Pine Ridge Trail

Pine Ridge Trail climbs from the redwood canyon floor of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to an exposed backcountry ridge above the Big Sur coast, offering increasingly spectacular views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean as the trail gains elevation through successive vegetation zones. Beginning in the dense redwood and tanoak forest of the canyon bottom, the trail transitions through chaparral and eventually into mixed pine forest on the upper ridge, with Coulter pines and gray pines becoming dominant as hikers ascend. The ridge itself commands sweeping views north and south along the Big Sur coast, with the mountainous terrain dropping steeply to the ocean below and the ridgelines of the Ventana Wilderness extending inland. Condors are regularly observed soaring the ridge thermals, and the chance of spotting these magnificent critically endangered birds adds an element of wildlife excitement to the considerable physical challenge of the climb. The backcountry character of the upper ridge provides a dramatic contrast to the relatively accessible canyon trails below, rewarding the effort with genuine solitude and wilderness atmosphere. Spring brings wildflowers to the exposed ridge, while summer mornings often offer the clearest views before coastal fog builds in the afternoon. Carry plenty of water as no reliable sources exist beyond the lower canyon. Trekking poles are helpful for the descent on loose trail sections. This is one of the finest strenuous day hikes in the Big Sur region.