California whitewater - Big Sur River, Santa Lucia Range, Monterey County

Monterey county, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Motels section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS II+     4 miles
  If you're coming from Salinas it's not a long drive at all to the starting location, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. The Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Motels stretch of Big Sur River in Monterey County is 4 miles long and is a class II+ section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state is often more difficult than elsewhere, so better not forget that the rivers in this state are less manageable. This stretch is mid length, it's good length for a morning
    trip. Getting your paddling muscles activated and spending some quality time in nature have people coming from far and near. Big Sur River doesn't have a lot of paddling stretches, the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Motels stretch is the only one. There are many good hotels to
choose from, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. The river winds through the Santa Lucia Range and you get great scenery. The scenic beauty of California and the cool fresh water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are not so many other good spots for that around here. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground.

Briefly about the general area:
Summertime highs at Big Sur River usually tend to
 
be in the 70's with overnight lows in the 50's. The cold days of the winter come with highs in the 50's; after the sun is down throughout the wintertime temperatures at Big Sur River sink into the 40's. Yep, outdoors cool things truly is bountiful here in the Santa Lucia Range. Wreck Beach is close to Big Sur River if you're in a beach type of mood, and don't leave Big Sur River without first going for a hike along the Oak Grove Trail.
Enjoy a lazy day on the beach at Pfeiffer Beach, and there are nice places to look at along the Buzzards Roost Trail. It is very dry here at Big Sur River usually; January is the month that gets the most rain, and the driest month of the year is July. This river is so great. Pfeiffer Falls is always fun to check out; nearby you stumble on Pfeiffer Gulch which is a wonderful location to take a look at.

Big Sur River, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Motels road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: II+
Length: 4 miles
Average Gradient: 40 fpm
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 36.2471
Longitude: -121.7717

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 36.2723
Longitude: -121.81121

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Current weather conditions at Big Sur River, Santa Lucia Range, California
WXPort

Local climate location: MONTEREY 18 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Unique architecture blends into its natural surroundings complemented with interior earth tones, high sweeping arches and skylights. In a spectacular setting, this 100 acre resort showcases the organi...

Big Sur Lodge, Big Sur
8 miles away
Big Sur Lodge is located in ancient groves of redwood and oak trees in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Big Sur; California is famous for its pristine natural beauty and dramatic; rugged coastline and has...

Ventana Inn Big Sur, Big Sur
9 miles away
Situated on 243 acres, 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The property is known for its serene setting, rustic yet luxurious sophistication and romantic allure. Features include 26 newly remodeled su...



OTHER_INFO
  Santa Lucia Range Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Santa Lucia Range.

Santa Lucia Range Outdoors Info
Complete outdoors info for the Santa Lucia Range.

All California Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California.
Books about whitewater paddling on Big Sur River, California
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Big Sur River, California.
Find a whitewater outfitter in California

Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Salinas, California
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Salinas, California, the metro area neareast to Big Sur River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Big Sur River.
 Whitewater Near Big Sur River:
Little Sur River, Monterey County , 5 miles away, Class III-IV - 7 miles long (Pico Blanco BSouth Carolina to Highway 1)
Carmel River, Monterey County , 12 miles away, Class II-III(IV) - 10 miles long (Los Padres Reservoir to Carmel Valley)
Arroyo Seco River, Monterey County , 21 miles away, Class IV(V) - 3 miles long (Willowcreek Bridge to Arroyo Seco Picnic Area)
Arroyo Seco River, Monterey County , 27 miles away, Class III - 14.5 miles long (Arroyo Seco Picnic Area to Route G16 bridge)
 Beaches Near Big Sur River:
Wreck Beach, Monterey County , 1 miles away
Pfeiffer Beach, Monterey County , 2 miles away
 Hotels Near Big Sur River:
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur , 1 miles away
Big Sur Lodge, Big Sur , 8 miles away
Ventana Inn Big Sur, Big Sur , 9 miles away
Country Garden Inns, Carmel Valley , 13 miles away
Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley , 14 miles away
 Camp Grounds Near Big Sur River:
Sawmill Flat Campground, Monterey County, 1 miles away
P B S S P South Campground, Monterey County, 1 miles away
Vado Campground, Monterey County, 2 miles away
 Trails Near Big Sur River:
Buzzards Roost Trail, Monterey County , 0 miles away, 1.5 hiking miles, 864 feet elevation difference
Oak Grove Trail, Monterey County , 1 miles away, 0.6 hiking miles, 204 feet elevation difference
Manuel Peak Trail, Monterey County , 2 miles away,  10.8 hiking miles, 3534 feet elevation difference
San Clemente Trail, Monterey County , 9 miles away,  7 hiking miles, 714 feet elevation difference
Big Sur Trail, Monterey County , 9 miles away,  15.2 hiking miles, 1949 feet elevation difference
Rattlesnake Creek Trail, Monterey County , 10 miles away,  7 hiking miles, 1350 feet elevation difference
Carmel River Trail, Monterey County , 11 miles away,  29.4 hiking miles, 3023 feet elevation difference
 National Parks Near Big Sur River:
Pinnacles National Monument, Paicines - CA , 56 miles away

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater