work on restoring access where it is deemed safe.

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The Timber Fire, which ignited on August 8, also led to the evacuation of residents and threatened numerous structures, including luxury resorts like Alila Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn. Parts of Highway 1 were also closed for several weeks due to the blaze. As of October 9, the fire was reported to be 97% contained, with minimal fire activity remaining in most areas.

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The cause of the Timber Fire is still under investigation.