raybo

I need to be in LA in August. I have ridden down the coast many times but always in April and May.

What is the traffic like in Big Sur in late July? In April, there are few cars and often I feel like it is just me and the highway. What will the experience be like in late July?

Thanks,

Ray

jamawani 

Hey Raybo -

Here is the link to Caltrans Traffic Volume -

https://traffic-counts.dot.ca.gov/2006all.htm

Click on "Route 1" in the box -
Then scan down to the section between Ventura and Monterey.

The numbers are AADT - Average Annual Daily Traffic -
But they also give Peak Month.

At Big Sur the Peak Monthly Daily Traffic is about 6000 vehicles.
South of Big Sur it drops to 3600 then quickly pops back up.

My rule of thumb -

Under 500 - Empty
500-1000 - Quiet
1000-2000 - O.K.
2000-4000 - Mirrors a must
Over 4000 - Shoulders needed
Over 8000 - Heavy traffic

Best - J

ggriffinslo

The numbers are true, but there are also some geographic considerations. Most traffic runs from Carmel to about Big Sur State Park or Piefer Burns State Park and are people out for a day trip. Once past Big Sur it drops off quite a bit. From the south day folks drives drive north about as far as Ragged Point. The Carmel to Ragged Point section is beautiful , hilly, curvy and has limited shoulders, but from Ragged Point south, the road levels and widens out and is still beautiful.

Good luck!

paxtonm

What they said. I don't mind riding Hwy 1 south any time. If you can stand it, you might consider a rearview mirror. The rental motor homes are the vehicles to watch for. Have a great ride!