Illustration courtesy of local artist Rowan Chase 

 With fires blazing all throughout the state of California, it has caused very well known scenic routes to be shut down. This includes San Luis Obispo High School student favorite Highway 1.  

  “Big Sur is such a cool place that isn’t too far away from SLO. My friends and I go pretty frequently for day trips to adventure around or camp up in the mountains. Since the fire we haven’t been able to do these trips but I can’t wait to go up soon now that it’s more open,” said junior Scott Murphy. 

  Highway 1 is along the beautiful coastline and leads SLOHS students and tourists alike up to Big Sur and beyond.

The Dolan Fire started August 18, 2020, by an arsonist, has spread over 124,924 acres, but finally around 98 percent, almost full containment allowing the firefighters and Caltrans to reopen Highway 1.

With the only paths to Big Sur being closed since August 18, 2020 when the fire started, many students and locals are excited to be able to again explore a beautiful nearby adventure area. 

  “I went camping with my family up in Big Sur and on the way there we saw a lot of burnt land but when we got there it was super pretty and you could see a lot of the land that has survived the fires. We only stayed one night but we had a little bonfire and then the next morning went on a hike and drove back,” said junior Josie Berryman.

  Although much of the scenic Big Sur drive was burned, the restaurants and beach side are opened back up with the COVID-19 restriction still in place.

Off roading trails including Nacimento-Ferguson are still closed and Los Burros Road and Plaskett Ridge Road are only open to residents as of now. Most of the camping sites are opened back up.

There are some trails opened back up but limited. Both Big Sur hiking and beach options are both available again.

  Go enjoy Highway 1 on a day trip or camping weekend to the lovely Big Sur, but remember to always take safety precautions first. 

Sources : fire.ca.gov

Bigsurcalifornia.org