About Pfeiffer Falls
Pfeiffer Falls is a named waterfall in Monterey County, California, located about 17 miles south of Carmel Valley Village. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Big Sur 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°15′25″ N, 121°46′54″ W (36.25691, -121.78162). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pfeffer-Redwood Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), Hopkins Ridge (ridge, 1.0 mi), and Pfeiffer Ridge (ridge, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Pine Falls, 8.2 miles to the east.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 30,T19S,R2E, Mount Diablo Meridian
More Photos
19 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Pfeiffer Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Pfeiffer Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Pfeiffer Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Pfeiffer Falls holds a 4.3 average from 9 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Pfeiffer Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pfeffer-Redwood Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Hopkins Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Pfeiffer Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Post Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Juan Hiquera Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Pfeiffer Gulch — valley, 1.1 mi
- Manuel Peak — summit, 1.3 mi
- Pheneger Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.25691, -121.78162. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Pfeiffer Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pfeiffer Falls located?
Pfeiffer Falls is in Monterey County, California, about 17 miles south of Carmel Valley Village. Its coordinates are 36.25691, -121.78162 (36°15′25″ N, 121°46′54″ W).
What town is closest to Pfeiffer Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Carmel Valley Village, CA, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Pfeiffer Falls?
The closest is Pine Falls (8.2 mi east). Others within reach include McWay Falls (9.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Pfeiffer Falls?
Pfeiffer Falls appears on the USGS Big Sur 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.