PCH closure

Question

Hello,apologies if this has been mentioned loads recently.

From the UK and like many are keen to do route 1 this summer. Am I right in thinking that a small part is still shut and will be for the foreseeable?

So you would go down as far as possible and then turn back towards Carmel picking up the 101? To get to Santa Barbara?

Apologies for any silly questions in the above!

Cheers

Trevor

Answer

Hi Trevor, no worries at all! You're correct that a section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Route 1, has been closed due to landslides and other structural issues in certain areas along the Big Sur coastline. The closure is primarily affecting a portion of the highway between the towns of Gorda and Ragged Point, which is expected to remain shut for an extended period of time due to the severity of the damage and the complex nature of the repairs.

While you won't be able to drive the full stretch of the PCH through Big Sur right now, you can still enjoy a scenic drive down to a certain point. Here's what you can do:

Drive down the PCH as far as possible, enjoying the stunning coastal views, and when you reach the closure point, turn back toward Carmel.
Once back in Carmel, you can take Highway 101 south to continue your journey to Santa Barbara. The 101 is a well-maintained and direct route that will get you there without too much hassle.
Alternatively, if you're still keen on seeing more coastal views, you could consider taking other scenic routes or detours that run along parts of the coastline, though they won't have the same iconic experience as the full PCH drive.

It’s definitely not a silly question – many people are in the same boat, and it’s always good to check the latest conditions before planning your trip! Enjoy the rest of your road trip, and the beautiful California coast will still offer plenty of amazing sights along the way!

PCH closure

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