Travel Alerts for Monterey County

Weather Advisories & Road Conditions

Updated: 11:30 a.m. PST, Friday, Apr 19, 2024

Be advised that closures on Highway 1 are impacting travel to and from northern Big Sur. Currently, only essential travel is allowed on Highway 1 past Palo Colorado Road. Conditions and closures are rapidly evolving, so check current conditions before traveling. If you have plans in Big Sur, contact your hotel, restaurant or tour provider for more information. For real-time updates and official resources, please follow Caltrans District 5 on X(Twitter).

While parts of Big Sur are currently inaccessible, there are plenty of paths throughout Monterey County. For alternative experiences, visit More to Explore: Alternatives to Big Sur. Access to the southern part of Big Sur, including hotels and businesses, is currently available via Highway 1 coming north through San Luis Obispo County.

If you’re in an area impacted by a storm, please stay aware of your surroundings, listen for official safety warnings and be prepared to act as directed. Find road closure updates on the Monterey County Emergency Information App.

If you're visiting Monterey County and your plans are impacted by weather, use the See Monterey app to find alternative hotels, restaurants and activities.

Park Closures

Please visit individual county, state and national park websites for the latest updates, as well as to learn of possible trail closures throughout Monterey County. 

Wildfire Information

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 Office of Emergency Services - for active alerts in Monterey County
• West Coast Travel Facts - for real-time air quality readings, emergency resources and alternate itineraries for California, Oregon and Washington
• Cal Fire and/or Incident Information - for fire status across California
• Caltrans - for road conditions 

Travel Responsibly

As our destination welcomes visitors to enjoy our county, we ask that travelers visit responsibly and follow safety precautions, as outlined by health care officials. Please practice the following guidelines: 

• Stay home: If you show signs of illness, stay home. Follow CDC guidance for safe travel.
• Leave no trace behind: Properly dispose of all trash and plastics. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful for generations to come.
• Camp responsibly: Camp only at designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation, causing potential wildfires or camping on private property. Illegal camping is prohibited. 
• Have a plan: Have a back-up plan in case the area you're looking to visit is overcrowded, fully booked or parking areas are full. Explore lesser-known areas and try to avoid times popular areas are in high use. 
• 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 Office of Emergency Services
• Monterey County Health Department
• 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 Info@SeeMonterey.com