I am planning (hoping) to be able to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Thursday June 23… and would like to partake of the visual, visceral and vicarious pleasures of Highway 1. Will it be completely open by then?
Caltrans is stating Highway 1 will be open “mid-June.” If they meet their schedule you’ll be fine. Check back when you get closure to your travel date.
Any word on when the highway will open? I’m traveling the same route mid-August and we’re having trouble planning our trip / booking nights and where to stay, etc. Plus, we’re both just dying to see Big Sur and have no idea how to get through.
Highway 1 is open now. You can drive 26 miles south of Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which is also the location of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge which is being rebuilt. It will be finished in September. You can visit south of the Pfeiffer Canyon bridge by hiking the bypass trail and taking a shuttle or driving around via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. This page has a map that will help you understand the closure points on Highway 1. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on July 19, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Hello,
Is there a map that shows you the best way to drive Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, including any detours.
Susan Overson
August 7, 2018
By: Susan Overson on August 8, 2017 at 8:11 am
At this time you are unable to drive through Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Your only option is to take Highway 101. The Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge will be completed by the end of September, per Caltrans, and at that time you would be able to drive through Big Sur but you will have to take a detour at Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to Highway 101.
By: Stan Russell on August 8, 2017 at 10:10 am
Hallo Stan, we, a couple from Holland, want to drive the highway 1 end of september 2018, from SF to San Louis Obispo. Do you think that will be possible?
thanks,
Aad and Gabriele
By: ajt leek on February 28, 2018 at 7:09 am
Hello Ajt,
The landslide in southern Big Sur is expected to be cleared and cleaned up by September. If it isn’t there is already a detour in the area so you will be able to continue south to San Luis Obispo.
Enjoy the drive!
Stan
Had a Outstanding visit back in March 3-9 with my Wife. Attended Daughters Wedding Pacific Grove. Drove down from SF PCH all the way to Big Sur awesome. Even spent sometime at Ft Ord where I took Basic Training(Jul-Aug 1973) along with two other close friends I grew up with in Upper Darby Pa. What a great area met alot of good people along the way.
We’re 4 Australians hoping to drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Barbara in the 2nd week of June 2012. With the road-work, is it still possible to get through or is there a detour inland? Any information would be gratefully received
We are Aussies as well and left Big Sur Mar 28 and got to the road closure about 15 mins after it had happened, heading for LA. We had to turn around and head back to Montery, so our short day became 10 hours on the road. It was the end of our month long trip, we’d driven 9000 kms (5000 miles). We’ve driven Hwy 1 from LA-SFO (both directions) about 5 times, we’ve always been lucky. Have fun and be careful out there.
We are a brasilian family travelling on California ends of april and may – we are planning to drive from carmel to San Luis obispo on april 29th, but I noticed that this day is going to happen the big sur marathon , will I can do this travel? Thanks for help.
Leaving Anaheim on Saturday, August 24, 2013 and plan to drive the PCH all the way to Carmel. From what I’m reading, it seems like the construction project will almost be complete by then. Do you anticipate any road closures at that point that would prevent us from taking that route?
We are an Aussie couple about to embark the Californian road trip from Santa Cruz to LA on this coming Saturday. (Dec 21st 2013). We have been watching the news closely regarding the terrible fires in the big sur – Pfeiffer Ridge. Currently your reports state Hwy 1 is still open, however is it safe for tourist to pass through, especially with the emergency crew and fires so close?
Hi Karen,
Yes, it is safe. The fire is out now and the air quality is returning to normal. I was watching the news last night as well and unfortunately they were showing video clips that were several days old because they had all the fire images in it. This gives the impression the fire is still ongoing but it isn’t. Just sensationalized journalism. Enjoy the drive and keep your eyes out for migrating whales and soaring California condors!
I was planning to drive from San Francisco to San Diego starting on Feb, 19. Will Coast Highway One likely be re-opened by then?
By: Kevin on January 29, 2017 at 12:36 am
Hello Kevin,
Please check back closer to your travel date. If the rain lets up Caltrans may be able to clear the roadway but the continued parade of rain storms has dampened their efforts.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017 at 10:33 am
We are a family from europe and we plan to drive with a RV the highway no 1 from San Fransisco to Los angeles at the end of may 2017. Is this possible because we will make a reservation at Kirk creek campground.
Hello van Berne,
I would say yes, you will be able to drive Highway 1 through Big Sur in May. Please keep an eye on this blog for updates in the event there is a major mudslide.
Hello Adriana,
Please check back closer to your travel date. At the point in time there are several mudslides in the southern section of Big Sur. Caltrans is doing a great job but it is difficult to get ahead of the slides with the steady parade of rain storms we’ve been having.
We are going to be traveling the coast the end of February. How far south of Big Sur can we get before we run into the closure? Just want to plan our travels accordingly. Thank you
By: Ben Kloosterman on February 5, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Hello Ben, Its hard to say right now. The southern section of Big Sur is experiencing several mudslides and in places road damage. You’ll have to check back toward the end of the month. With the continued rain it is very difficult to get ahead of the slides. Thank you for your patience.
I will be traveling the coastal highway from March 23rd to April 1st from San Diego to San Francisco. Do you think I will still be running into road closures and will Pfieffer National Park be open?
By: Deborah A Martin on February 13, 2017 at 6:46 pm
Hi there, we are travelling from Australia in March 2017, and I have been keeping an eye on this blog. We were looking forward to driving Highway 1 and the Bixby Bridge on March 16th from LA to Monterey. The scenery and coastline is just so beautiful, it reminds me of the Great Ocean Rd here in Victoria. By looking at the pics for Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge it doesn’t look like it’s going to be re-opened anytime soon. Hopefully they don’t have to rebuild it. If this is the case, as we want to see as much of the coastline as possible, what would be the best possible way and route to take. Thanks in advance
We are travelling from Australia and on March 16th and we are travelling from LA to Monterey via the coast. We were looking forward to travelling this route as it reminds us of the Great Ocean Rd here in Victoria. By the looks of things the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge maybe closed for sometime. What would be the best way to fit in as much of the coastline as possible? I found this blog and it’s been the best way to be informed about the landslides and the ayate of Highway 1. Keep up the great work.
Hello Andrew,
At the moment there are several landslides south of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge which are limiting access to Highway 1. Keep your eye on this blog. We will be reporting daily with updates to the conditions on the roadway. I don’t foresee the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge to be resolved by your travel date. You may be able to get access to southern Big Sur and then take Nacimiento-Fergussen Road east to Highway 101, then north to Highway 68 west back to the coast Highway 1, then south back into Big Sur. It’s a beautiful drive as well.
Stay tuned here. We are in a very dynamic situation right now so it is next to impossible to predict what will be happening a week out, let alone a month from now.
Thanks for the kind words! ~Stan
Thanks Stan, I just feel for all the businessess that are impacted by this. Similar thing happened here with The Great Ocean Rd. I’ve been keeping an eye on this blog everyday for the past few weeks, hoping for a miracle and I’m sure you guys are as well. Looking forward to the drive still. Thanks and God bless….
By: Andrew Graham on February 17, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Business is taking a hit but we’re a resilient bunch.
First of all I want to send my best wishes, hoping the problems the storms brought you guys (and still bring) will be solved soon.
I´m going to travel to California and intence to drive Carmel-Sta Barbara in March 21st.
I saw at the Caltrans site that the works in the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge are foresight to be end in March 31st.
Do you know if is there any possibility (by the local comments) they make a detour or a temporary bridge there?
Anyway, If it doesn´t, can I get the HW101, to get the Nacimiento-Fergusen Road, can I pass through Mission Road (after Jolon Road) near the Fort Hunter Liggett? Saying better: how can I access Nacimiento-Fergusen Road comig from the HW101?
Thanks for all! Fantastic blog this one!
My best regards,
Marcelo
By: Marcelo Netto Campos on February 22, 2017 at 9:29 am
Hello Marcelo,
Thank you for your best wishes. Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge was determined to be unusable and will need to be removed and replaced. Engineers will need to do a lot of work determining how to build a new bridge and also the workers will need to remove the failed bridge. I don’t see an alternative route to bypass the bridge by the end of March but Caltrans has worked miracles before. I haven’t heard anything about that yet.
Yes, you can take Highway 101 to Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and under normal conditions access Highway 1 on the coast. AT this time, N-F is closed from the ridge down to Highway 1. There is a plan to repair this road and I hope that this is completed by your travel date but I can’t guarantee it. You’ll have to stay tuned to our blog. Caltrans is working very hard to clear the slides in that area of Big Sur where N-F road meets Highway 1. If we get a stretch of good weather I feel confident they will make progress. Once again, stay tuned to this blog. We update often and as soon as Caltrans issues updated information.
Hi, Stan.
We are planning to drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara on april 9. 2017. Can you tell how far on the coast will be able to drive on highway 1?
Thank you. I´ll keep checking your blog for updates.
Best regards.
Diana
Hello Diana, you can drive as far as 26 miles south of Carmel. 27 miles south of Carmel we have a broken bridge that is not passable. The schedule is to have a new, functioning bridge in 10 months to a year.
Very sorry for the inconvenience.
Regards,
Stan Russell
Hi, Stan, Can I just check with you? We have a possible photo shoot happening in May or June this year and the idea was to drive down from San Fran to LA taking in Highway 1. Is the only alternative route Highway 101? Will highway 1 be completely closed in both directions until September or will it be lets say possible to drive north from Ragged Pt to Lucia for example? Will the national Park be accessible from another route. Sorry to ask you all these questions but I’m contacting you from London and have failed to find a website that can give me clear information. Thanks so much in advance best wishes, Sarah
Hello Sarah,
We have a broken bridge. Highway 1 north of the bridge is open. That is a 26 mile stretch between Carmel and the Big Sur Ranger Station.
South of the bridge Highway 1 is mostly closed except for a small section accessible via Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. Hopefully, by June, Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Lucia will be open to the public but at this time, that is not available.
There are no National Parks in Big Sur. Limekiln State Park is fully open. Garrapata State Park of partially open. Andrew Molera State Park is closed. Pfeiffer Big Sur is partially open – 1 small trail. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed. Hearst Castle State Historical Monument is open. Point Lobos State Reserve is open. It’s complicated and that’s why its hard to find “clear information.” If you would like to speak with us we can be reached by phone Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
Hi Stan, we are travelling from ireland to California 14-28 July this year. I appreciate the bridge won’t be in place. But how much of the big sur will we miss at that time of year because of road works etc? its hard to get an idea how easy it would be to navigate especially the bridge. Is there any proposed map of what the available road willl be at that time thanks a lot Andrew
Hi Andrew,
In July the bridge will still be under construction but it is expected that Highway 1 will be accessible from the south and from the north. We post maps and information here: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
Hi Stan, in August 2017 we are planning to drive from LA to San Francisco with an RV along the Highway 1. Do you think this would be possible or should we take the 101?
I have booked at Kirk Creek but I am afraid, that the Forest 22S01 is to small for the RV and that the bypass of Big Sur will take too much time.
Happy to receive some recommendations.
Hello Werner,
Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is expected to be rebuilt by the end of September 2017. At that point you will be able to drive Highway 1 through Big Sur.
It is suggested to not drive RV’s on Nacimiento-Ferguson road to Kirk Creek.
Your alternative is to take Highway 101 but you will miss Big Sur. If you would like to visit the area north of the bridge take, 101 North, 68 West, 1 South. You will have to exit Big Sur the same way you drive in.
Not at this time because the Pfieffer Canyon Bridge is out. You can visit Big Sur from the north by taking 101N to 68W to 1S. Then, you can drive the 26 miles south to where the bridge is out but you’ll have to drive out the same way you drove in.
Hi I’m planning a motorcycle trip down the coast of California in mid July. I understand the Pfeiffer bridge will still be out by then. What about detours around it? Would it be possible to head down from Carmel to Big Sur and then back up again and go around it on small roads via Carmel Valley through the mountains and back out on Highway 1 somewhere or do I have to get out on 101?
Thank’s for keeping the updates coming here!
Hello Jan, The way you describe your trip is the only way to do it. Once the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is replaced, (September 2017) everyone will be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon. Thank you for your patience.
You can visit the northern section of Big Sur from Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge rebuilding will be completed sometime in September 2017. At that point people will be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon. Thank you for your patience.
We have our trip planed for August 18th traveling the CA1 from San Diego to San Fran. It doesn’t look as if the bridge will be completed, however, will we be able to make it from Pismo heading north to see McWay Falls? And also, will we have to travel back down the 1 to Pismo and take the 101 up to Monterey or is there a cut through to the 101 before Pismo?
I cycled from San Francisco to Mexico in April and May. My advice and that of the other people I met is just forget Big Sur. Go down the Salinas Valley. They are so friendly, welcoming and they don’t keep moaning about all their problems. I met someone who tried to go down Big Sur who was threatened with fines etc. Do you people on Big Sur actually want any tourism? Start thinking about how you can let people through rather than why life is so difficult.
By: Peter Roberts on May 20, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Hi Stan – How far north into Big Sur can you drive if coming in from Nacimiento-Ferguson road? Is it possible to drive north to see McWay Falls? I understand we’ll have to turn around and drive south, the same route to exit Big Sur. We will be in Monterey the week of June 5th.
Hi Amy,
You can drive as far north as Limekiln State Park. Unfortunately that excludes access to McWay Falls for the time being. By June 5 you may be able to drive further north than Limekiln on Highway 1. Caltrans is working on Paul’s slide and will open that stretch of Highway as soon as it is safe for the public. Stay tuned!
Hello, We are looking to drive down the Nacimiento Fergusson Road to the PCH and then to south to Malibu from there. Will that portion of the PCH be open? I read that its closed between Gorda and Ragged Point. We are traveling in Mid August
Presently Highway 1 is closed between Ragged Point and Mud Creek. That won’t be changing anytime soon. Maybe late summer but Caltrans isn’t signaling an opening date for the Mud Creek slide area of Highway 1.
Hello Stan, thank you for all your hard work at this difficult time. My partner and I were planning to be married in Big Sur south of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge over the weekend of September 14. We realize the bridge may not be completed by that time and had been planning to access the venue via Highway 1 from the south. With the latest updates on Mud Creek it seems that may no longer be possible. We are nervous to rely solely on Nacimiento-Fergusson for access and considering pushing back the date to early or late October. Do you have any insight into whether this will be necessary or September might still be a safe bet?
By: Stephanie Weissberg on May 20, 2017 at 10:14 am
Hello Stephanie,
Your guess is as good as mine. Mud Creek is very problematic at this time and could stretch deep into summer. If you have the flexibility to push your date out that would improve your chances of having the highway open for you and your guests.
Does this recent slide prevent travel to Monterey from San Francisco?
We are flying into San Francisco mid-June and then will drive down to San Diego. We were planning on stopping in Monterey and then taking the 101 down to Paso Robles. At that point, we are going to cut over to PCH for the remainder of the trip… just wondering if we need to adjust our route. Thank you for your help!
Can you confirm the approximate location of the road closures? We’re flying from the UK on June 20th and we believe we need to re-arrange our road trip due to the landslide, however we need to understand at which point Highway 1 is inaccessible.
We understand we can get to Monterey, but how far can we continue to travel on Highway 1 before we reach the road closure?
Hello Cheryl,
From Monterey/Carmel you can drive 26 miles south to the Big Sur Ranger Station at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. You will have access to all the hotels, restaurants and state parks but you will also have to leave Big Sur the same way you came in, as compared to taking the iconic drive ‘through’ Big Sur.
We have an information page with a map to make this easier to understand here http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
we are flying into SF on the 11th June and taking the H1 to LA,
having read the posts above we know that will not be posable, the part of are trip we was most looking forward to was the drive thought the Big Sur and seeing the sights on the way, the things we wanted to see was the, Bixby Bridge, Mcway Falls the water falls and visit Pfeiffer Beach, will any for them be possible with the closers?
Do you know how long it will put on the Journey if we was to drive down to we’re the road is closed? And then drove back to the 101?
By: Lee egan on June 2, 2017 at 10:42 am
Hello, I´m planning a trip down HWY One but the latest slide at Mud Creek is making me re-plan. Do have you any information about how long the road is closed?
Highway 1 at Mud Creek slide is an unknown at this point. Caltrans is saying perhaps a year before this section of highway is fixed. However, the area north through Paul’s slide should be open to the public by the end of July. North of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge to Carmel, where most of the lodging businesses and restaurants are located is open now. This map should help you understand: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
Hi everyone, I’m hoping to drive the PCH in mid-August. Any anticipated openings/closings at that point? Or how much will be open/closed? I guess what I’m wondering is, is it worth postponing my trip until next summer (going from Napa to San Diego, through San Francisco)? – Alyssa
Hello Alyssa,
You won’t be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon but you can visit sections of Big Sur. This page has a map that illustrates the two closures zones that trisects Big Sur. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
I am visiting California next week and will be driving from Monterey to San Luis Obispo on Saturday, July 22. We were looking forward to the Hwy 1 scenic drive, but it appears portions are closed. Is it possible to drive parts that are open and then take detours, or are detours even available. Trying to see the most we can, but want to be prepared to change plans.
Thank you.
Hello Nancy,You won’t be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon like you normally can but you can visit sections of Big Sur. This page has a map that illustrates the two closures zones that trisects Big Sur. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
Hi from Down Under … We are planning to visit as much of the Highway as we can Late Nov ’17 and were hoping to travel from San Fran to the Bixby Bridge. Is this possible using the Hwy 1 Scenic Drive.. or is it better to check back closer to our travelling dates. Thanks
Hello Janette,
Yes, you can visit Bixby Bridge. By the time you arrive Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge should also be fully repaired and that will open up a lot of Highway 1 and give you access to an exit point in southern Big Sur – Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.
Thanks for keeping us all updated on everything! Mid August, I plan on road tripping from LA to SF and cutting down from Monterey to see the Brixby Bridge. I’m sad to hear that Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer State Beach are still closed but wanted to ask if there’s any alternative hikes or scenic walks we can go on to still enjoy the beauty of Big Sur outside of our car.
Good afternoon Stan and greetings from North East of England! Me and my sister are visiting California for the first time as part of a 3 week trip around the US next month. We’re planning on driving from San Diego to Monterey with a few stops/hikes in between. With the current highway 1 road closures we were wondering if we would be able to drive any of it at or would we have to use Highway 101 instead? Kind regards, Salome
By: Salome Ashie-Neequaye on January 26, 2018 at 4:48 am
Hello Salome,
You can drive most of Highway 1 but there is a landslide in southern Big Sur which won’t be fixed until later this summer – possibly September.
The alternative route to enter Big Sur from the south is:
Take Highway 101 north to exit #252 at Jolon Road. Go east to Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and continue east to Highway 1.
By: Salome Ashie-Neequaye on January 27, 2018 at 3:40 pm
HI Stan! Thanks so much for your updates. We are coming from the south to Esalen – the Nacimiento-Ferguson road will take us to Lucia, then north to Esalen? Or should we take HWY 101 to Monterey, then south on 1? I.e. is the Nacimiento road as ‘scary’ as people have said? (we’re GOOD drivers, LA survivalists.)
Hello Catherine,
Nacimiento Fergusson isn’t scary to me and that’s the way I would drive to get to Esalen from LA. Take 101 north to exit #252, Jolon Road, west to Nacimiento-Fergusson road to Highway 1. It’s easy.
Good deal – thanks Stan! We live in then mountains an hour from LA, nd deal with wildfires, mudslides, bears on our deck, etc….so I think my main concern was getting stuck if a fire were to happen….but I can keep updated with Caltrans or inciweb I would think. THat’s what we’ll do then! Esalen here we come. Thanks again,
Stan!
By: Catherine on June 25, 2018 at 11:32 am
You’re welcome! Enjoy the road trip! You’ll love Esalen!
By: Stan Russell on June 25, 2018 at 11:46 am
THE road trip = great! Glad we did it Stan. Coming home we took Carmel Valley to Arroyo Seco to 101.
By: Catherine on July 3, 2018 at 9:13 am
Traveling to Big Sur March 15 until the 17th and was wondering if it will for sure be open? Also if you have any info on Willow creek trail near treebone result and if it is passable with the current weather?
Big Sur California
I am planning (hoping) to be able to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Thursday June 23… and would like to partake of the visual, visceral and vicarious pleasures of Highway 1. Will it be completely open by then?
By: William Margold on June 5, 2011
at 1:39 pm
Caltrans is stating Highway 1 will be open “mid-June.” If they meet their schedule you’ll be fine. Check back when you get closure to your travel date.
By: Stan Russell on June 5, 2011
at 5:26 pm
Any word on when the highway will open? I’m traveling the same route mid-August and we’re having trouble planning our trip / booking nights and where to stay, etc. Plus, we’re both just dying to see Big Sur and have no idea how to get through.
By: Amanda on July 19, 2017
at 8:01 pm
Highway 1 is open now. You can drive 26 miles south of Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which is also the location of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge which is being rebuilt. It will be finished in September. You can visit south of the Pfeiffer Canyon bridge by hiking the bypass trail and taking a shuttle or driving around via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. This page has a map that will help you understand the closure points on Highway 1. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on July 19, 2017
at 9:15 pm
Hello,
Is there a map that shows you the best way to drive Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, including any detours.
Susan Overson
August 7, 2018
By: Susan Overson on August 8, 2017
at 8:11 am
At this time you are unable to drive through Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Your only option is to take Highway 101. The Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge will be completed by the end of September, per Caltrans, and at that time you would be able to drive through Big Sur but you will have to take a detour at Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to Highway 101.
By: Stan Russell on August 8, 2017
at 10:10 am
Hallo Stan, we, a couple from Holland, want to drive the highway 1 end of september 2018, from SF to San Louis Obispo. Do you think that will be possible?
thanks,
Aad and Gabriele
By: ajt leek on February 28, 2018
at 7:09 am
Hello Ajt,
The landslide in southern Big Sur is expected to be cleared and cleaned up by September. If it isn’t there is already a detour in the area so you will be able to continue south to San Luis Obispo.
Enjoy the drive!
Stan
By: Stan Russell on February 28, 2018
at 9:40 am
Is highway 1 barriered all along the coast ?
By: peter on August 9, 2011
at 3:39 pm
Had a Outstanding visit back in March 3-9 with my Wife. Attended Daughters Wedding Pacific Grove. Drove down from SF PCH all the way to Big Sur awesome. Even spent sometime at Ft Ord where I took Basic Training(Jul-Aug 1973) along with two other close friends I grew up with in Upper Darby Pa. What a great area met alot of good people along the way.
By: Bobby Wingate on October 13, 2011
at 5:46 am
We’re 4 Australians hoping to drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Barbara in the 2nd week of June 2012. With the road-work, is it still possible to get through or is there a detour inland? Any information would be gratefully received
By: forgecaffin on February 24, 2012
at 12:48 am
You’ll have no problem. Highway 1 is open. There is always roadwork going on along this stretch of Highway 1 but there are no closures at the moment.
By: Stan Russell on February 24, 2012
at 12:46 pm
We are Aussies as well and left Big Sur Mar 28 and got to the road closure about 15 mins after it had happened, heading for LA. We had to turn around and head back to Montery, so our short day became 10 hours on the road. It was the end of our month long trip, we’d driven 9000 kms (5000 miles). We’ve driven Hwy 1 from LA-SFO (both directions) about 5 times, we’ve always been lucky. Have fun and be careful out there.
By: Barb on April 12, 2012
at 11:51 pm
We are a brasilian family travelling on California ends of april and may – we are planning to drive from carmel to San Luis obispo on april 29th, but I noticed that this day is going to happen the big sur marathon , will I can do this travel? Thanks for help.
By: Gabriela on April 7, 2012
at 7:19 pm
Planning on driving to Big Sur from San Simeon on fri June 8th. Will highway 1 be open?
By: Erin Tunison on May 28, 2012
at 4:00 pm
Highway 1 is open!
By: Stan Russell on May 28, 2012
at 4:08 pm
Traveling from LA on Dec 28 to SF via SR1..any major closures or construction detours? Many thanks for a response.
By: Gerald Hill on December 6, 2012
at 12:12 pm
Leaving Anaheim on Saturday, August 24, 2013 and plan to drive the PCH all the way to Carmel. From what I’m reading, it seems like the construction project will almost be complete by then. Do you anticipate any road closures at that point that would prevent us from taking that route?
By: Danielle A. on July 20, 2013
at 4:48 pm
Hi Danielle,
Should be no closures but check back on this blog and if anything comes up we’ll publish it.
By: Stan Russell on July 21, 2013
at 10:25 pm
We are an Aussie couple about to embark the Californian road trip from Santa Cruz to LA on this coming Saturday. (Dec 21st 2013). We have been watching the news closely regarding the terrible fires in the big sur – Pfeiffer Ridge. Currently your reports state Hwy 1 is still open, however is it safe for tourist to pass through, especially with the emergency crew and fires so close?
We do pray that they get the fire under control.
By: Karen H. on December 18, 2013
at 4:13 pm
Hi Karen,
Yes, it is safe. The fire is out now and the air quality is returning to normal. I was watching the news last night as well and unfortunately they were showing video clips that were several days old because they had all the fire images in it. This gives the impression the fire is still ongoing but it isn’t. Just sensationalized journalism. Enjoy the drive and keep your eyes out for migrating whales and soaring California condors!
By: Stan Russell on December 20, 2013
at 10:06 am
We are planning to hit the Hwy 1 this next coming February 2 from SF to Monterey …. do you think it’s going to be ok 😬
By: Marie-Hélène on January 19, 2017
at 12:05 pm
Yes, Highway 1 from SF to Monterey is fine. It’s in southern Big Sur where the closure is located.
By: Stan Russell on January 19, 2017
at 12:18 pm
Hi
I’m planning to cycle from San Francisco to San Diego starting in April 22nd 2017, will highway 1 be open for cyclists by then?
Thanks
Peter (UK)
By: Peter Roberts on January 20, 2017
at 8:49 am
I hope so!
By: Stan Russell on January 20, 2017
at 9:56 am
I was planning to drive from San Francisco to San Diego starting on Feb, 19. Will Coast Highway One likely be re-opened by then?
By: Kevin on January 29, 2017
at 12:36 am
Hello Kevin,
Please check back closer to your travel date. If the rain lets up Caltrans may be able to clear the roadway but the continued parade of rain storms has dampened their efforts.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017
at 10:33 am
We are a family from europe and we plan to drive with a RV the highway no 1 from San Fransisco to Los angeles at the end of may 2017. Is this possible because we will make a reservation at Kirk creek campground.
By: van Berne on January 26, 2017
at 10:45 am
Hello van Berne,
I would say yes, you will be able to drive Highway 1 through Big Sur in May. Please keep an eye on this blog for updates in the event there is a major mudslide.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017
at 10:34 am
I’m planning a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego starting February 27th. Do you think highway 1 will be open at least up to Morro Bay by then?
By: Adriana Zamith on January 31, 2017
at 6:10 am
Hello Adriana,
Please check back closer to your travel date. At the point in time there are several mudslides in the southern section of Big Sur. Caltrans is doing a great job but it is difficult to get ahead of the slides with the steady parade of rain storms we’ve been having.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017
at 10:32 am
We are going to be traveling the coast the end of February. How far south of Big Sur can we get before we run into the closure? Just want to plan our travels accordingly. Thank you
By: Ben Kloosterman on February 5, 2017
at 1:06 pm
Hello Ben, Its hard to say right now. The southern section of Big Sur is experiencing several mudslides and in places road damage. You’ll have to check back toward the end of the month. With the continued rain it is very difficult to get ahead of the slides. Thank you for your patience.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017
at 10:30 am
Is it possible to bike between Nepenthe and Santa Lucia?
By: chris on February 10, 2017
at 4:56 pm
Not at this time.
By: Stan Russell on February 10, 2017
at 5:07 pm
Thanks Stan, I will try again in future. What is typically the best month to drive Highway One from Big Sur to San Simeon?
By: Kevin on February 11, 2017
at 10:47 pm
I will be traveling the coastal highway from March 23rd to April 1st from San Diego to San Francisco. Do you think I will still be running into road closures and will Pfieffer National Park be open?
By: Deborah A Martin on February 13, 2017
at 6:46 pm
It’s hard to say. Keep an eye on this blog. We update the conditions on Highway 1 daily, at the very least.
By: Stan Russell on February 17, 2017
at 1:55 pm
Hi there, we are travelling from Australia in March 2017, and I have been keeping an eye on this blog. We were looking forward to driving Highway 1 and the Bixby Bridge on March 16th from LA to Monterey. The scenery and coastline is just so beautiful, it reminds me of the Great Ocean Rd here in Victoria. By looking at the pics for Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge it doesn’t look like it’s going to be re-opened anytime soon. Hopefully they don’t have to rebuild it. If this is the case, as we want to see as much of the coastline as possible, what would be the best possible way and route to take. Thanks in advance
By: Andrew on February 16, 2017
at 7:44 pm
We are travelling from Australia and on March 16th and we are travelling from LA to Monterey via the coast. We were looking forward to travelling this route as it reminds us of the Great Ocean Rd here in Victoria. By the looks of things the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge maybe closed for sometime. What would be the best way to fit in as much of the coastline as possible? I found this blog and it’s been the best way to be informed about the landslides and the ayate of Highway 1. Keep up the great work.
By: Andrew Graham on February 17, 2017
at 1:53 pm
Hello Andrew,
At the moment there are several landslides south of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge which are limiting access to Highway 1. Keep your eye on this blog. We will be reporting daily with updates to the conditions on the roadway. I don’t foresee the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge to be resolved by your travel date. You may be able to get access to southern Big Sur and then take Nacimiento-Fergussen Road east to Highway 101, then north to Highway 68 west back to the coast Highway 1, then south back into Big Sur. It’s a beautiful drive as well.
Stay tuned here. We are in a very dynamic situation right now so it is next to impossible to predict what will be happening a week out, let alone a month from now.
Thanks for the kind words! ~Stan
By: Stan Russell on February 17, 2017
at 2:00 pm
Thanks Stan, I just feel for all the businessess that are impacted by this. Similar thing happened here with The Great Ocean Rd. I’ve been keeping an eye on this blog everyday for the past few weeks, hoping for a miracle and I’m sure you guys are as well. Looking forward to the drive still. Thanks and God bless….
By: Andrew Graham on February 17, 2017
at 2:07 pm
Business is taking a hit but we’re a resilient bunch.
By: Stan Russell on February 17, 2017
at 2:12 pm
Hi Stan,
First of all I want to send my best wishes, hoping the problems the storms brought you guys (and still bring) will be solved soon.
I´m going to travel to California and intence to drive Carmel-Sta Barbara in March 21st.
I saw at the Caltrans site that the works in the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge are foresight to be end in March 31st.
Do you know if is there any possibility (by the local comments) they make a detour or a temporary bridge there?
Anyway, If it doesn´t, can I get the HW101, to get the Nacimiento-Fergusen Road, can I pass through Mission Road (after Jolon Road) near the Fort Hunter Liggett? Saying better: how can I access Nacimiento-Fergusen Road comig from the HW101?
Thanks for all! Fantastic blog this one!
My best regards,
Marcelo
By: Marcelo Netto Campos on February 22, 2017
at 9:29 am
Hello Marcelo,
Thank you for your best wishes. Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge was determined to be unusable and will need to be removed and replaced. Engineers will need to do a lot of work determining how to build a new bridge and also the workers will need to remove the failed bridge. I don’t see an alternative route to bypass the bridge by the end of March but Caltrans has worked miracles before. I haven’t heard anything about that yet.
Yes, you can take Highway 101 to Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and under normal conditions access Highway 1 on the coast. AT this time, N-F is closed from the ridge down to Highway 1. There is a plan to repair this road and I hope that this is completed by your travel date but I can’t guarantee it. You’ll have to stay tuned to our blog. Caltrans is working very hard to clear the slides in that area of Big Sur where N-F road meets Highway 1. If we get a stretch of good weather I feel confident they will make progress. Once again, stay tuned to this blog. We update often and as soon as Caltrans issues updated information.
By: Stan Russell on February 22, 2017
at 9:39 am
Thanks very much!
I´ll keep tuned here!
Congrats for the great job!
By: Marcelo Netto Campos on February 22, 2017
at 11:01 am
Hi Stan. I work with NOAA and was wondering if we could have permission to use your photo that was in the KPCC story. http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2017/02/24/55285/damaged-bridge-on-highway-one-yet-another-calamity/ Thanks for your consideration.
By: Jim Milbury on March 3, 2017
at 10:04 am
Yes you may! Please let me know where you’re going to use it so I can check it out! Thanks for asking! ~ Stan Russell
By: Stan Russell on March 3, 2017
at 10:06 am
Hi, Stan.
We are planning to drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara on april 9. 2017. Can you tell how far on the coast will be able to drive on highway 1?
Thank you. I´ll keep checking your blog for updates.
Best regards.
Diana
By: Diana Yulee on March 16, 2017
at 8:17 am
Hello Diana, you can drive as far as 26 miles south of Carmel. 27 miles south of Carmel we have a broken bridge that is not passable. The schedule is to have a new, functioning bridge in 10 months to a year.
Very sorry for the inconvenience.
Regards,
Stan Russell
By: Stan Russell on March 16, 2017
at 8:35 am
Unfortunately you won’t be able to drive through Big Sur at this time. It will be at least September before the bridge will be fixed.
By: Stan Russell on March 21, 2017
at 1:21 am
Hi, Stan, Can I just check with you? We have a possible photo shoot happening in May or June this year and the idea was to drive down from San Fran to LA taking in Highway 1. Is the only alternative route Highway 101? Will highway 1 be completely closed in both directions until September or will it be lets say possible to drive north from Ragged Pt to Lucia for example? Will the national Park be accessible from another route. Sorry to ask you all these questions but I’m contacting you from London and have failed to find a website that can give me clear information. Thanks so much in advance best wishes, Sarah
By: Sarah Manson on March 27, 2017
at 4:38 am
Hello Sarah,
We have a broken bridge. Highway 1 north of the bridge is open. That is a 26 mile stretch between Carmel and the Big Sur Ranger Station.
South of the bridge Highway 1 is mostly closed except for a small section accessible via Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. Hopefully, by June, Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Lucia will be open to the public but at this time, that is not available.
There are no National Parks in Big Sur. Limekiln State Park is fully open. Garrapata State Park of partially open. Andrew Molera State Park is closed. Pfeiffer Big Sur is partially open – 1 small trail. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed. Hearst Castle State Historical Monument is open. Point Lobos State Reserve is open. It’s complicated and that’s why its hard to find “clear information.” If you would like to speak with us we can be reached by phone Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
By: Stan Russell on March 29, 2017
at 10:37 am
Hi Stan,
I am hoping to drive from LA up to Big Sur on Friday this week, March 31st. Will that be possible?
By: Sheila Keatinge on March 27, 2017
at 10:23 am
No. The new bridge will be completed by September 31, 2017
By: Stan Russell on March 29, 2017
at 10:08 am
Hi Stan, we are travelling from ireland to California 14-28 July this year. I appreciate the bridge won’t be in place. But how much of the big sur will we miss at that time of year because of road works etc? its hard to get an idea how easy it would be to navigate especially the bridge. Is there any proposed map of what the available road willl be at that time thanks a lot Andrew
By: Andrew Walsh on March 30, 2017
at 1:57 pm
Hi Andrew,
In July the bridge will still be under construction but it is expected that Highway 1 will be accessible from the south and from the north. We post maps and information here: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on April 10, 2017
at 10:10 am
Hi Stan, in August 2017 we are planning to drive from LA to San Francisco with an RV along the Highway 1. Do you think this would be possible or should we take the 101?
I have booked at Kirk Creek but I am afraid, that the Forest 22S01 is to small for the RV and that the bypass of Big Sur will take too much time.
Happy to receive some recommendations.
By: Werner on April 6, 2017
at 11:37 pm
Hello Werner,
Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is expected to be rebuilt by the end of September 2017. At that point you will be able to drive Highway 1 through Big Sur.
It is suggested to not drive RV’s on Nacimiento-Ferguson road to Kirk Creek.
Your alternative is to take Highway 101 but you will miss Big Sur. If you would like to visit the area north of the bridge take, 101 North, 68 West, 1 South. You will have to exit Big Sur the same way you drive in.
By: Stan Russell on April 10, 2017
at 10:08 am
Hi we have a trip planned April 18 thru 24 were going to drive hwy 1 from San Diego to San Francisco is this possible
By: hugh baillio on April 10, 2017
at 9:49 am
Not at this time because the Pfieffer Canyon Bridge is out. You can visit Big Sur from the north by taking 101N to 68W to 1S. Then, you can drive the 26 miles south to where the bridge is out but you’ll have to drive out the same way you drove in.
By: Stan Russell on April 10, 2017
at 10:05 am
Hi I’m planning a motorcycle trip down the coast of California in mid July. I understand the Pfeiffer bridge will still be out by then. What about detours around it? Would it be possible to head down from Carmel to Big Sur and then back up again and go around it on small roads via Carmel Valley through the mountains and back out on Highway 1 somewhere or do I have to get out on 101?
Thank’s for keeping the updates coming here!
By: Jan Helin on April 22, 2017
at 11:52 pm
Hello Jan, The way you describe your trip is the only way to do it. Once the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is replaced, (September 2017) everyone will be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon. Thank you for your patience.
By: Stan Russell on May 5, 2017
at 9:10 am
Hi we have a trip planned from june 29 and going to drive Big sur from SFO . Is this possible ? Asking as I heard about CA 1 closing .
By: Sankhadeep on April 25, 2017
at 1:39 pm
Yes, you can visit Big Sur. The northern section from Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (26 miles of Highway 1) is open.
By: Stan Russell on May 5, 2017
at 9:09 am
Hi we have a trip planned from june 29 and going to drive Big sur from SFO . Is this possible ? Asking as I heard about CA 1 closing
By: Sankhadeep on April 26, 2017
at 8:19 am
You can visit the northern section of Big Sur from Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge rebuilding will be completed sometime in September 2017. At that point people will be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon. Thank you for your patience.
By: Stan Russell on May 5, 2017
at 9:08 am
We have our trip planed for August 18th traveling the CA1 from San Diego to San Fran. It doesn’t look as if the bridge will be completed, however, will we be able to make it from Pismo heading north to see McWay Falls? And also, will we have to travel back down the 1 to Pismo and take the 101 up to Monterey or is there a cut through to the 101 before Pismo?
By: Sue on May 9, 2017
at 8:39 am
Here’s a link to a map and information about the closures on Highway 1. You’ll see its a little complicated.
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on May 20, 2017
at 10:52 am
I cycled from San Francisco to Mexico in April and May. My advice and that of the other people I met is just forget Big Sur. Go down the Salinas Valley. They are so friendly, welcoming and they don’t keep moaning about all their problems. I met someone who tried to go down Big Sur who was threatened with fines etc. Do you people on Big Sur actually want any tourism? Start thinking about how you can let people through rather than why life is so difficult.
By: Peter Roberts on May 20, 2017
at 3:42 pm
Hi Stan – How far north into Big Sur can you drive if coming in from Nacimiento-Ferguson road? Is it possible to drive north to see McWay Falls? I understand we’ll have to turn around and drive south, the same route to exit Big Sur. We will be in Monterey the week of June 5th.
By: Amy on May 9, 2017
at 8:42 am
Hi Amy,
You can drive as far north as Limekiln State Park. Unfortunately that excludes access to McWay Falls for the time being. By June 5 you may be able to drive further north than Limekiln on Highway 1. Caltrans is working on Paul’s slide and will open that stretch of Highway as soon as it is safe for the public. Stay tuned!
By: Stan Russell on May 20, 2017
at 10:51 am
Hello, We are looking to drive down the Nacimiento Fergusson Road to the PCH and then to south to Malibu from there. Will that portion of the PCH be open? I read that its closed between Gorda and Ragged Point. We are traveling in Mid August
By: Wilson on May 16, 2017
at 3:13 pm
Presently Highway 1 is closed between Ragged Point and Mud Creek. That won’t be changing anytime soon. Maybe late summer but Caltrans isn’t signaling an opening date for the Mud Creek slide area of Highway 1.
By: Stan Russell on May 20, 2017
at 10:49 am
Hello Stan, thank you for all your hard work at this difficult time. My partner and I were planning to be married in Big Sur south of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge over the weekend of September 14. We realize the bridge may not be completed by that time and had been planning to access the venue via Highway 1 from the south. With the latest updates on Mud Creek it seems that may no longer be possible. We are nervous to rely solely on Nacimiento-Fergusson for access and considering pushing back the date to early or late October. Do you have any insight into whether this will be necessary or September might still be a safe bet?
By: Stephanie Weissberg on May 20, 2017
at 10:14 am
Hello Stephanie,
Your guess is as good as mine. Mud Creek is very problematic at this time and could stretch deep into summer. If you have the flexibility to push your date out that would improve your chances of having the highway open for you and your guests.
By: Stan Russell on May 20, 2017
at 10:47 am
Does this recent slide prevent travel to Monterey from San Francisco?
We are flying into San Francisco mid-June and then will drive down to San Diego. We were planning on stopping in Monterey and then taking the 101 down to Paso Robles. At that point, we are going to cut over to PCH for the remainder of the trip… just wondering if we need to adjust our route. Thank you for your help!
By: Karen on May 24, 2017
at 7:18 am
Hello Karen, You have the correct route.
Enjoy!
By: Stan Russell on May 24, 2017
at 8:17 am
Thank you! We are looking forward to our trip!!
By: Karen on May 24, 2017
at 10:28 am
Can you confirm the approximate location of the road closures? We’re flying from the UK on June 20th and we believe we need to re-arrange our road trip due to the landslide, however we need to understand at which point Highway 1 is inaccessible.
We understand we can get to Monterey, but how far can we continue to travel on Highway 1 before we reach the road closure?
By: Cheryl on May 30, 2017
at 12:33 pm
Hello Cheryl,
From Monterey/Carmel you can drive 26 miles south to the Big Sur Ranger Station at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. You will have access to all the hotels, restaurants and state parks but you will also have to leave Big Sur the same way you came in, as compared to taking the iconic drive ‘through’ Big Sur.
We have an information page with a map to make this easier to understand here
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on May 30, 2017
at 12:38 pm
Hi Stan
just wondering if you can help.
we are flying into SF on the 11th June and taking the H1 to LA,
having read the posts above we know that will not be posable, the part of are trip we was most looking forward to was the drive thought the Big Sur and seeing the sights on the way, the things we wanted to see was the, Bixby Bridge, Mcway Falls the water falls and visit Pfeiffer Beach, will any for them be possible with the closers?
Thanks Lee
By: Lee egan on May 31, 2017
at 3:09 pm
You can visit Bixby Bridge but McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach are closed at the moment. This map will help you understand the closures.
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on June 2, 2017
at 9:01 am
Hi Stan
Do you know how long it will put on the Journey if we was to drive down to we’re the road is closed? And then drove back to the 101?
By: Lee egan on June 2, 2017
at 10:42 am
Hello, I´m planning a trip down HWY One but the latest slide at Mud Creek is making me re-plan. Do have you any information about how long the road is closed?
By: Robin Nilsson on June 2, 2017
at 1:51 am
Highway 1 at Mud Creek slide is an unknown at this point. Caltrans is saying perhaps a year before this section of highway is fixed. However, the area north through Paul’s slide should be open to the public by the end of July. North of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge to Carmel, where most of the lodging businesses and restaurants are located is open now. This map should help you understand:
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on June 2, 2017
at 9:00 am
Hi everyone, I’m hoping to drive the PCH in mid-August. Any anticipated openings/closings at that point? Or how much will be open/closed? I guess what I’m wondering is, is it worth postponing my trip until next summer (going from Napa to San Diego, through San Francisco)? – Alyssa
By: Alyssa on July 12, 2017
at 9:09 am
Hello Alyssa,
You won’t be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon but you can visit sections of Big Sur. This page has a map that illustrates the two closures zones that trisects Big Sur. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on July 14, 2017
at 10:12 am
I am visiting California next week and will be driving from Monterey to San Luis Obispo on Saturday, July 22. We were looking forward to the Hwy 1 scenic drive, but it appears portions are closed. Is it possible to drive parts that are open and then take detours, or are detours even available. Trying to see the most we can, but want to be prepared to change plans.
Thank you.
By: Nancy Doan on July 13, 2017
at 6:17 pm
Hello Nancy,You won’t be able to drive through Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon like you normally can but you can visit sections of Big Sur. This page has a map that illustrates the two closures zones that trisects Big Sur. http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
By: Stan Russell on July 14, 2017
at 10:12 am
We will be driving through central CA in August. Will the Bixby Bridge be open to drive on, take picture around, etc?
By: Chris Lee on July 15, 2017
at 6:45 pm
Yes, Bixby Bridge is open now with no restrictions. Have fun!
By: Stan Russell on July 19, 2017
at 9:11 pm
Yes, Bixby Bridge is easily available now. It was never compromised.
Enjoy!
By: Stan Russell on August 8, 2017
at 10:14 am
Hi from Down Under … We are planning to visit as much of the Highway as we can Late Nov ’17 and were hoping to travel from San Fran to the Bixby Bridge. Is this possible using the Hwy 1 Scenic Drive.. or is it better to check back closer to our travelling dates. Thanks
By: Janette on July 19, 2017
at 12:32 am
Hello Janette,
Yes, there are no problems around Bixby Bridge. It is open to the public and accessible from the north… San Francisco.
By: Stan Russell on July 19, 2017
at 9:12 pm
Hello Janette,
Yes, you can visit Bixby Bridge. By the time you arrive Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge should also be fully repaired and that will open up a lot of Highway 1 and give you access to an exit point in southern Big Sur – Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.
By: Stan Russell on August 8, 2017
at 10:14 am
Hi Stan!
Thanks for keeping us all updated on everything! Mid August, I plan on road tripping from LA to SF and cutting down from Monterey to see the Brixby Bridge. I’m sad to hear that Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer State Beach are still closed but wanted to ask if there’s any alternative hikes or scenic walks we can go on to still enjoy the beauty of Big Sur outside of our car.
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks a lot!
By: Karie on July 25, 2017
at 8:37 am
Yes, you can hike at Andrew Molera State Park, Garrapata State Park, Point Lobos State Reserve and in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
By: Stan Russell on July 25, 2017
at 6:22 pm
Hi Karie,
Yes, you can hike at Andrew Molera State Park, Garrapata State Park, and Point Lobos State Reserve. All of these are good alternatives.
By: Stan Russell on August 8, 2017
at 10:12 am
Good afternoon Stan and greetings from North East of England! Me and my sister are visiting California for the first time as part of a 3 week trip around the US next month. We’re planning on driving from San Diego to Monterey with a few stops/hikes in between. With the current highway 1 road closures we were wondering if we would be able to drive any of it at or would we have to use Highway 101 instead? Kind regards, Salome
By: Salome Ashie-Neequaye on January 26, 2018
at 4:48 am
Hello Salome,
You can drive most of Highway 1 but there is a landslide in southern Big Sur which won’t be fixed until later this summer – possibly September.
The alternative route to enter Big Sur from the south is:
Take Highway 101 north to exit #252 at Jolon Road. Go east to Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and continue east to Highway 1.
Here’s a link to a google map we put together
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=17R3toKlpraivDeP9X8IH1v08JOo&ll=36.0348417775039%2C-121.16677750000002&z=11
And here’s a link to our website Highway 1 conditions
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html
Regards,
Stan Russell
By: Stan Russell on January 26, 2018
at 9:45 am
Thank you Stan, you’ve been really helpful.
Kind regards, Salome
By: Salome Ashie-Neequaye on January 27, 2018
at 3:40 pm
HI Stan! Thanks so much for your updates. We are coming from the south to Esalen – the Nacimiento-Ferguson road will take us to Lucia, then north to Esalen? Or should we take HWY 101 to Monterey, then south on 1? I.e. is the Nacimiento road as ‘scary’ as people have said? (we’re GOOD drivers, LA survivalists.)
By: Catherine on June 24, 2018
at 2:13 pm
Hello Catherine,
Nacimiento Fergusson isn’t scary to me and that’s the way I would drive to get to Esalen from LA. Take 101 north to exit #252, Jolon Road, west to Nacimiento-Fergusson road to Highway 1. It’s easy.
By: Stan Russell on June 25, 2018
at 9:15 am
Good deal – thanks Stan! We live in then mountains an hour from LA, nd deal with wildfires, mudslides, bears on our deck, etc….so I think my main concern was getting stuck if a fire were to happen….but I can keep updated with Caltrans or inciweb I would think. THat’s what we’ll do then! Esalen here we come. Thanks again,
Stan!
By: Catherine on June 25, 2018
at 11:32 am
You’re welcome! Enjoy the road trip! You’ll love Esalen!
By: Stan Russell on June 25, 2018
at 11:46 am
THE road trip = great! Glad we did it Stan. Coming home we took Carmel Valley to Arroyo Seco to 101.
By: Catherine on July 3, 2018
at 9:13 am
Traveling to Big Sur March 15 until the 17th and was wondering if it will for sure be open? Also if you have any info on Willow creek trail near treebone result and if it is passable with the current weather?
By: Wendy on March 9, 2019
at 1:31 pm