Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip & Closure

[chilipalmer]

Driving the PCH at the beginning of September from SF down as far as Pismo Beach. Has anyone driven it recently and if so is it still closed in part? If it is still closed is there a detour I can make without having to drive inland and pickup the 101? I want to stay on Highway 1 for as much of the drive as possible. I may be wrong but I think I drive down as far as Lucia but then it s closed so I can t reach Big Sur directly.

Edited by chilipalmer on Monday 7th July 20:01

[itz_baseline]

Yeah we did LA to SF in May and its still closed around the Big Sur area. 101 was the only way around.

From North you'll be able to take it down to Monterey and then you'll have to cut across to 101 which is a big shame as you'll miss all the best bit out.

They keep on threatening to reopen it so keep a close eye by Google-ing it

[Dave.]

I thought it had reopened with a strictly policed reduced limit?

Or am I thinking of a different road?

Eta….


Pacific Coast Highway Reopening Details
Overview
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) reopened to all drivers on May 23, 2025, ahead of schedule for the Memorial Day weekend. This reopening follows a closure due to the devastating Palisades Fire that began on January 7, 2025.
Key Information
ATTRIBUTE DETAILS
Reopening Date May 23, 2025
Speed Limit 25 miles per hour
Lanes Available Up to two lanes in each direction
Traffic Control Major delays expected; lane shifts in work zones
Security Measures 16 checkpoints manned by LAPD
Ongoing Repairs Continued construction and debris removal

Edited by Dave. on Monday 7th July 20:21

[itz_baseline]

The PCH is huge in distance and had multiple closure when we were there. This one seems to refer to the closures that were due to the fires.

The main closure by Big Sur was because of a landslide that took out the whole road and needed mountain structural remediation before they could put back the road.

The closure is know as 'Regents Slide'. Google maps suggest its still closed and general Google suggests the theres still c7 miles closed which unfortunately means you need to take the 101 around....or drive the 40 minutes to the closure if you want to see the road, then back track the 40 minutes.

[Dave.]

Ah, of course!

I'd forgotten about the landslide.

[Mandat]

It's been a long while since I last drove the PCH from SF to LA, but this greeted us along the route.



The diversion route took us through part the army training centre at Fort Hunter Liggett, which was an interesting sight itself.

[chilipalmer]

Thanks all for confirming what I thought. How long again was that picture taken Mandat?