As Hwy 1 Closes, Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur Due to Timber Fire

As the Timber Fire in the mountains of Big Sur above Highway 1 grows, tourists are being asked to reconsider travel to the region.

Aug 10, 2026

Updated 5:52 pm PT

Fog lingers off the coast of Highway 1 on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The highway reopened in January following a three-year closure for landslide repairs. Hwy 1 through Big Sur remains open as of Monday morning, but due to the Timber Fire, visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region after a wildfire forced mandatory evacuation orders in the area on Sunday.

The Timber Fire, which grew sharply in size overnight to over 1,7000 acres and is 5% contained, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as “steep, rugged and difficult terrain” in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.

This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. On Monday afternoon, over 10 miles of Highway 1 through the area was closed to everyone except for local residents and employees.

“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in a Monday morning Facebook post.

Caltrans employees and contractors in Big Sur on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, work to stabilize the southbound portion of U.S. Highway 1 that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, which occurred on March 30, 2024, after days of heavy rainfall, hail and powerful winds.

“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”

The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including Nepenthe, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and the Alila Ventana hotel and campground.

As of Monday, Highway 1 is closed between Point Sur Lighthouse and Vista Point (near mile marker 37.5). “Travelers heading to Monterey County from the south via Highway 1 are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” the organization said.

This year’s Monterey Car Week, which organizers say draws over 100,000 visitors every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday. 

Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources