Highway 1 reopens, winter slide closed road in April

Historic Highway 1 has been officially reopened, Caltrans officials announced on June 10.

The winter slide, 7.5 miles north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County line and 40 miles south of Big Sur at Alder Creek, is now unobstructed to two lane traffic, 24-hours per day.

The slide had completely closed the roadway to the public in both directions, including motorized vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians since April 13, 2011.

Northbound travelers seeking to visit the bucolic coastal communities of Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon — home to Hearst Castle — and Ragged Point are no longer troubled with road closures at the gateway to Big Sur via Hwy 1 north. Travelers from Northern California once again have access to the coastal communities of San Luis Obispo County via the treasured historic highway.

Cayucos, renowned for sea glass and its dog friendly beaches, is also home to hiking, parasailing, surfing, among many other activities. Outdoor adventurist will also enjoy tide pools with abundant sea life, hiking on bluffs overlooking the ocean, and more. Antique seekers will keep busy in the many shops, and foodies will find sumptuous eateries. Ample vacation rentals, hotels and B&Bs dot this coastal community.

Cambria, a quaint artisan village with activities including world-renowned art galleries, antiquing, quaint B&Bs, cafes and sumptuous restaurants, horseback riding, bike rentals, and whale-watching from the enticing two-mile Moonstone Beach boardwalk. There is no shortage of activities for the inquisitive traveler.

San Simeon, famed as the home of Hearst Castle, is home to miles of rugged coastal land with beautiful day hikes, kite surfing, kayaking, an Elephant Seals rookery, and more. This tranquil oceanfront community is rich with beachfront and inland accommodations. Hearst Castle jets out over San Simeon in majestic splendor, while further north travelers can tour the Piedras Blancas lighthouse or enjoy the vistas at Ragged Point.