Super-fun dirt road. Wonderfully scenic/varied alternative to the highway(and that’s saying something, considering how beautiful THAT is!). Hills and vistas and valleys and forests. Would definitely make a point to do this when passing through, time and weather permitting. I would totally heed the not-when-rainy advisory, unless I actually lived along that road. Too many steep/rocky/narrow parts to go mucking around with zero traction. No one needs to go sliding down a cliff. If you are faint of car, save it for a truck or AWD. Coming from the south, avoid stopping on the steep uphills; might be a little touchy to get the car back moving again, considering that even the gentlest starts with most car gearing may get sportier/road tires spinning too fast to grab in the dustier parts of the road.(That said, you could always just roll back a bit until you have a more rocky/tractiony section to work with.) Can’t say I’d recommend it for motorcyclists with normal street tires… probably better to sit this one out and leave it for the dual-sports /adventure bikes /dirtbikes. There’s basically no pavement(it’s dirt, not gravel, but still), some sandy/dusty parts, lots of rocks/ruts/dips, and I’m sure it’ll just be an unpleasantly exhausting, cuss-ridden 10 miles if you don’t give up before you get halfway. :P Disclaimer: I totally did this road just fine in a stick-shift Accord Coupe. ;)
Santiago A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sacramento, CA
Unfortunate that there’s no good place to stop and enjoy the scenery, that is if you heed all the MINE, MINE, MINE signs. I am not an off-road driver, so I really don’t know, but consider it to be very light off-roading. I’m not sure why some of the reviews describe terror-inspiring drops and changes in elevation. Most likely to keep the entire world off the road? I had zero concerns driving it, but we drove it in perfect conditions in an AWD vehicle with terrain response, which was way more than we needed to handle the terrain and changes in elevation. If anything, it was fun to get completely off the gas and brake and let the hill descent chingadera handle the downhills; all I had to do was steer. I’m pretty sure a 2wd vehicle with the right amount of ground clearance can do it; in fact a couple of teenagers behind me in a Tesla S followed me ½ way through before turning back! Anyway, loved the drive, views, and weather. Did not love the lack of places to park and hangout. We finally parked and walked around a bit at the«top,» but it was very limited.
Shelly G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Los Angeles, CA
This was a very fun drive and I’m glad my husband and I did it(with my dog in the backseat, alternating between enjoying the scents and looking annoyed at the bumpiness). It was beautiful. I drove because I can’t even read a text on my phone without getting carsick. I have a fear of driving up hills so I was a little nervous going into this drive in my front wheel drive CR-V, but I read enough reviews here and on Trip Advisor that I thought we’d be OK, so we went for it. I remember someone saying that if you’re nervous, to start on the northern end at Bixby Bridge and end at the Andrew Molera entrance/exit. I think that made a really big difference and I love whoever wrote that review and want to buy him/her a drink. We started at Bixby Bridge and went downhill on some of the steepest and most rutted parts; I remember thinking that it would have been a lot scarier if we had started at Andrew Molera. So, if you’re at all nervous or wondering if your car can make it, start and Bixby and go south! The entrance is also easier to see if it’s your first time. Many people said it takes about two hours but it only took us about 50 mins. Granted, we only got out of the car once to take photos, and I was nervous about my tires spinning on hills so I basically sped up them. We saw about 4 other cars. One of them was a new Camaro and we were amazed that it handled this bumpy road, but it seemed to(although I wouldn’t recommend it). The road was not as scary as I’d built it up to be in my mind based on other reviews(when you start at Bixby). I gave Old Coast Rd 4 stars instead of 5 because we didn’t see any cool animals or pretty flowers that other reviewers have mentioned, and because, personally I didn’t find any of the scenery or views to be THAT different from what you already see on PCH or any of the side streets. I wonder if it’s nicer other times of the year… the landscape looked very dry. Conserve water.
Brian C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tracy, CA
As everyone has stated the old coast road is a great drive through the redwoods, windy roads through the coast off of hwy 1. I entered before the bixby bridge and stopped to take pictures. Then proceeded down the road. Truck or SUV/AWD vehicle recommended but not required when dry. I went through and seen 2 Ford Escapes, Dodge Magnum and Toyota Prius. Having said that I’d be afraid of some of the rough rocky areas slicing tires on passenger cars or breaking something on the suspension. The road is rough, dusty dips, small rocky areas as well as steep areas. But the key is to take it slow I averaged 10−15mph and slower through the switch backs in my Suburban. You have to share the road with hikers, bicyclists and other cars so take her easy enjoy the scenery. We stopped and took many many photos. It took me an hour plus well worth it.
Patrick B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Lakewood, CA
I had a pleasure of driving this dusty, unpaved road before sundown. Heeding the advise of others, I allowed a full 2 hours to get thru the 13 miles, and made sure I completed the trail before sun down. I took the Molera to Bixby Bridge route. The old road is difficult to find from the PCH freeway, but it is just across the street from the Molera horseback riding place. At first you may think it’s only a one way road, since it looks like an exit only from PCH, but have no fear that is the right way to go! Make sure you take the right car, I had 4 cylinder Rav4, that just made up it one of the steep hills after getting temporarily stuck on an include. I made the mistake of coming to a full stop on an incline since I thought a tire had popped, and when I tried to go up the hill again, I was stuck. I had to go in reverse several times until I reached a part of the hill with a lower grade level before I was able to continue uphill. The key is slow and steady wins the race, don’t stop until you are on level ground or only a very mild incline grade. There are beautiful views of the ocean. The barbed wire fence along the trail also gives the ride an extra thrill. Expect to have cows blocking the road at certain points. Since I was not sure how to handle the cows, I just waited patiently for them to cross before I continued. Make sure you have enough gas and spare tire equipment since there is limited reception in the area, and very little room to maneuver. Also, there is hardly anybody taking the trail, so you will be lucky if you see a car or two. On the bixby bridge side you get to see a beautfiul view of the bridge. Overall, the trail is a joy. It’s not as scary as some make it out to be. However, there are a few steep inclines, you just need to have the right car and go up the hill w/confidence. Lastly, maybe I didn’t go on the right day, but I saw zero deer and zero bob cats on this trail. Only cows galore.
Herci R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Long Beach, CA
This dirt road was fun to go through and a bit scary. We encountered only one other car pretty early on and the rest of the way was just us. It was dead quiet, not the place you want your car to break down at. We encountered cows on the road and had to wait to let them pass a couple of times. We almost didn’t make it up a particularly steeper hill and started to get worried a bit(Rav4) but it all added to the experience once we were over the hill! The view of Bixby Bridge towards the end of the path was awesome. Make sure you exit prior to or right at sunset.
Kalipo K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Gatos, CA
Don’t travel the Old Coast Rd. It’s loose dirt, rock and mud with treacherous cliffs, river crossings and private property land owners willing to post your head a stake warning others to stay out. Whatever you do… Stay on Cabrillo Highway. Especially if you don’t have a high clearance 4×4 or Subaru. And if you do, you’ll miss out on one of the regions hidden gems. I write this with a bit of fear only because I’m afraid thousands will flock to the old road much like Bixby Bridge is now a tourist bus stop. The rutted dirt road is about 10 miles long and takes leisurely 2 hours to traverse. Redwoods, river banks, sheer cliffs and some amazing views await if you’re willing to exit stage left and go where most do not. There’s no ATT cell service but my GPS remained linked the entire trip. I’m sure there’s no AAA to rescue you either so be prepared. I would avoid traveling this road in darkness especially if you have to perform a reversing maneuver. A wrong move can plummet you 1800′ to sea level in a cartwheel type fashion. The ranchers might possibly find you the following winter. I’ve posted a couple pics cause they’re worth a thousand words
Cali G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Pleasanton, CA
However terrified I may have been in the passenger seat, this road is home to gorgeous California landscapes and a 12 mile adrenaline rush! Don’t miss this drive if you have the car/time/nerves for it! The view and experience can’t be beat.
Lorena E.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Lancaster, CA
This road is amazing! Absolutely beautiful and so worth every bit of the craziness. We weren’t able to make it all of the way through because they were doing some road work at mile 7, so that was a bummer. I hope we didn’t miss too much! It was a little scary when we approached vehicles coming the opposite direction and we had to figure out how to move over on a one way road with sheer cliff next to you. I love how you experience the beauty of the ocean views, the mountain/hill views and the forest of Big Sur views all in one drive.
Jeff M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Monmouth, OR
I agree with those below: Both this road and the Coast Ridge Road are magnificent for biking and running. There’s little traffic and often absolute silence. There are bobcats galore. I’ve counted as many as 60 deer on the pasture coming up out of East Molera, and been lucky enough to spot a couple mountain lions over the years. It’s hard to believe that hundreds of people lived in here prior to the 1940s. Go very early in the morning and catch the sunrise in the little Sur drainage. Please do respect the rights of Ranch el Sur, and other property owners, though. They work hard to maintain fence. And even if you have a 4×4 that will make it, please don’t damage the road by tearing it up when its wet. Many people depend on this road.
Fieora C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Malibu, CA
Unlike all the other«terrified» motorists — I did this gorgeous scenic RIDE on my mountain bike. It is one of the most peaceful, awe inspiring 3 hours out and back I have spent in a long, long time. I saw Wild Turkeys, squirrels, deer, cows, birds and water everywhere. The scariest part was dropping down to Highway 1 on the way back, where there were huge Rv’s hauling ass with families hanging out the windows looking at the ocean and not leaving any space for bicyclists. If you have a nervous disposition or are a control freak — drive it yourself or even better — RIDE it on a bicycle.
Old School G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Pacific Grove, CA
Old Coast Road is not as scary as most people make it out to be, but there is one squirrely section. This is coming down from the summit towards the rockpile. This is where there’s some shale on the road, and if it’s the slightest bit wet, you will need a 4WD uphill. Downhill not as much of a problem as a 2WD can make it. But you’d better have a rugged suspension. The El Sur Ranch loves to post signs to keep you away, don’t loiter, blah, blah, blah. But there’s no soles living there, except for some near Bixby Creek, and one house about two miles up from Molera. Otherwise you won’t see much except the cows. Bar none great scenery and a drive which is about an hour.
Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Belvedere Tiburon, CA
My favorite treat in Big Sur, because no one is insane enough to drive this. It’s the old stagecoach trail that was used prior to Highway 1 being built, and it will give you a maddening respect for what was going on just about 100 years ago or so. It goes so deep into the heart of the rolling hills of Big Sur, and it’s likely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. GREAT for 4×4’s, possibly okay for normal cars outside of winter and post-grading(there are people who live back there in earth houses, etc), and there’s a great couple hikes you can go on — one to an abandoned boy scout camp. It’s ridden by crazy mountain bikers from time to time. It goes from Bixby Bridge to Andrew Molera. It’s about 13 miles, takes 2 hours to drive, and takes you deep into the heart of ancient Big Sur. It’s *SCARY*… I mean white knuckle scary with 1000 foot drops inches from your tire — *BUT* it takes you through an epic array of endless beautiful terrain… rolling hills, lush forests with streams, etc. It will blow your mind, and if you are daring, I suggest you try it. If you are a nervous driver but an avid explorer of life… make sure you drive from Bixby to Molera, because the south to north route has you dealing with some of the fiercest and scariest climbs ever. But the views… it’s unlike anything you will ever see again. This is one of the most special places in the world, for sure… and you are just the adventurer to see and share it. =) Here are some TA reviews of it: Here’s a Youtube of mine… it shows how you go from forest canopy to wild stretching pacific views. Here’s another:
