Pfeiffer Beach Sunrise
After taking sunset photo at the McWay Waterfall in Julia Burns State Park, wanted to check how to get to Pfeiffer Beach for the next early morning sunrise, having seen no real signs or roads, we pulled into Pfeiffer State Park and asked them where the beach was located. The ranger told us, passing Big Sur Station, turn first right at Sycamore Canyon Road.
Getting there was part of the adventure, just south of Big Sur Station on Highway 1 there is unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road which winds its way down to the shore. The two-mile long road is twisty and narrow, so RV’s and trailers are not allowed. The road is narrow and bumpy, not easy driving in the dark early morning. Very slow driving following google map (offline map, no cell signals in Big Sur). Arriving at the empty parking lot with no car, no people… head lights on, walked down to the beach.
One rock has a rock arch in it known as the Keyhole Arch, the large rock that is a staple of Pfeiffer State Beach. This amazing natural arch allows waves, and even the last rays of daylight, to pass through it. I could not find the hole at the beginning, too dark, just used manual focus on the big rock, took couple of photos while listening the waves hitting the rocks. When the early morning light shinning on the rocks, saw this hole and purple sand along the winding creek.
Canon EOS R5, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
ISO50, f/22, 55mm, 6s
Pfeiffer Beach Sunrise
After taking sunset photo at the McWay Waterfall in Julia Burns State Park, wanted to check how to get to Pfeiffer Beach for the next early morning sunrise, having seen no real signs or roads, we pulled into Pfeiffer State Park and asked them where the beach was located. The ranger told us, passing Big Sur Station, turn first right at Sycamore Canyon Road.
Getting there was part of the adventure, just south of Big Sur Station on Highway 1 there is unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road which winds its way down to the shore. The two-mile long road is twisty and narrow, so RV’s and trailers are not allowed. The road is narrow and bumpy, not easy driving in the dark early morning. Very slow driving following google map (offline map, no cell signals in Big Sur). Arriving at the empty parking lot with no car, no people… head lights on, walked down to the beach.
One rock has a rock arch in it known as the Keyhole Arch, the large rock that is a staple of Pfeiffer State Beach. This amazing natural arch allows waves, and even the last rays of daylight, to pass through it. I could not find the hole at the beginning, too dark, just used manual focus on the big rock, took couple of photos while listening the waves hitting the rocks. When the early morning light shinning on the rocks, saw this hole and purple sand along the winding creek.
Canon EOS R5, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
ISO50, f/22, 55mm, 6s