Big Sur Service, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California

The Trip

From the majestic redwood forests, where the mountains meet the sea, the magic and mystery of the Big Sur Coast draw visitors from around the world.

We will camp at Pfeiffer State Park, home to redwoods, conifers, oaks, and open meadows. The park includes a café, lodge, and grocery store. Local points of interest include restaurants, art galleries, beaches, and other state parks: Andrew Molera, Pt. Lobos, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters are common here. 

Our service outing will consist of four work days and one work-free day on which to explore, hike, or relax. On work days we will collaborate with State Park staff to address challenges that this well-loved park faces, including trail maintenance. The project is considered moderate to strenuous, but each participant is encouraged to work to her or his own capacity.

On our off day, we can explore the surrounding beaches, hike the trails, look for the California condor, whales, and other sea life, or take time to relax and enjoy this fantastic state park. 

The Project

We will be working closely with California State Park staff on their most needed projects, including addressing impacts from human use and the recent environmental challenges the Central Coast has faced. There will be ample tool instruction and a safety orientation. Potential projects include repairing wear and tear on existing trails, hauling and assembling split-rail fencing on the trails, removing social trails, and addressing the effects of invasive plant species. Expect to have a big impact as we remain flexible to work on the most needed areas to be determined right before our actual outing. We can expect to be working and camping near poison oak.

Getting There

The closest airport is Monterey, approximately 40 miles from our campsite. The San Jose airport is a two-hour drive, depending upon traffic and time of arrival. The San Francisco airport is approximately a four-hour drive, again, depending upon the time of day. Hwy 1 is the most direct route. We strongly suggest that participants contact each other to investigate ride sharing to reduce trip cost and help reduce the number of cars at the campsite. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Trip Difficulty

We might be hiking a mile or more through the redwoods, often up steep trails with significant elevation gain and big drop offs, carrying tools and day packs to reach the work site. Each day we could be heading farther into the park to complete the section of trail that we have been assigned. Trail work is strenuous; it is important that trip members be in good physical condition for the work this trip demands. The trip is otherwise moderate in level of activity. We ask that trip members hike in groups of three for personal safety on free days and that personal packs be placed on the edge of the trail when you are working so that we can easily identify where everyone is during the work project.

Equipment and Clothing

State Park staff will provide the necessary tools. In addition to your tent and sleeping bag, essential items for each trip member include sturdy boots, long pants, work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and a large day pack. Although we provide a first-aid kit, you are also asked to bring your own kit that includes any essential medications or supplies you might need. The central California coast weather can range from windy and cold to warm and mild; temperatures will likely range from 40 to 70 degrees. A full equipment list will be sent to all accepted participants.

References

• Pfeiffer State Parks: www.parks.ca.gov
• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov
• California Condors: www.ventanaws.org
• Monterey County Chapter Bulletin: www.ventana.sierraclub.org

Conservation

The Sierra Club was founded in 1892 to promote conservation and protect our environment and our resources. Our motto is explore, enjoy, and protect.

Doing our time here at Big Sur, we will discuss important issues that not only affect this area but affect the entire planet.

Please come prepared to discuss environmental issues and concerns that are important to you and your community.

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Service outings, in particular, stand out as one of the Sierra Club’s most important “boots on the ground” conservation efforts. The work done by service trip participants in our nation’s public lands is a way of practicing conservation in the most direct way possible, whether it’s improving access while preserving wilderness values, restoring wildlife habitat, or repairing human-caused damage to a natural area. Service trips are a great way to pitch in and do something tangible to make the world a better place; they’re a way to go beyond just talking about conservation; a way to get out there and experience conservation with your whole being.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.