Current Notice-Highway 1 closures

There are two closures on Highway 1 impacting Big Creek's entrances (Big Creek Canyon at Mile Marker 28 and Circle M Ranch at Mile Marker 27) . Only resident and essential work-related access is allowed to Big Creek. Please submit a reservation and contact the reserve director to coordinate access for site-dependent work purposes. The Regents Slide located at MM 27.6, between the two entrance gates has blocked the highway and there is no estimate for its completion.

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 40 miles from Monterey, passing through Big Sur. Look for the sign that says "Esalen Institute". After Esalen, just past the Lime Creek bridge you will pass through the road closure. Leave the cones as you find them. If there is an attendant, state you have a reservation at Big Creek Reserve. 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. Do not cross the barrier across the highway further south of the gate. (Monterey-Big Creek travel time = about 75 minutes.)

From Cambria...drive north about 50 miles. Drive past Lucia, a small restaurant/motel. Around Lopez Point you will pass through the road closure. Leave the cones or signs as you find them. If there is an attendant, state you have a reservation at Big Creek Reserve. Pass the Vicente Creek bridge, made of cement. 4 miles north of Lucia is the Circle M Ranch gate. It is facing south in a driveway where a blue Vista Point sign is located, across from a grove of pine trees. Do not cross the barrier across the highway further north of the gate. (Cambria-Big Creek travel time = about 75 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.