Big Sur road closure strains iconic California coast as Highway 1 remains partially closed

A 6.8-mile stretch of Highway 1 along the Regent's Slide area remains closed as rockslides and safety concerns keep the iconic Big Sur coast largely cut off. Caltrans has said the goal is to reopen the segment by the end of March 2026, but officials cautioned that weather and possible additional slides could alter that timeline.

The closure follows the February 2024 Regent's Slide that sent rocks onto the roadway. Highway 1 has not been fully open since January 2023, when a separate two-mile section was closed for more than a year.

San Simeon, a town of about 300 people located roughly 40 miles south of the closed stretch, has seen tourism from the famed Big Sur coast drop as travelers postpone routes that require a complete coast drive or a stop at Hearst Castle. The ongoing closures have shifted typical travel patterns, with some visitors bypassing the coast entirely or limiting trips to shorter, open segments of Highway 1. The Big Sur coast, long celebrated for its dramatic overlooks and rugged coastline, is widely considered one of the most beautiful routes in the United States, if not the world.

Albert Barreto, who took over the Coast Riders Inn in San Simeon in 2020, described the closure as "the kiss of death for us." He said he has exhausted every option to attract visitors, including seeking relief from the Small Business Administration, with little relief available amid ongoing repairs.

Nearby Ragged Point Inn, just north of San Simeon, has also weathered years of much slower business. Diane Ramey, whose husband owns the Ragged Point Inn, said it has been challenging to maintain service while income has declined. Still, she credited loyal customers and newcomers for helping keep the business afloat, noting that the closure has also drawn quieter local and visitor traffic that allows for safer hiking and lower prices in some cases.

Caltrans has repeatedly cautioned that weather can complicate repairs. Spokesperson Kevin Drabinski told SFGATE that the weather is hard to predict, especially as winter approaches, and that the agency prioritizes worker safety on the job site. "The caveats of weather and additional slides are supportive of us prioritizing worker safety on the job site," he said. "If we take care of our crews and create conditions where they can work safely, the road gets open as soon as possible." Officials said they would provide weekly updates to business owners on progress.

Officials emphasized that the broader Highway 1 corridor remains open for most of its length. Caltrans noted that about 109 miles of the 140-mile route remain accessible between Cambria and Carmel, a fact those hoping for a quick reopen should keep in mind. The next several months are considered a favorable window for travel, with seasonal weather, school schedules, and generally lower crowds contributing to what Caltrans described as a potentially productive period for exploration of the Big Sur coastline.

Barreto acknowledged the possibility of continued delay but urged visitors to consider the reopened segments and the area’s other draws. "We’re dying, but that doesn’t mean everything in San Simeon is dead," he said. "It’s beautiful. The weather’s great."