If you’re used to driving the whole PCH up to Big Sur from Los Angeles and you’ve found that it’s not possible at the moment, here’s one of the the best ways to get to Big Sur from the south after a landslide.

On a past road trip From Los Angeles to Ojai to Big Sur and back down to San Luis Obispo, we stayed at Treebones Resort and they were kind enough to send us an email detailing how to access the resort when driving from the South. Maps on your phone can sometimes get you lost.

Here is what they sent us!

Note: We are now accessible from the NORTH via coastal Hwy #1 (coming from San Fran, Monterey or Carmel)

If you are arriving from the South (LA, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo) you arrive via the alternate mountain pass called Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. (Coastal Hwy #1 south remains CLOSED.)

Follow directions below, do NOT GPS because it may try to take you on a gravel route! Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is a narrow, windy paved road with no guard rails and should only be traveled during daylight hours. It will add approx 1 hour to your already calculated drive time. This route is a beautiful, scenic but remote road – no cell service, no gas stations or public services. It is maintained by the County and you can check it’s condition by visiting Monterey County Public Works website.

The best way to get to Big Sur from the south after a landslide

Stay on US-101 N to Jolon Rd (this is north of City of Paso Robles)

Take exit 252, continue on Jolon Rd. Drive 21.3 miles to Mission Rd

Turn (veer) LEFT at Mission Rd (next to Hunter Liggett Army Base) drive 3.2 miles

Turn (veer) LEFT onto Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd

There is a small green sign there that says: “State Route 1”

You will cross a SMALL RIVER on a small GREEN METAL BRIDGE

Now stay on this Rd for 24 miles

ALL PAVED, all the way. You will drive through grass meadows, up into forested mountain and then wind oceanside onto the Coast on PAVED road

These directions are to get to Treebones Resort

Once you get to Highway 1, turn LEFT onto the highway

Drive 7.8 miles to Treebones-Watch for small “Treebones sign” on left side off Hwy

Turn left off Hwy 1

Immediate right and follow paved road .5 miles to parking and drive up hill to Check-in.

Happy Travels,
Corey