California: Pink Beach!
May 30, 2020 7 Comments
Short Walk to Pfeiffer Beach through Monterey Cypress Trees
Walk North on Beach
Pink Diamond Patterns in Sand
Pink Sand Around Rocks
Seaweed at Water’s Edge
Sea Stack with Keyhole Arch
Pfeiffer Beach is a real gem tucked away at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road at Big Sur, California (south of Monterey). This spectacular beach is famous for its pink sand, formed by manganese garnet crystals that have washed down from the cliffs above. Look for ever-changing patterns of increasing pink sand as you walk north along the beach. A bonus to your walk is the rocky sea arch offshore – watch for the waves to come roaring through its keyhole arch. Don’t miss this hidden secret! Learn more at: https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/pfeiffer-beach-big-sur/
A previous post about Pfeiffer Beach is at: https://naturetime.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/big-sur-stunning-pink-sand-beach/
About Pam
naturetime 
This is so pretty, I’ve never heard of this pink beach. Big Sur is on my bucket list, so I’m putting this info in our file as an added bonus if we make it there! We’re possibly RVing the west coast the summer of 2021, I’ll soon be mapping out our travels & making campground reservations. 🙂
Big Sur is beautiful! My personal favorite time to go is the end of April for wildflowers. I don’t think you could drive a big RV down the winding narrow 2 mile road to Pfeiffer Beach. While you are in the area, stay at Fernwood Campground – there is an albino redwood tree there (https://www.fernwoodbigsur.com/albino-redwood-tree.html). Our pictures are at: https://naturetime.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/rare-albino-redwood-tree/
Thanks for your tips! I just checked out your links and the campground. Our motorhome is too big but we tow a car, and we’ll drive 2+ hours from a campground if necessary for an attraction. I’d still like to ride by the albino redwood, that is very cool and interesting!
No worries – the pink sand is only 10 minutes from the Fernwood Campground! Of course you have to enjoy the Monterey Peninsula before driving south on Big Sur. If you like finding sea glass, let me know because I have a great spot there in addition to all the other wonderful things in Monterey. Driving south on Big Sur, there are so many pull-offs to enjoy the view. Usually McWay Falls is especially good, but erosion has taken a toll on the trail to the best viewpoint. Once you make it to the Cambria/San Simeon area, you’ll want to see the elephant seal colony and go on a minimum of one tour at the Hearst Castle. Morro Rock is a short scenic drive south. Cross back east on Route 46 to Paso Robles and enjoy the wine region (we especially like visiting Eberle and the sculpture garden at Sculpterra). Before leaving town stop at the historic Mission San Miguel before heading north again towards Monterey to complete the loop (unless you want to enjoy a fantastic trip to Santa Barbara further south – another great spot!).
Awesome awesome awesome! Doing a ‘copy and paste’ of this info to my file right now, Pam! Thanks so much for this info! ❤
That’s great! And feel free to email me anytime, even on the road, with a question (pgwinegar@aol.com). We know this territory very well!
Awesome, thank you much, Pam!