Offseason is my favorite time to visit the Big Sur Coast; the crowds are gone, the fog is gone and the high prices are down! It has been over a year now since the forest fires devastated the beautiful Big Sur and most of the damage was to the backcountry, all Big Sur highway 1 tourist business are open and anxious to provide you with a memorable Big Sur vacationer experience!
The weather is generally mild on the coast but it is best to come prepared and layering is the best way to dress for Big Sur any season.
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Many trails east of Highway 1 are still closed including the Ewoldsen, Limekiln, Pfeiffer Falls and Tanbark trails. |
INFORMATION ON CLOSUERS FROM FIRE DAMAGE : Most Pacific Coast Highway 1 businesses were unaffected by fire damage, the majority of the damage was to the Big Sur backcountry and even the backcountry is recovering; at my last check only one federal campground, Escondido Campground, and one major US federally maintained trail, Pine Ridge Trail) were closed: you can check for current closures at the Big Sur Ranger Station (831) 667-2315. Personnel are available during normal business hours 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (PST) and have information about hiking, camping, road conditions and more. While in Big Sur you can pick up trail maps, books, posters, and lots of other information. They also have public restrooms. At the more southern end of the Scenic Big Sur Highway you can get help and information from the Pacific Valley Ranger Station (805)927-4211. The damage from last years fires is relatively moderate along the Pacific Coast Highway but some interior portions of
Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks are closed and Limekiln Creek State Park is completely closed down, it is completely closed to the public both day use areas and the Limekiln Creek Campgrounds are currently (12/23/2009) off-limits; you can check the official California Limekiln State Park Website for up-to-date information or call 831-667-2403.
The tourist traffic is down because of the global economy and last summer's fire came at the height of tourist season so consequently Big Sur businesses could use support more than usual now. Also because business has been slow and people are tight with their money many tourist oriented business have rolled back their prices to those not seen for many years. To sum the Big Sur tourism situation up, traffic and prices are both down now is the perfect time to come and enjoy the beauty, serenity, and peace that define the Scenic Big Sur Coast.
Pacific Coast Highway One, PCH 1, and other California Highway construction, delays or closures:
PCH 1, Pacific Coast Highway 1 -The Pacific Coast Highway 1 remains open unless it is closed by the California Department of Transportation; for current California Highway conditions call 1-800.427.7623, or on the internet you can check California Highway Conditions:
PCH 1 and all California Highway Conditions at the California Department of Transportation website Mobile.
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