Hwy 1 from Monterey to Malibu

Question

So I have down Hwy 1 in CA 2-3 times with friends, but now taking the family.

I believe it is currently closed - will it be open by the summer - how do i find out ? any ideas ?

And if it isnt open how far can (or should) i drive down before turn back to get on the main hwy, and from where should i get back on to Hwy 1 ?

Normally it is a 7-8 hour drive - wondering how long it becomes as a result of the detours ?

Thanks

Answer

Good question. Yes — parts of Highway 1 (Big Sur) are still closed, and as of now, it's not expected to be fully open by next summer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of current conditions, how much you can drive now, and what your detour options are:

Current Status & Closure Info

Caltrans reports that a 6.8-mile stretch of Hwy 1 near *Regent’s Slide* (about 40 miles south of Carmel) is closed due to a major landslide.
The estimated reopening for that closed segment is by the end of March 2026, though this depends on weather and any further slide activity.
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce confirms that *over 100 miles* of Hwy 1 remain open to the public from both the north and south, but through-traffic around the Regent’s Slide area is not possible.
There are also work zones, such as at Rocky Creek Bridge (12 miles south of Carmel), with repair activity.
Overnight full closures are occasionally scheduled — for example, there have been night closures for construction work.

How to Check the Latest Status

Use Caltrans QuickMap or their District 5 road conditions page for live updates on Hwy 1 closures and construction.
Follow the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce website for updates on slide repairs and access.
Also keep an eye on local news or social media from Caltrans (e.g., their X / Facebook) for real-time changes.

If the Highway 1 Closure Still Blocks Your Route… What Are Your Options?

You can drive down Hwy 1 from Monterey/Carmel only as far as the closure (north side of the slide). That gives you many scenic viewpoints, but you’ll eventually have to turn back.
To continue southward past the closure, you’ll likely need to ➝ exit Hwy 1 and use US-101. A common detour is: take 101 south from the Monterey area, then connect back to Hwy 1 further down the coast (for example, near San Luis Obispo / Cambria).
The detour via 101 adds both distance and time. While the route along Hwy 1 is normally ~7–8 hours from Monterey to Malibu, using 101 for part of that will likely add at least an extra hour or more, depending on traffic and where exactly you rejoin the coast.

Practical Advice If You're Planning This Trip:

Build in extra time — with detours, coastal driving, and construction, the trip will take longer than a straight PCH drive.
Plan your major coastal stops north of the closure, such as Carmel, Big Sur viewpoints that are still accessible, Pfeiffer Beach (if roads allow), and other scenic spots you can reach safely.
Use a GPS / map app that shows real-time road closures so you can adjust your route on the fly.
If you were hoping for the full Big Sur drive, be aware that “through” driving along Hwy 1 (north → south) is currently not possible — you’ll need to detour.

Bottom Line: Hwy 1 from Monterey to Malibu is not fully open due to the Regent’s Slide closure. You can still drive parts of the coast from Monterey, but to continue the full route south, you'll need to use 101 and rejoin the coast downstream of the closed segment. Plan for a longer drive than usual and stay updated on road conditions via Caltrans or Big Sur Chamber resources.

Hwy 1 from Monterey to Malibu

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