Highway 1 is Officially Reopened through Big Sur
Announced by Gavin Newsom, the reopening comes nearly 90 days ahead of schedule and not a day too soon, following extensive emergency repairs at Regent’s Slide — one of the most complex and challenging sections of Highway 1.
This milestone marks more than the return of a roadway. It restores a vital economic corridor, reconnects communities, and brings long-awaited relief to local businesses and families who have shown remarkable resilience throughout years of closures.
What Happened at Regent’s Slide
Regent’s Slide occurred on February 9, 2024, overlapping with nearby Paul’s Slide, which had already closed portions of Highway 1 since January 2023. Together, these events disrupted access along the Big Sur coast for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Thanks to extraordinary engineering and coordination by Caltrans, the damaged section reopened at noon on January 14, far earlier than the original March 30 estimate.
To complete the repairs safely, crews:
Removed 6,000 cubic yards of debris — enough to fill 240 dump trucks
Worked seven days a week as conditions allowed
Stabilized slopes with over 4,600 steel shear dowels, drilled up to 60 feet deep
Deployed remote-controlled bulldozers and excavators
Used spider excavators on extreme terrain
Conducted daily drone flights and real-time geologic monitoring
These pioneering methods allowed work to continue in one of the most landslide-prone regions in the western United States — a stretch where the U.S. Geological Survey has identified more than 1,500 mapped slides along 75 miles of coastline.
Why This Reopening Matters So Much
Highway 1 is more than a scenic drive — it is the lifeline of Big Sur.
With its reopening:
Communities are fully reconnected from north to south
Local businesses regain reliable access for guests, goods, and staff
Visitors can once again experience the coast without detours or uncertainty
The regional economy begins a long-awaited recovery
As state leaders noted, restoring Highway 1 revives not only commerce, but also the cultural identity and pride tied to one of the most iconic roads in the world.
A Moment of Appreciation, Resilience & Renewal
This reopening represents years of patience, persistence, and collaboration between state agencies, workers, residents, and local businesses. It’s a reminder that Big Sur endures — shaped by nature, strengthened by community, and ready to welcome visitors once again.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to return to Big Sur, this is it.
Drive the coast. Stay local. Beat the summer rush.
Highway 1 — and Big Sur — are open.
Stay at Ripplewood Resort During Quiet Season
To celebrate the reopening of Highway 1 and support travelers eager to return to the coast, Ripplewood Resort is offering quiet season rates through March.
Guests booking midweek stays can receive:
Up to one night free
Automatically applied discounts at booking
A relaxed, nature-first stay among redwoods and along the Big Sur River
Ripplewood offers rustic cabins, riverside accommodations, and an on-property café and store — everything you need to settle in, unplug, and truly experience Big Sur.
Everything You Need Is Right Here at Ripplewood Resort
One of Ripplewood’s most loved features is its convenience without compromising serenity. It’s a rare combination.
At Ripplewood Resort, you’ll find:
An on-site restaurant and café serving warm, hearty meals and excellent coffee.
A general store with thoughtful essentials, from local wine to hiking snacks.
A gas station (a true blessing on Highway 1!).
You don’t have to drive out or plan much. Everything you need is within walking distance from your cabin. That leaves more time to simply be—to explore, rest, read, or nap under a canopy of redwoods.
Unplug, Unwind, and Let Big Sur Do the Rest
One of the quiet luxuries of a Big Sur fall getaway is the chance to unplug.
Most cabins at Ripplewood have limited Wi-Fi and no televisions—and guests love it that way. With the digital noise turned off, your senses wake up. You notice the crackling of the fireplace, the sound of river water at night, and the long stretch of time that’s truly your own.
Whether you’re planning a solo reset, a romantic weekend, or a quick change of scenery before the holidays, Ripplewood is designed for rest.
What to Do During Winter in Big Sur
Not sure how to spend your time in Big Sur this season? We have a few recommendations…
Watch the sunrise with coffee by the river.
Ripplewood mornings are something special. As the sun comes up, it spills gold through the trees, turning the river into a ribbon of light. Bring your coffee down to the bank and just exist.
Capture golden hour like never before.
Your camera roll will thank you. From the Ripplewood cabins to nearby pullouts on Highway 1, the fall light is a dream for photographers.
Enjoy a cozy night in.
Light a fire in your cabin’s fireplace, open a bottle of wine, and unwind. Ripplewood isn’t about big plans—it’s about presence.
Quiet Season at Ripplewood: Big Sur, at Its Most Peaceful
While summer brings crowds, winter and early spring reveal a softer side of Big Sur — quieter mornings, mist in the redwoods, a flowing river, and long stretches of coast that feel almost entirely your own.
These shoulder months are when Ripplewood truly shines.
With Highway 1 reopened, guests can once again enjoy an uninterrupted drive along the coast and settle into Big Sur at a slower pace. Fewer visitors, cooler days, and quieter trails create space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with nature — without the bustle of peak season.
To welcome travelers back during this special time of year, Ripplewood is offering quiet season rates through March, with up to one night free on midweek stays. The discount is automatically applied at booking, making it easy to plan a peaceful escape and beat the summer rush.
If you’ve been craving stillness, space, and the simple pleasure of waking up among redwoods with nowhere else to be — this is your moment. Big Sur’s quiet season is here, and Ripplewood is ready to welcome you.
Plan Your Big Sur Escape
Ready to breathe deeper, sleep better, and start your days with riverside coffee and golden light?
Book your cabin at Ripplewood Today
Big Sur is waiting—and now is the perfect time to arrive.
