Highway 1 At Regent's Slide is Officially Open
Enjoy uninterrupted travel between Monterey County and San Luis Obispo through Big Sur
Travel Information
Road Conditions
Highway 1 at Regent's Slide has reopened ahead of schedule, restoring full coastal access between Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County through Big Sur. Read the full press release for more information on the reopening: Visit SLO CAL and See Monterey Celebrate Early Reopening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide.
To check road conditions for real-time updates, go to Dot.CA.Gov or follow Caltrans District 5 on Twitter (X). Visit HOW 2 HWY 1 to plan the ultimate road trip adventure on Highway 1.
Weather Conditions
Get the latest weather updates for Monterey County from the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey, CA. Access current conditions, forecasts and hazard alerts to plan your day with confidence. From coastal conditions to inland forecasts, stay informed and prepared with accurate, up-to-date information.
Parking
Old Coast Road off Highway 1 at Bixby Bridge is a No Parking Zone. A parking citation fee will be issued to those who park illegally.
Park Closures
Jacks Peak Park: Due to anticipated severe weather, Jacks Peak Park will be closed Wednesday, December 24, through Thursday, December 25. The park will reopen on Friday, December 26, if the weather permits.
Los Padres National Forest: Parts of the Los Padres National Forest are currently closed for storm damage repair. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000. Visit the U.S. Forest Service for more information on the closures.
Please refer to the websites of individual Monterey County, California State and National Parks for the latest updates and trail closures.
Safety Information
Beach & Ocean Safety
Monterey County’s coastline is stunning, but its powerful currents and cold-water conditions require caution. Follow these essential safety tips to stay safe in and around the water:
- Never swim alone.
- When in doubt, don’t go out!
- Choose lifeguard-protected beaches whenever possible.
- Follow all lifeguard instructions and posted warnings.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm to conserve energy and maintain clear thinking. Do not fight the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline to exit the pull, then head toward shore.
- If you cannot swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water until you are able to move safely toward shore.
- If you still cannot reach land, face the beach, wave your arms, and call for help to get attention.
- If you see someone in distress, alert a lifeguard immediately. If none are available, have someone call 9-1-1, then throw a flotation item and provide clear instructions to help the person escape the current.
- *In-water rescues should only be attempted by professionally trained personnel. Many drowning incidents occur when untrained individuals try to rescue someone caught in a rip current.
For more ocean safety information, visit the California State Parks website.
Wildlife Safety
Foraging: Exercise caution when gathering wild food, including mushrooms. It is not safe to eat wild mushrooms unless they are identified by an expert. Visit the County of Monterey Health Department to learn more.
Wildfire Safety
Wildfires predominantly occur in remote, forested areas away from population centers. It is important to follow all laws regarding open fires, camp only in designated areas, dispose of cigarettes properly and put out all fires in designated areas. Travelers should also have an emergency plan and follow any evacuation orders.
RESOURCES
- Monterey County Department of Emergency Management: For active alerts in Monterey County
- West Coast Travel Facts: For real-time air quality readings, emergency resources and alternate itineraries for California
- Cal Fire and Incident Information: For fire status across California
- Caltrans: For road conditions
The Right Path to Responsible Travel
As our destination welcomes visitors, we ask that you follow the safety precautions in place. Please practice the following guidelines:
- Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Properly dispose of all trash and minimize your footprint.
- Camp Only at Designated Campsites: Monterey County has increased the fine for illegal camping to $1,000 to help preserve the destination and protect against wildfires. This includes camping along HWY 1, passing through Big Sur, and any side roads.
- Have a Plan: Have a backup plan in case the area you're looking to visit is overcrowded, fully booked or parking is full.
- Respect the Destination and Others: Monterey County is home to an amazing diversity of indigenous plants and animals. Leave natural objects as you find them, keep your distance from wildlife and be respectful of others so that everyone can enjoy our scenic destination.
Local/Regional Resources
- Monterey County Health Department
- Monterey County Office of Emergency Services
- Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula – Monterey, CA
- Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – Salinas, CA
- Mee Memorial Hospital – King City, CA
- City of Monterey
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
For additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]