Buzzards Roost Trail is a sub-location within the larger Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park general Hotspot. If you prefer to have your birds mapped more precisely, or if you are only stopping by to do this hike, then please use the sub-location. Please note that as an eBird sub-location, you should only include birds within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park that are west of Highway 1, as emphasized in this Hotspot's name.

The trailhead is sign-posted on the south side of the Big Sur River. Follow signs from parking areas and Big Sur Inn to trails south of the river that then cross west below the Highway 1 bridge to the trailhead. Bring water for the steep portions of this hike. You can also reach this trail by parking along Highway 1 just north of the Highway 1 bridge, walk through the Big Sur Lodge parking lot, and take the pedestrian bridge to the south side of the River. That route, or simply crossing the Highway 1 bridge to the south side and taking the first trail to the right, gets you to the Buzzards Roost Trail without an entrance fee.

The viewpoint at the top of the loop provides a panorama that may include views of California Condor soaring with Turkey Vultures (if you are lucky) and of other raptors. Enroute you may see or hear resident forest birds including Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers, Band-tailed Pigeons, and abundant Steller's Jays. Pacific Wren may sing from the understory, and watch for Purple Martin in summer and Vaux's Swift in spring and fall migration. Winter may bring Varied Thrush and Golden-crowned Kinglet.

Buzzards Roost Trail is a 3 mile roundtrip hike. This moderate to strenuous loop follows the Big Sur River then climbs through shady redwoods to an exposed sunny ridge with a panoramic view of the ocean, Sycamore Canyon, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Starts across the river from the Redwood Deck. The total elevation gain is about 750 feet.