Road Conditions
Delays & Closures on Highway 1
Travelers will encounter a full 24-hour closure of Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge starting Friday, May 16 at 10 p.m. Highway 1 will reopen on Saturday, May 17 at 10 p.m.
If you are planning to visit Big Sur at this time, please contact your hotel or business directly for details or visit the Caltrans website. Find updated Big Sur Highway 1 Conditions.
Access to northern Big Sur:
Visitors are able to access northern Big Sur hotels, restaurants and businesses. This portion of Highway 1 that was closed by the Rocky Creek slip-out in Northern Big Sur is open and accessible with the use of a 24/7 traffic light providing public access with one-way alternating traffic in both the northbound and southbound directions.
Access to southern Big Sur:
Access to the southern part of Big Sur, including Treebones Resort and Gorda Springs Resort, is currently available via Highway 1 coming north through San Luis Obispo County. As of Sunday, June 23, Highway 1 at Paul's Slide will reopen, meaning the southern turnaround point on Highway 1 is moving farther north. However, a 6.8-mile segment of Highway 1 remains closed due to ongoing repairs at Regent's Slide. Access from the northern part of Big Sur to southern Big Sur via Highway 1 is not open at this time.
For real-time updates and official resources, please follow Caltrans District 5 on X(Twitter).
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.
Before you go, contact your hotel, restaurant or tour provider for more information and to confirm hours of operation. Please be respectful, patient and kind to all involved in your travels to Big Sur, as these hardworking teams are doing their best to make sure you have a great experience in their community.
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
Parts of Los Padres National Forest are currently closed for storm damage repair. Violations are punishable by a fine of to up to $10,000. Visit the U.S. Forest Service for more information on the closures.
Please refer to individual county, state and national park websites for the latest updates and trail closures.
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.
Wildfire 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. Please practice the following guidelines:
- Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Properly dispose of all trash. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful for generations to come.
- Camp Only at Designated Campsites: Monterey County has increased the fine for illegal camping in the area to $1,000 to help preserve the destination and protect against wildfires. This includes camping along Highway 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 areas are 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 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