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Highway 1 in Big Sur reopened weeks ahead of schedule

January 16, 2026

By KAREN VELIE

For the first time in nearly three years, Highway 1 from Big Sur to San Luis Obispo County fully reopened, a month and a half ahead of schedule.

“This reopening will bring much-needed relief to small businesses and families in Big Sur and the surrounding communities who have shown remarkable resilience and strength,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “This vital corridor is the gateway to California’s coast and the lifeblood of the Big Sur economy—and today it’s restored.”

A 6.8-mile stretch of Highway 1 had been closed since Feb. 9, 2024, when a slide engulfed the roadway at Regent’s Slide and spilled down to the beach and ocean below. Regent’s Slide is located 45 miles south of Carmel at Post Mile 27.8.

It is now possible to travel on Highway 1 from Cambria to Carmel, ahead of wildflower season.

 


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Newsome had nothing to do with it yet he wants to be associated with something positive. As opposed to the train to nowhere and the LA fires.


Thank you Caltrans and private contractors.


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As described, this is quite a scenic 99 mile, 2-3/4 hour trip by car, nearly free of all cellular service. Freedom awaits!


14

So sad a large portion of this counties enterprise is based on a two lane crooked road that runs up the coast. Well, that and the wine industry that left half the grape crop hanging on the vine this year. What’s left, the government which includes County and local, Cal Poly, CMC, Atascadero State and yes PG&E the state controlled or out of control utility.

And we wonder why socialism is so prolific here.


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Can’t blame tourism for profit, when that’s all ya got. Seriously. Morro Bay, Port San Luis lost the fishing industry, and now rely on city people wandering about. Cayucos no longer organizes dairy shipments nor processes whale carcasses. Cambria no longer….what did Cambria have before tourism? Harmony will still be a tiny population “SAAA LOOT!” on Hee Haw. San Simeon can now no longer claim to the be the last bastion of civilization on the North coast. The Castle will finally regain visitors (and the city people swerving all over the highway to see the Zebras). Ragged Point should be opening the snack bar within weeks (which will bring back locals). And Gorda will raise their gas prices, and smile as they do so. Maybe, if were lucky, Lime Kiln will be back in business.


But, yeah. If tourism feeds the family, that’s what you endorse.


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