Coast Road in Big Sur Condition?

Of what? The turdburglers that drive on Hwy1 all lookyloo like? Or the line of cars stopped at the Bixby Bridge waiting their turn to park while literally stopped in the middle of the road? Lol, I spent more time yelling at people as we drove by then I did taking pictures, but I did snap this while coming back up Hwy1.


And at Salmon Creek Falls

 

You remind me of myself; I spend more time yelling at how bad everyone drives than enjoying the scenery.

Did you go down Old Coast Rd though? I hear it's blocked half way down the road; going next week now that my truck is done.

 

Nah, we were in the Prius. My taco would have trouble getting up some of the loose sections - underpowered bottom-of-the-barrel four banger with little clearance (saggy bottom girl) and probably shit-for-all tires. It would be interesting...

 

I did Old Coast Rd on Memorial Day weekend (5/27 to be exact). It had rained that weekend and it was super snotty. Had to go 4Hi to get up and there were a couple of sketchy spots were it was threatening to slide me off the hill. After a mile or so I ran into a locked gate. Residents only at that point.

It’s been dry for a couple of weeks now though so it’s probably open.

Pics from near the gate.

 

I'm planning on taking Tassajara Road from Carmel Valley in a few weeks. Do you think I will be able to make it to Chews Ridge with 2WD?

 

Looks more like a place you drive up to and park; where's the trail start and end?

 

I've never been. Tassajara Rd takes you to a couple of campsites and a private Zen retreat at the end of the road.

 

Tried to do it back in May and it was closed about half the way up the first hill climb due to fallen trees. You can stop at or call Andrew Moleras State Park and the Ranger there usually knows whether it is/isn't.

 

Would love to do this later this summer

 

All gates are open; just came back from having gone through it and back today.

Can post pics if anyone's interested. Ran into another forum member out there as well.

 

Please do post pics. Might be a nice little weekend day run with the family, especially as we have friends to stay with in Santa Cruz.

 

For starters, I started up north just before Bixby Bridge -

Luna was pretty excited too!





























All tuckered out.

 

I'd be happy to go again if someone wants to go; the drive through the road is pretty short if you don't stop anywhere. Bring drinks/snacks and stop to enjoy the views!

So again, from North to South you're awarded with some great ocean views at the 9 mile mark.

Going from South to North, you'll have to step on it going up the steep, loose dirt hairpin turn or two at the 5 mile mark. I just locked the rear diff and went up like I was on pavement.

Looks like a few people got stuck at some point at the 6.24 mile mark since there was a really deep rut and lots of tire marks.

 

Thanks for posting some nice photos. Looks like a great day!

 

Subd didn't know about that road but was just down to mccay falls. Anything 2wd able?

 

My truck is a Prerunner (2 wheel drive) ; only time I can see someone having an issue is if you're starting on the south end of the road. As I stated above, there are a few hairpin turns while going uphill. Just back up slightly, and hit the gas.

My next stop will be Hollister Hills, just need to find someone to go with

 

Copy ya id come from North normally. Hh is fun used to go in my old 4wd some spots your Defintely going to need 4wd lol

 

So the drive must've loosened things up because the front end of my truck creaks like crazy.

I'll check my skid plate bolts, sway bar bolts, and other odds and ends?

I know my UCA's are factory so the bushings are definitely shot. Tie rod ends might need replacing too.

 

You can definitely do Coast Road in 2wd (FWD or RWD). Hell, you'll see cars down that road if you drive/ride it enough.

(Sorry - been offline for a minute)

 

As someone else noted, Chews Ridge isn't drivable, but you should be okay to go to the zen monastery and back in a 2wd vehicle. You'll see cars parked all the way out there...just pick and choose lines. I haven't been there in a few years; however, I doubt it's changed significantly (or at all).

Note: there is nothing you can do out there unless you are planning on visiting the monastery, and I believe that requires more than just showing up (fyi).