Coast Road in Big Sur Condition?

Yea it’s a very manageable dirt road. There was a Charger with its 20” rims and low pro wheels on it when I went last. Needless to say it looked less comfortable than we were but they just picked good lines to avoid some of the more washed out portions.

 

I see a few posts stating that Old Coast Rd is easy in 2wd. I have only done it a few times but I’d caution that is very dependent on season and direction of travel. South to north is steep near the Hwy 1 start, and again near Bixby Bridge ...sketchy when wet and even if you can get up in 2wd, if you have to stop for traffic, a restart may be tough without tearing up the road. It’s the kind of road where if you have 4wd, it’s good to use it to minimize wheelspin and road damage that makes it worse for everyone.

Tassajara Rd from Cachagua Rd to the end at the Zen Center has recently been graded. We just got back from a camping/hiking trip and there were several Priuses and a RWD Mercedes E Class that “made it”. However, there are long steep stretches that had me in 1st gear both up and down (3rd gen V6) and after a few minor wheelspins in the uphill switchbacks, I used 4wd to climb up out of Tassajara. By the way, there are hiking opportunities near the Zen Center that don’t require being an overnight guest or getting a day pass, but do check in and respect the place. It’s pretty special. This was my second time on the Tassajara Road; the previous time I was on my DR650 dual sport bike and didn’t make it up to the high point at Chew’s Ridge ... too much snow. So again, yeah, it’s just a dirt road but season makes a big difference, and some Bay Area folks don’t think about that .

 

You're right about Old Coast Rd and it's why I stated; if you're going from N to S, it's easy but if you're going from S to N, a 2wd will have trouble on a few steep hills.

I've yet to check out Tassajara Rd, but I'd be more interested in something else nearby that'll provide some nice views while also letting me take my truck out on some trails.

 

I also should have clarified the 2wd cars I’ve seen and have done it with we were going N to S during warm dry weather. Also the road is often closed during periods of adverse conditions. Usually about 1/3 of the way up the second hill going from N to S before you could get into any trouble. If any of you are ever towards the valley lmk we can do some trails.

 

What are some other trails with views in the central coast?

Hollister Hills is 20-25minutes from me, but I won't head out there without some guidance

 

Aah sooty should’ve specified which valley. I’m in the Sac valley.

 

Unfortunately there are not many dirt roads here - Old Coast, Tassajara, Cone Peak, South Coast Ridge Road, and Hernandez (a few out there in the Hollister area that I forget the name of but they parallel-ish Hwy25/198 area - Google Map and Google will help).

 

La Gloria Rd in south San Benito/Monterey County as well, Parkfield Grade, plus BLM land off Panoche Rd. Again, not really “four wheeling” unless it’s muddy, but fun exploring. One can also drive off pavement a bit in Los Padres NF northwest of Ft Hunter Liggett. At that point, depending where you’re coming from, you might as well head a bit further south into the Pozo area inland from 101. Some hardcore stuff there.

 

La Gloria, Parkfield, and Panoche area all around Hernandez right? I think you can kind of stitch them altogether.

Regarding "off pavement a bit in LP NF northwest of FHL" - where specifically are you referring to?

 

Parkfield is about 10 miles at most and takes you into Parkfield from the North. If you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday, have a burger at the Parkfield Cafe.

 

I drove the Old Coast Road on Sunday. As of right now you shouldn't have any issues driving from North to South or South to North with basically any car even at the switchbacks. It seems to have been recently graded.

 

Nice looking truck!

I'm heading back out to Big Sur this Wednesday, but going further south for some dispersed camping.

Nice to hear they paved Old Coast; my only concern at the time was if it was closed since they close off some sections from time to time.

 

Where did you start finish? Bixby Creek to Andrew mor?

 

I was there on Sunday too. It was a nice easy little drive.

 

Thanks! I appreciate you starting this thread in the first place. I didn't know there was a road back there until I read this thread and I drive this area all the time.

I started at Bixby Bridge and ended in Andrew Morena area. I passed 5 relatively stock vehicles going the opposite way and only had to back up to let one of them by. Three of them were absolutely hauling ass and did not wave back to me lol.

 

Yeah no worries!

I knew about it, but never saw anything "recent" regarding the condition of the road. Google searches pulled up old reviews/posts about roads being closed off and how it was impassable when wet.

Everyone I waived at waived back! But yes, there was one person hauling ass up that road

Going up to Prewitt Ridge, so I'll be going a good hour south passed Old Coast Rd.

 

Anyone camped andrew lately? Says you can't even make reservations right now I'm looking for a camp spot down in the sur soon

 

Usually you have to reserve camp spots months in advance in the sur area...

 

I might be wrong but I think you can dispersed camp along certain parts of the Old Coast Rd...maybe? I know I've seen photos of people doing it, but then again that's not really a good way of determining what's right or wrong lol.

The public camping areas in Big Sur that are first come first serve are always taken unless you get there at just the right time, and the reservation based ones can be booked out for weeks. We tried doing that on our honeymoon but had to use the KOA style campgrounds because they were the only places that had room.

 

Quoted myself; check out the bold.

I know you asked about Andrew, but places you pay for are just too much of a hassle.

I'm a disabled veteran with a Lifetime pass for national parks and I still rather find a spot in the middle of nowhere.