Notice

Caltrans has announced a "long term closure" of Highway 1 at a slide known as "Paul's Slide". Paul's Slide is located six miles south of Big Creek Reserve and 3 miles north of Nacamiento Ferguson Road. Therefore, NF Road does not serve as an alternate route to Big Creek. Big Creek is only accessible from the north through Monterey/Carmel. Although Caltrans has not estimated how long the closure will last, they have indicated the repair could take months. 

Google Maps

Main entrance at Big Creek bridge. Note there is limited cellular service at Big Creek so Google Map navigation may not work without having an offline map.

36° 4'11.38"N, 121°35'56.40"W

Good Old Driving Directions

Cal Trans recorded highway information - call 1-888-836-0866

Note: the reserve entrance is not marked and is easily missed unless you are alert and follow these directions:

From Monterey...drive south about 50 miles from Monterey, 45 miles south of the Carmel Crossroads. About 12 miles after passing through Big Sur (find the US Post Office), look for the sign that says "Esalen Institute". After Esalen, drive past the Lime Creek bridge and the Dolan Creek bridge. Then, 4 miles south of Esalen, you will cross the Big Creek bridge, 600' long and straight, made of cement. At the south (far) end of the bridge make a sharp left into a unmarked, gated driveway. The gate is made of metal, formed in the shape of a wave. If you come to Lucia, you have gone too far and must turn around and drive 5 miles back to Big Creek. (Monterey-Big Creek travel time = about 75 minutes, can be longer in heavy traffic.)

From Cambria...drive north about 50 miles. Drive past Lucia, a small restaurant/motel. Pass the Vicente Creek bridge, made of cement. 5 miles north of Lucia is the Big Creek bridge, made of cement with huge arches supporting it. Turn right into the unmarked, gated driveway at the south (near) end of the bridge. The gate is made of metal, formed in the shape of a wave. If you come to Esalen Institute, you have gone too far and must turn around and drive 4 miles back to Big Creek. (Cambria-Big Creek travel time = about 90 minutes).

If you get lost, call 831-667-2543 (office), Mark 831-667-2309, Sean 831-667-2569 or Mack 831-667-2157 for directions.