Take in Iconic McWay Falls
Details
Added by Stephen Bellrichard
This waterfall is one of the most recognizable images of Big Sur. It's a short (just over a half mile roundtrip) walk to get views of this 80 foot waterfall. Get your camera ready!
McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800s.
To get there, from the parking lot, walk back towards Highway 1 and look for the sign to the Waterfall Trail. If you're parked in the additional parking lot, walk back toward the lot entrance. You'll head down some steps, follow a wide path and then pass through a tunnel under the highway. Along the path, there are several points to take in the falls. Depending on the time of year and day you go, they may be packed with photographers, so be patient.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Big Sur.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Big Sur.
Reviews
Leave a Review
Fun spot to stop at a road trip
Súper easy walk! The waterfall is far away but beautiful nonetheless. Be careful cue they’re giving out tickets for people w dogs!
4.0
Amazing even with clouds
Parked on a turnout a little farther down and walked to McWay Falls. It's an amazing view even on a cloudy day
5.0
Stunning!
There are very few waterfalls which cascade into the ocean, so a visit to McWay is a treat. This beautiful spot is often crowded and it's challenging to navigate with a tripod, but well worth the effort for a long exposure photo!
5.0
Very beautiful
This is an iconic waterfall along the coastline and in Big Sur. There's a small hike you can do in the area, but otherwise this stop is mainly only for the waterfall
4.0
Beautiful Lookout Point
The lookout point over McWay Falls is a beautiful roadside attraction. It's a great spot to shoot sunset photos of the falls.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike the Ewoldsen Trail
Hike the Waters Ridge Trail
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
Hike to Big Sur's Tin House
Mobile Apps
© 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy