US 1 closures near Big Sur

Question

Hi, We are traveling in May. We will be in Cambria for a few days and then in Pacific Grove for a few days. US 1 is closed from Lucia to Slates Hot Springs, so when we go from Cambria to Pacific Grove we will need to take the 101. Which means no drive through Big Sur. I'm thinking we would be able to drive south from Pacific Grove through Big Sur to Slates Hot Springs, knowing we would have to loop back to Pacific Grove? Or will US 1 be a mess due to people turning around at road closures? Worth trying?

Answer

Traveling along US 1 through Big Sur can be a stunning experience, but closures between Lucia and Slates Hot Springs will definitely affect your plans. Here’s a detailed perspective on your options and what to expect:

Since you’ll be going from Cambria to Pacific Grove, taking US 101 inland is the most practical choice. This avoids the closed stretch and ensures a smooth drive without backtracking or encountering unexpected detours. You’ll miss the iconic Big Sur coastal views along that segment, but the inland route is faster and more reliable.

Regarding your idea of driving south from Pacific Grove through Big Sur to Slates Hot Springs and then looping back:

The stretch from Pacific Grove south past Carmel, through Big Sur, down to Slates Hot Springs is technically open from the north until the closure, but it’s a narrow, winding road. It can get very congested, especially near the closure point where drivers must turn around.
Weekends and holiday periods tend to see heavier traffic, as tourists attempt the scenic drive despite partial closures. In May, weekdays may be more manageable, but you should still expect some slowdowns and occasional long waits at the turnaround points.
There is also limited cell service in Big Sur, so navigation apps may not update in real-time if there are backups or temporary stoppages.

Alternative strategies:

Consider doing the drive south to the closure point very early in the morning. This gives you a better chance of enjoying quieter roads and parking at key scenic spots.
If you’re mainly interested in scenic views, focus on the northern Big Sur segment from Pacific Grove/Carmel south to Bixby Creek Bridge or Pfeiffer Beach. These areas are well worth it and avoid the congestion at the closure.
Another option is to plan a partial day trip from Cambria heading north instead, or include a stop at Ragged Point or other viewpoints along the open portion before reaching the closure.

In summary, attempting to drive all the way from Pacific Grove to Slates Hot Springs and back is feasible, but you should be prepared for narrow roads, potential congestion near the closure, and some time lost in turnarounds. If your priority is a relaxed scenic drive with photo stops, it’s better to aim for the open segments early in the day rather than trying to push through the closure stretch.

US 1 closures near Big Sur

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