Several California State Parks in the Big Sur area have been shuttered following a partial collapse and road slip on Highway 1, prompting closures to both day use and camping facilities.
According to an alert issued by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, all state parks in the vicinity, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Point Sur State Historic Park, have been closed to visitors.
The closures stem from heavy rainfall that triggered a significant portion of Highway 1 to tumble into the ocean over the weekend, as reported by The Associated Press. The collapse occurred near the Rocky Creek Bridge, causing the closure of Highway 1 from Palo Colorado in the north to just south of Limekiln State Park.
Officials from the California Department of Parks and Recreation have pledged to provide updates on the closures as road conditions permit. Visitors currently in the area have been advised to depart via scheduled convoys, as communicated by the County of Monterey.
In accordance with an alert from the county, access to the affected region is restricted solely to residents and essential workers.
Known for its scenic vistas, Big Sur spans 90 miles along Highway 1, from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon, attracting tourists with its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming towns. The area is a popular destination for road trips and camping excursions, offering numerous picturesque stopovers.
However, recent measures have affected access to outdoor recreation in the area. Last month, authorities made the decision to close San Carpoforo Creek Beach, the area’s sole free camping site, for a two-year period. This temporary ban on camping was implemented by the U.S. Forest Service to address various visitor management issues and concerns regarding sensitive species and habitats, notably citing elevated levels of litter and debris.