California State Route One – 2024
We had been waiting for over a year to drive the central part of California State Route 1. Our delay was due to the several hill slides that blocked the road preventing passage. The area of the closure is south of Big Sur and north of San Simeon. Rather than continuing to wait, we decided to drive Route 1 driving up to the closure from Ventura for the southern section, and then, to see the north section of Route 1, we returned down to Morro Bay and drove north on the 101 up to Santa Cruz. We then drove south on Route 1 until we reached the closure on the north side. We only missed the 6 miles that was closed of Highway 1!
California State Route 1 was built piecemeal in various stages from 1919 to 1937. The road spans 656 miles from Mendocino in the north to Dana Point in the south. Convict labor from Folsom Prison was paid 35 cents per day to help build the roadway!
At the beginning of our trip, we stayed in Pismo Beach and toured the southern section first. With the road closed just south of Big Sur, we experienced very little traffic and few crowds. We had a wonderful time with the “top down” and enjoyed the sunny weather, sightseeing, and the hiking in Morro Bay, Moonstone Beach. Elephant Seal Vista Point, Lucia and more!
The following day, we drove up through the central valley to Santa Cruz Country and hiked some beautiful trails among the redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains. After the hike, we stayed with Susan and Jeff in La Selva Beach. We had a wonderful visit with them and one of the days, we drove down to Carmel and hiked Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Our remaining few days included an overnight stay in Carmel Valley and a couple of days exploring the northern side of Route 1. We spent two nights in Big Sur and hiked Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Tanbark Trail to name a few. Our good weather continued during our visit here and allowing us to enjoy the amazing beauty of Big Sur.
Enjoy the photos below. If only photos could capture the beauty!
Pismo Beach Coast line
Morro Bay Coast line
South of Big Sur on your way to the road closure
Route One was closed just north of Lucia
Route One hugs the coast line - Note the rock slide structure
Amazing rock slide structure over the road
Heading back down from road closure at sunset
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park trails in Santa Cruz mountains
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park trails in Santa Cruz mountains
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park trails in Santa Cruz mountains
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos with Susan and Jeff
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Carmel Valley
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
Garland Ranch Regional trails (Carmel Valley)
North of Big Sur with Bixby Bridge in view
Overlook trail to view McWay Falls
