Celebrating a Decade of Love Under the Redwoods: Our Anniversary at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

For our tenth anniversary, David and I wanted to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Big Sur had always been on our bucket list, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park seemed like the perfect blend of stunning scenery and accessible camping. We're avid hikers, amateur landscape photographers, and enjoy a good gourmet meal, even in the wilderness. Here's our experience, from navigating the winding roads to stargazing under the inky sky.

Getting There & Setting Up Camp

The drive down Highway 1 is breathtaking, even with a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel at times! We relied on Apple Maps, having downloaded offline maps beforehand (a lifesaver!). The Bixby Bridge viewpoint is an absolute must-stop. The iconic bridge against the backdrop of the Pacific is pure magic, and we snapped a few photos before continuing on to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

The iconic Bixby Bridge, captured during our drive into Big Sur, served as a memorable landmark along our journey.

Finding a level tent site proved to be a bit of a challenge amidst the towering redwoods. Many sites are sloped, and fitting a larger tent would have been impossible. We were thankful we opted for our REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent. Its lightweight and compact design made it ideal for navigating the tighter spaces. We finally found a relatively flat spot, cleared away any pinecones and debris, and quickly got the tent set up. The smell of damp earth and pine needles filled the air as we worked, instantly putting us at ease.

Campground Logistics: A Few Quirks to Consider

One of the first things we noticed was the strict campfire restrictions. Understandably, due to the high fire danger, open fires were prohibited. We relied on our portable gas grill for cooking (more on that later!). Quiet hours are strictly enforced after 10 PM, which we appreciated. It’s important to be respectful of your neighbors and the surrounding environment.

Bear and raccoon safety is also paramount. All food and scented items must be stored in the provided bear lockers. These lockers are sturdy and essential for preventing unwanted visitors. We made sure to double-check everything before turning in for the night.

The campground facilities were… well, campground facilities. The flush toilets were a welcome convenience, but they clearly required constant upkeep. We encountered long lines, especially during peak hours. The pay-per-use showers also had queues. Bring quarters! We felt good using our Ethique brand biodegradable shampoo and conditioner, knowing we were minimizing our impact on the environment.

Hitting the Trails: Hiking Amongst Giants

Hiking was a major focus of our trip, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park didn’t disappoint. We tackled two trails: the Buzzard's Roost Trail and the Pfeiffer Falls Trail.

The Buzzard's Roost Trail is a moderate climb that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail winds through a mix of forest and open chaparral, and the changing scenery kept us engaged.

The Buzzard's Roost Trail offered breathtaking panoramic views of Big Sur's rugged landscape, rewarding our moderate climb.

The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a much easier loop, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the heart of the redwood forest. The trail leads to Pfeiffer Falls (which was unfortunately a trickle when we visited, due to the season), but the journey itself is the reward. The lush redwood forest is simply magical. Sunlight filters through the towering trees, creating a dappled light show on the forest floor. We were mesmerized by the sheer scale of the redwoods and the sense of ancient tranquility that pervades the area. The sounds of the Big Sur River and the birds singing in the canopy created a truly immersive experience. We spotted vibrant California poppies and lupine blooming along the trail, adding splashes of color to the green landscape.

Photography: Capturing the Essence of Big Sur

Of course, no trip to Big Sur is complete without capturing its beauty through photography. I brought my Nikon D850 and mostly used my wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to try and capture the scale of the redwoods. The lighting within the redwood forest can be tricky. The dense canopy creates deep shadows, while occasional patches of sunlight break through. I often had to adjust my ISO settings to 800-1600 in the low light. I also used a polarizing filter to balance the light exposure and reduce glare on the redwood bark. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured bark was fascinating, and I spent hours trying to capture it.

Stargazing: A Celestial Show

After dinner, we ventured away from the campground lights to find a dark spot for stargazing. We used the SkyView app to identify constellations. The Milky Way was clearly visible, a shimmering band of light stretching across the night sky. We spotted several shooting stars, making wishes for many more years of happiness together. Seeing the stars so clearly, far from the city's light pollution, was a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Gourmet Campfire Cooking: Elevating Campground Cuisine

Just because we were camping doesn't mean we had to sacrifice good food! We packed our portable Coleman NXT Lite gas grill and brought along all the ingredients for some gourmet campfire meals. One of our favorite meals was rosemary-garlic marinated lamb chops grilled to perfection, served with roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions). We used reusable containers to minimize waste and made sure to pack out all food scraps. Freshly brewed coffee in the crisp morning air was another highlight.

Gourmet campfire cooking elevated our camping experience, as we grilled rosemary-garlic marinated lamb chops to perfection on our Coleman grill.

Environmental Conservation: Leaving No Trace

Big Sur is a precious and fragile environment, and it's crucial to protect it. We are firm believers in the Leave No Trace principles and made a conscious effort to minimize our impact. This included packing out all our trash, staying on marked trails to avoid trampling vegetation, using biodegradable soap, and respecting wildlife. We encourage all visitors to do the same. Bring reusable water bottles, pack out everything you pack in, and be mindful of your surroundings. Consider donating to the Ventana Wilderness Alliance ( https://www.ventanawild.org/ ) to support their vital work in trail maintenance and conservation efforts.

Final Thoughts

Our tenth-anniversary camping trip to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park was an unforgettable experience. From the majestic redwoods to the breathtaking coastal views, Big Sur is a place that truly captures the soul. While the campground has its quirks (long lines, campfire restrictions), the overall beauty and serenity of the park more than make up for it. We left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and even more in love than when we arrived. We highly recommend Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to any couple looking for a romantic and adventurous getaway. Just remember to pack your bear spray, quarters for the shower, and a healthy respect for the environment.