Highway 1 Closed in Big Sur After Rainstorm

Rockslides and debris block the scenic coastal highway in multiple locations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Highway 1 through the Big Sur region of California has been closed due to rockslides and debris in the roadway following the latest rainstorm. The closure extends from Ragged Point Inn in San Luis Obispo County to one mile south of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn in Monterey County.

Why it matters

Highway 1 is a vital transportation route along the central California coast, connecting communities and providing access to popular tourist destinations. Closures due to weather events can significantly disrupt travel and commerce in the region.

The details

According to Caltrans, the state's transportation agency, crews will respond at daylight to assess the damage and begin clearing the roadway. There is currently no estimated time for the highway to reopen.

  • The closure went into effect on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and operating the state's highway system.

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What’s next

Caltrans crews will assess the damage and begin clearing the roadway at first light, but there is no estimated timeline for when Highway 1 will reopen.

The takeaway

This closure highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining critical transportation infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.