Big Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California

Big Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Big Sur Coast Highway, California dreamin' in real-time. This legendary route hugs the coastline from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, and trust me, it’s a ride you won't forget.

We're talking 123 miles (that’s about 198 kilometers) of pure, paved bliss along the iconic California State Route 1. Officially an All-American Road, it strings together the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway into one epic adventure.

Give yourself around five hours each way to soak it all in. You’ll want to, because the scenery is next-level. Seriously, this is one of the most breathtaking drives in the US, with mind-blowing views of the rugged Pacific coastline. Just a heads up: it can get a little crowded with slow-moving RVs during holiday weekends.

The road is fine for most cars, and it's been twisting and turning since way back in 1937. But keep your eyes peeled – some sections have narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs. RVs and larger vehicles, be extra careful! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting here, too. Landslides and washouts after big storms and wildfires can cause closures. Also, remember you're heading into the wild: cell service can be spotty at best.

Where is it?

Big Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.6744, -100.2153

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.6744, -100.2153

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Masonic Mountain?moderate

Where is Masonic Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Masonic Mountain is a above sea level, located in , in the U.S. state of highest roads in California Where is Masonic Mountain? The peak is located in the east-central portion of California . The summit is crowned with many Is the road to Masonic Mountain unpaved? The road to the summit is ruts and embedded rock . The road is suitable for most stock SUVs with 4-wheel drive and moderate clearance lack of cell reception How long is the road to Masonic Mountain? Starting from the iconic , the road to the summit is long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 185 m (607 ft) average gradient is 10.45% , nearby mountains, and historic abandoned mine structures stretching out in all directions. Is the road to Masonic Mountain open in winter? Set high in the Sierra, this road is usually closed from late October through late June or early July The Breathtaking Road to Quail Mountain in Colorado How to Get by Car to Sawnee Mountain in Georgia? Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Driving the wild 4x4 trail to Silver Mountain in BChard

Driving the wild 4x4 trail to Silver Mountain in BC

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamt of conquering a seriously epic peak in the Canadian Rockies? Let me introduce you to Silver Mountain in beautiful British Columbia. This baby clocks in at a whopping 8,336 feet – that’s up there! You'll find it nestled in eastern BC, practically waving hello to Alberta. Now, getting to the top is no Sunday drive. Forget pavement, we’re talking a rugged, unpaved mining road that'll put your 4x4 to the test. Think steep climbs and loose surfaces – this isn't for the faint of heart! Starting near Wilmer, you’ve got about 32 miles of dirt track ahead of you. The views? Absolutely insane. You're smack-dab in the Purcell Mountains, so expect panoramic vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Pro tip: this road is usually open from mid-May to the end of November, so plan your trip accordingly!

How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?easy

How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ready for an adventure. Hop in your car and get ready to climb because you're heading up New Mexico State Highway 475, also known as the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway! This paved road is your ticket to the Ski Santa Fe resort, perched way up high at 10,390 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in New Mexico and puts you among the highest ski areas in the continental U.S. The road winds through the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains for about 16 miles, starting right from the heart of Santa Fe. You'll gain over 3,400 feet in elevation along the way, so buckle up for a steady climb! The views are incredible, and there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos, picnics, or even camping. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. The scenery is especially epic in the fall when the aspens are showing off their golden colors!

Tamarack Ridgeeasy

Tamarack Ridge

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Tamarack Ridge, sitting pretty at 7,585 feet in California's Fresno County. You'll find it nestled in the Sierra National Forest. The road to the top? Paved, so no need for a monster truck, but get ready for some serious curves! Highway 168 (aka Tollhouse Road) will be your trusty guide, winding its way between the charming towns of Lakeshore and Shaver Lake. This route is a total stunner, scenery-wise. Just a heads-up, though – it gets a bit crowded on weekends and during holidays. And Mother Nature? She can be a bit of a diva here, so expect short closures in winter if the weather gets wild.