Keeping California's scenic Highway 1 open

Drivers on Highway 1, a ribbon of road that hugs the California coastline, are afforded spectacular views as mountains cascade into the sea. But in recent years, fierce storms, landslides and wildfires have closed sections of the highway, blocking access to communities like Big Sur. Correspondent Ben Tracy looks at what might be involved in keeping this highway – a destination in itself – open to traffic.

"CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for "CBS News Sunday Morning" broadcast times.

[jasminearmstrong]

As a native Californian, I remember the Big Sur drive as part of many memories. I even helped organize a literary field trip in High School highlighting Miller, Jack Kerouac, Steinbeck and others whose works were influenced by this incredible place. Now, living in beautiful Montana, I still miss Big Sur, the sea, and redwoods.

[nosponsorbackup]

I went to CA for college…the first day I arrived on a plane in from Boston was the first time I had ever been to the state. Rented a car and as soon as I landed took a drive from San Francisco to Big Sur and back. Will never forget the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.

[robsaxepga]

Lived in Monterey for many years. Hwy 1 going down in the winter was a regular occurrence. Have eaten at nepenthe so many times. Love it there.

[_pencil]

I’m glad so many people have wonderful memories of this drive. The scenery is extraordinary.

[jameslarosa]

I've driven down both coasts. Is is the most beautiful drive I've ever done. I did it just once about forty years ago and still remember the views. California must preserve it. The Feds should kick in some cash too, It's like a National Landmark.

[barriegrubb]

In 1985, I was 23 yrs old & moved to L.A. Shortly after arriving, I took a road trip driving along the California coast, camping along the way. I had never seen anything like Big Sur. It's coastline & landscape are the most exquisite place to camp.

[ciprianogonzalez]

Been through HWY 1 Big Sur in my 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s…now in my 60’s and nourished by the experience. Hope to see it again and create more memories.

[bauman]

So blessed to live 20 min away from all this beauty 🙏🏻

[lorettanericcio-bohlman]

Simply divine. Live here and forever grateful. The Sandpiper a visual gift as well. 💜💕💜💕 miss Elizabeth Taylor

[stuartb]

Did this in 2 parts, south then north, last September. Absolutely stunning.

[laurat]

After I moved to LA in 2001, I bought a convertible the following year. Then that summer some friends and I drove up the PCH (to Santa Barbara, SLO, Cambria/San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Fran, Sausalito, and Napa/Sonoma) Hwy 1. As a big fan of the beat writers, esp. Kerouac (from Lowell, MA, near where I live now), Big Sur was a special part of the trip for me as it is for many. We stayed at the campground, good enough for us, and ate dinner at Nepenthe. It was charming, magical, and the views spectacular. There are a lot places in the world or even the U.S. I've yet to see and may never get to visit, but the drive to Big Sur was the trip of a lifetime as he said. And though I only got to make it once, I feel lucky to have had the experience at all.

Before I left LA in 2016, feeling somewhat defeated in life, I thought for a little while of moving there to live w/my dogs, renting a small A-frame cottage I saw online, maybe to visit or even work at Esalen? When the road collapsed, though, I realized it was probably not an affordable, feasible, stable or sustainable way of life for me. Alas, a girl can dream. Until I watched this, I almost forgot about that as it seems so long ago. Now back here in the Boston area again, it's sad to see so many special places (near and far) slipping away...

[armandomorgado]

When I was young and wild, used to hang out on cargo trains and travel from San Diego to SantaAna or to LA, those views will be forever in my mind and heart until I die ❤😂

[malloryjines]

As a native Californian I’ve driven that route several times. I prefer going northbound as opposed to southbound, cause it’s nerve wracking for me! But it’s one of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever traveled! Bucket list for sure!

[kw]

In Northern California now-going to Nepenthe this week

[mimim]

Living in Santa Cruz for 5 yrs- this was my drive as much as I could. When taking photography at cabrillo college- lots taken of Big Sur…..loved it to the north….did move back home to Colorado but those years there- I never took for granted. It is a heaven on earth.

[Brian-osqj]

Took an 18-wheeler down that road, legally. It was a tight adventure I will certainly remember. Just a beautiful place to behold.

[MadDragon]

I love it here in San Luis Obispo County. I grew up here in the 80's and never left.

[bohobevyboutique]

Drove Highway 1 during my Honeymoon in a convertible Mustang from San Fran to Carmel by the Sea. It was spectacular and the highlight of the trip. Sadly the marriage didn't last....

[BeTheLight]

Totally breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. It illustrates the power of the Pacific ocean and one of the icons of America. I appreciate seeing what I can of it. The highway 1 drive and the beloved sequoias have been on my bucket list for a lifetime. At this point it doesn’t look like it will come to fruition, so I’m appreciative of seeing it’s beauty from this clip.🌊

[nikosolikos]

So many great memories there. Enchanting.