Pacific Coast Route Section #4, maps 47-49 UPDATE June 2018

[amywally]

***UPDATE ON MUD CREEK SLIDE***
Great news for folks traveling through Big Sur. The Mud Creek Slide the DOT didn't think they'd have repaired until September will be opening at the end of July! Looks like work will continue but traffic will be able to pass through. https://bigsurkate.blog/2018/06/12/mud-creek-to-open-end-of-july/


***POST UPDATED TO REFLECT BRIDGE OPENING***
The new bridge at Pfeiffer Canyon in Big Sur is set to reopen October 13, 2017. Cyclists choosing to ride Big Sur will still need to detour around the Mud Creek Slide south of Gorda. That repair work is slated to be complete Summer 2018.

For cyclists determined to ride a portion of the Big Sur Coast, this detour offers an alternative to the previous detour inland. This “alternate detour” includes about 53 miles along the beautiful Big Sur Coast, compared to zero with the original detour.  See the alternate detour here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23310498

After crossing the Pffeifer Canyon bridge, continue riding south on State Highway 1. In about 26 miles, turn left onto Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. The first 7 miles of this road are extremely steep, but have incredible views of the ocean. The entire length of the road is paved, but narrow and curvy.

After Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd., the new detour passes through Fort Hunter Liggett and then meets up with the original detour routing in Jolon. [NOTE: There may be ID requirements to pass through Fort Hunter Liggett. Follow that conversation here: https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=14866.0]

Services are limited on this alternate detour. Camping is not allowed along State Highway 1 or Nacimiento-Fergusson Road except in designated campgrounds. Lime Kiln State Park, Kirk Creek Campground, Plaskett Creek Campground (5 mi. south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road), Nacimiento Campground, and Ponderosa Campground are some options. The Lucia Lodge and the Lockwood Store will likely be important stops for food and water. Plan ahead. This new detour is only recommended for cyclists determined to see Big Sur and not afraid of a challenge. The original detour has less climbing and more services.

[gratefulsenses]

I feel like post #1 needs more realistic info added to it. This 'detour' would make for a crazy, crazy day for a loaded touring cyclist. The link you provided was from the bottom of N-F Road and into Paso Robles, over 70 mi and 6k elevation gain. That doesn't include the ~20 or 30 miles and another couple thousand ft elevation gain from the bypass trail. There is no camping on N-F Road at ALL. No dispersed camping allowed either. An illegal camp fire set off the Soberanes Fire last summer and the local people are on edge, looking for illegal camping and reporting it. Law Enforcement is making extra patrols as well. N-F Rd is the only road in for the construction traffic that is trying to clear up the road conditions on HWY 1. Heavy Trucks on a narrow, windy, country road; shared with local traffic and tourist as well. There are 2 campgrounds coast side within 5 miles of N-F Rd. that would make this route more realistic. Kirk Creek and Plaskett Creek. Kirk Creek doesn't have water though. It is not impossible, I just thought that a little more context was needed.

[amywally]

I feel like reply #26 needs more realistic info added to it. This 'detour' would make for a crazy, crazy day for a loaded touring cyclist. The link you provided was from the bottom of N-F Road and into Paso Robles, over 70 mi and 6k elevation gain. That doesn't include the ~20 or 30 miles and another couple thousand ft elevation gain from the bypass trail. There is no camping on N-F Road at ALL. No dispersed camping allowed either. An illegal camp fire set off the Soberanes Fire last summer and the local people are on edge, looking for illegal camping and reporting it. Law Enforcement is making extra patrols as well. N-F Rd is the only road in for the construction traffic that is trying to clear up the road conditions on HWY 1. Heavy Trucks on a narrow, windy, country road; shared with local traffic and tourist as well. There are 2 campgrounds coast side within 5 miles of N-F Rd. that would make this route more realistic. Kirk Creek and Plaskett Creek. Kirk Creek doesn't have water though. It is not impossible, I just thought that a little more context was needed.

I agree, this detour is not a casual ride. I will make that more clear in the original post. I would only recommend it for cyclists that are determined to see the Big Sur Coast and are up for a bit of a challenge.

However, there are several places to camp on Highway 1 south of the bridge that are currently open: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Lime Kiln State Park, Kirk Creek Campground, and Plaskett Creek Campground. There are two campgrounds along Nacimiento-Fergusson Road that are open: Nacimiento Campground and Ponderosa Campground.

Food and other services are available at several locations near the bridge, and at the Lucia Lodge further south. The Lucia Lodge is serving dinner daily and lunch on the weekends. They also have lodging and a small general store. After Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, the next food/supplies option is at the general store in Lockwood, and the next camping/lodging/general store is at the Lake San Antonio Resort. So, this detour is practical with careful planning. It can be divided into a few separate days.

[jfswain]

If anyone's interested in an adventurous alternative, I just scouted another detour option that involves some fire roads out of Gorda, which allowed me to (legally and freely) get around the landslide in a day. Because these forums were so helpful in my research, I wanted to post the info in case it could be of help to anyone making plans around the landslide.

The detour broke down into three segments:
1. Willow Creek Road (also: Los Burros Rd 23S01), a fire road just north of Gorda that starts at the Treebones Resort turnoff. ~8 miles
2. South Coast Ridge Road (SCRR), a dirt road that runs the ridge above Big Sur. ~4 miles
3. Salmon Creek Trail (SCT), a half-abandoned hiking trail that connects SCRR to HWY 1, JUST south of the southern landslide road block. ~6 miles

#1 and #2 were great, well maintained fire roads. The climb up to the ridge was steep, probably a bit steeper than Naciemento-Fergusson, but there was virtually no traffic, so it was really enjoyable. I don't recommend part #3 (we did it so you don't have to!), but once you're on the ridge, you can connect up to the top of N-F Rd. Basically, you could ride all of (open) Big Sur, then get back to the detour while avoiding retracing your steps to N-F.

I posted a journal entry about this in great detail with photos here:https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1mr&page_id=525959&v=1J#pic_3175093

Hope this helps!

[Krampus Snail]

Great info, jfswain.

[Biketouringhobo]

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Tim

[JHamelman]

We have learned about a business that is offering shuttles around the Mud Creek landslide. You should schedule ahead at least a few days and you may wish to join forces with other cyclists to make it budget friendly: www.centralcoastoutdoors.com/resources-san-luis-obispo-tours/big-sur-highway-2017.php#shuttle


Jennifer

[dtsloan]

I read there is a hiking trail that can be used to bypass the PCH closure, about a 40 minute hike. Anyone know if this really exists, and if it's possible to walk a bike along the trail? Would save a lot of time and effort.

Thanks.

[dtsloan]

If anyone's interested in an adventurous alternative, I just scouted another detour option that involves some fire roads out of Gorda, which allowed me to (legally and freely) get around the landslide in a day. Because these forums were so helpful in my research, I wanted to post the info in case it could be of help to anyone making plans around the landslide.

The detour broke down into three segments:
1. Willow Creek Road (also: Los Burros Rd 23S01), a fire road just north of Gorda that starts at the Treebones Resort turnoff. ~8 miles
2. South Coast Ridge Road (SCRR), a dirt road that runs the ridge above Big Sur. ~4 miles
3. Salmon Creek Trail (SCT), a half-abandoned hiking trail that connects SCRR to HWY 1, JUST south of the southern landslide road block. ~6 miles

#1 and #2 were great, well maintained fire roads. The climb up to the ridge was steep, probably a bit steeper than Naciemento-Fergusson, but there was virtually no traffic, so it was really enjoyable. I don't recommend part #3 (we did it so you don't have to!), but once you're on the ridge, you can connect up to the top of N-F Rd. Basically, you could ride all of (open) Big Sur, then get back to the detour while avoiding retracing your steps to N-F.

I posted a journal entry about this in great detail with photos here:https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1mr&page_id=525959&v=1J#pic_3175093

Hope this helps!

Has anyone else tried this or a variation? Planning a July ride. Want to stay on PCH as much as possible.  Thanks.

[dtsloan]

It would be great if the app digital maps would be updated to show detours around these long term closures.

[jrobertson]

It would be great if the app digital maps would be updated to show detours around these long term closures.

Hi - That Is a great point. We're working on a way to get the long-term detours to show up in the app and be easily recognized as a detour. I'll update this post when that happens. In the meantime, always make sure to check out the Map Updates and Corrections system before your trip.

Regards,
Jamie Robertson
Routes and Mapping.

[dtsloan]

Great, thanks.

[jrobertson]

According to the Caltrans status page, it looks like SR 1 will be closed through 9/30/18. Also, the BRN app has been updated with the detour around this slide. In the settings area, click Tap 'Check for route updates' to get the new track line.


-Jamie Robertson
Routes and Mapping

[dtsloan]

Looking at a detour that would leave the coast around Moss Landing, go south through King City, then rejoin the coast at Morrow Bay. Not ideal, but is more direct than many of the alternates. Anyone have thoughts on good roads to use cycling? Thanks.

[amywally]

Looking at a detour that would leave the coast around Moss Landing, go south through King City, then rejoin the coast at Morrow Bay. Not ideal, but is more direct than many of the alternates. Anyone have thoughts on good roads to use cycling? Thanks.

Have you seen our detour? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19189649

It begins in Marina and rejoins the route near Cambria.

Amy Lippus
GIS Specialist/Cartographer
Routes & Mapping Dept.

Adventure Cycling Association
150 E. Pine St.
Missoula, MT 59802
http://www.adventurecycling.org
Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle