Incredible view, just south of Limekiln. (Kirk Creek is in the fog)
Background: at the current time, there are 3 closures, creating two “islands” with limited access. From south to north:
(1) The HUGE slide, just south of Gorda, called “Mud Creek” or the “Mud Slide”. This will take a very long time…
(2) A minor slide, just north of Limekiln State Park, called “Paul’s Slide”. This is expected to be open by the end of this month (July 2017)
(3) The bridge, currently being rebuilt, which splits the town of Big Sur in half. This is expected to be complete in September 2017.
Big Sur Kate, a locally well known blogger, describes the closures, too. Watch her site for updated access information and maps: https://bigsurkate.blog/
My first stop, was to head to the “island” between #1 and #2, which has vehicle access on the twisty and scenic Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. Take it SLOW! Expect a construction or delivery truck in the middle of the road at every blind curve, especially weekdays. (I was there two years ago to climb Cone Peak https://alpharoaming.com/2015/01/05/cone-peak/)
The bottom of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road,
Kirk Creek Campground, site 2B
Fishing Boat
Lounging in the right lane
Heading the other way, about 10 miles south of Limekiln, the road is blocked just south of Gorda. That’s the HUGE “Mud Creek Slide” that won’t be fixed this year. This completes the ~10 mile island between closures #1 and #2.
Gorda itself, has a cafe, gas station, and small store. They were all open, but staff outnumbered customers on the afternoon of July 3rd. I ended-up seeing a “Serving Dinner” sign. just north of Gorda, for the Treebones Resort. http://www.treebonesresort.com/
Treebones Resort was hopping!
(I later peeked at their lodging availability on the website. They do have availability, if you want to go. They’re doing much better than the other businesses in Gorda. I suspect that’s because they are a “destination” for most visitors, rather than relying on people passing by.)
The outside deck of Treebones, in Gorda, CA
The top of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road
It’s a tough summer in the tourist business!
The nice guy at Big Sur Station said my bicycle was welcome if I could “shoulder it”, as the trail was steep, with many stairs. My antique Specialized bike weighs only 17 pounds, so off I went! The trail starts at site #31 of the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground.
North end of the trail. Site 31 in Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
About 400 vertical feet of climbing
A view from the trail
At the “Southside”, two friendly folks from Nepenthe http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/ pointed the way to the Big Sur Taproom and told me that the number of tourists had greatly exceeded expectations!
South end of the trail, 1/4 mile from the Taproom & Deli
Some local residents’ cars
I stepped inside at about 3:00PM, and had the place to myself, except for 3 local residents, and one other tourist who arrived after I did. (WiFi, too!)
4th of July at 3:00PM
Next time, I would consider arriving earlier to Big Sur, and cycling, or taking the shuttle service to Nepenthe. It’s a unique opportunity to visit Nepenthe, while the tourist traffic is lower and they NEED your support.
When Paul’s Slide (#2) is finished later this month, it will be possible to drive to Nepenthe and the Taphouse, via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. A very long drive! I expect they will still be slow for the rest of the summer, until the Big Sur bridge is reopened later in the year. GO!
AlphaRoaming 
Thanks for the trip report! Later this summer, I’m planning to take the hiking trail to bypass Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge. My boyfriend and I are planning a multi-night bicycling and camping trip south of the closure.
From what you could tell, would cars be OK parked for multiple nights, north of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge? We may spend up to 5 nights biking and camping in Big Sur in the road closure area, including a stay at Esalen.
I would place a call to Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park and/or the Chamber of Commerce to ask for the best spot. I’m sure there’s a way!
Are you allowed to walk your bike on parts of the 3/4 mile pedestrian trail (and carry it on vertical parts) or do you have to carry it the entire 3/4 mile?
Was just wondering since I will have panniers.
Thanks for your great posts!
I walked it most of the way. I only lifted it on the stairs.
We will definitely try this this (Big Sur bypass with our bikes) weekend. Would be a shame to miss biking this road while it’s still closed! Thanks for all the infos!
Thanks for the write up! We’re heading down from Santa Cruz tomorrow, planning on doing the hike-a-bike on Thursday. Great info.
It was awesome, BTW. My wife and I both hiked with cross bikes and spent a great day on Big Sur Southside. The trail is easy, maybe 120 stairs or so.
If you own a cross bike, I’m sure you’re fit enough for the hike-a-bike đŸ˜‰ Glad you enjoyed it.
Highway 1: Open and Ready to Drive
Highway 1 is now open from Cambria to Carmel. The iconic drive down California’s Coast is fully open. A public ribbon cutting at the Ragged Point Inn was held today at 11 am to officially open the scenic highway.
Road trips may now resume thanks to the hard work of Cal Trans. The historic highway, celebrates 80 years this summer and is designated as one of 22 All-American Highways in the U.S.
Join us in San Simeon as you drive on the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Thanks Jeanne! I hope the businesses can get back to normal.