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Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Buzzard’s Roost Hiking Trail is a 3 miles roundtrip that follows Big Sur River and climbs up a shady redwood covered slope with views of Sycamore Canyon and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The trail crests the coastal ridge, taking in westerly views of the Pacific Ocean with a small valley spread out below.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
View from the peak of the hike.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hunting for a spot to take in the sunset.
Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sharing my favorite beer and taking in the view.

A Perfect Sunset Hike

While the views are breathtaking at any time of the day, Buzzard’s Roost stands out as a prime hike to watch the sunset. Those camping in Pfieffer Big Sur State Park enjoy towering redwoods and riverside campsites, but a ridge stands between them and sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, the Buzzard’s Roost Hiking Trail is easily accessible from the campground.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Panoramic views from the top of the trail.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Taking in the sunset

A Practical Note

While the trail is a perfect vantage point for the trail, that does mean that your return hike will take place at twilight or later. Be sure to bring strong lights for the return hike. Even with a full moon, the thick redwoods are dark, concealing the narrow track, steep falloffs, and uneven footing.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Keeping an eye out for roots and other obstacles on our twilight descent.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
The first stage of the hike benefited from the reflected sun off the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Animal Watching Along the Trail

Evening not only means sunsets but prime animal watching time. There is nothing quite like watching the incredibly rare California Condor flirt with each other on coastal air currents directly overhead. Watching the largest North American land bird in its native habitat was as impossibility in 1987 when the species was declared extinct in the wild. It has only been through a dedicated effort by scientists and conservationists that 463* California condor have returned to the coastal peaks of their native habitat. The site is so exhilarating that watching a bobcat sulk down a backcountry road almost comes as an afterthought.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
California condor

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
California condor
Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Watching a bobcat scratch itself.

Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
Wandering down the road as if it hadn’t a care in the world.
Buzzard's Roost hiking trail is a 3-mile loop trail following the Big Sur River, up shady redwood slopes, for brilliant sunset views of the Pacific Ocean.
We watched the bobcat until it climbed up a bank and disappeared into a stand of trees.

*This number comes from a count in 463.

Lexi lives in a truck camper down by the river.

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