Highway One

Though it was not the first highway constructed in the United States despite it's name, it is the farthest one can go on a paved road without traversing into the Pacific Ocean. Highway One runs in parallel to the Pacific coastline. Any farther west (like right over the cliff) and you’d be soaking in the deep cerulean waves of Earth’s largest and deepest oceanic basins.

The Pacific Ocean is the oldest on Earth with some rocks dating back 200 million years (if you can fathom that.) This ocean, bounded by the continents of Australia and Asia in the west to the Americas in the east, covers 63 million square miles…impressive! While that number is difficult to fathom too, this one is more manageable to the meager mind: 656.

Highway One (or State Route One) runs directionally north to south 656 miles alongside the Pacific Ocean. At this length, it is the second longest route in the United States.

Cool number facts aside, describing your first sight of the ocean as breathtaking and awe-inspiring, is slightly underwhelming as words go. While it is described as one of the most breathtaking drives (in the world!!), there’s not much one can do to really and truly prepare you for what it is. As I sit here typing and remembering every detail the best I can, my heart longs to be there again taking in the grand and spectacular panoramic views that compare to nothing I’ve seen before.

When We Traveled

            This trip occurred during a time when it could have been insanely busy: August 2 through August 7. While the Highway 1 drive occurred at the end of a larger trip that included Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia National Park, it was beautiful enough on its own to warrant a trip back. Despite the traffic in San Francisco (where we flew into), we didn’t have much issue on the roads and had many places to ourselves. I imagine more traffic in the June and July months. Shorts and t-shirts (with an occasional cardigan) were appropriate attire for me this time of year (but with my easy to burn skin, I opted for slightly more coverage).

What We Visited

            Along Highway 1, McWay Falls is located in Big Sur. The hike down to the falls is an easy 5-minute walk. I’m mildly out of shape and did not break a sweat for this activity. McWay Falls is an 80-foot-tall waterfall flowing from granite cliffs into an alcove speckled with beautiful rock formations.

Big Sur is a stretch of land along the coast, located 150 miles south of San Francisco. The breathtaking views here comprise the only place I have seen where the mountainous terrain and striking redwoods meet the enchanting views of the ocean, so vibrant that it's nearly celestial.

You’ll find Ripplewood Resort situated along the drive. We stopped here for food and a restroom break, and I fell in love immediately. It was peaceful with rustic cabins, some situated along the Big Sur River. I added this as a "return to" destination for a weekend getaway.

Andrew Molera State Park encompasses it's own beauty and is a sight to see, but the one-mile hike to the beach can be tough if one wears the wrong shoes (that’s me) and the beach itself involves getting pummeled by sand bullets on a fierce windy day. While this was my experience in only one moment in time, I don’t think I’ll be revisiting this particular state park again.

All was worth it when we stopped at Garrapata State Park, one of my favorite sights on Highway 1. There are sea lions! Take binoculars!

Favorites:

Sights: The spectacular blues of the Pacific Ocean meeting the greens and browns of the landscape.

Sounds: The rhythmic sound of the ocean crashing into the sharp rocks.

Bagpipe Linne at the Ritz-Carlton and his historic stories about the "green light" just as the sun sets over the ocean.

Perceptions: The inspiring roar of the ocean urging me to keep seeking out the beauty of this world.

For the Curious: Construction of Highway 1 began in 1919 and ended in 1937.

Conservation: Highway 1 and the surrounding dramatic natural beauty is at risk. Climate change is leading to more substantial wildfires, winter storms, and intense rainfall, all contributing to damaging landslides. This particular landscape is also at increased risk of coastal erosion.

There continue to be ongoing efforts to rebuild and repair roadways in efforts of reenforcing resiliency. Most of Highway 1 is currently open but expect road closures due to the above. We experienced road closures ourselves and could only go so far south.

Despite this, I'm changed. This place was among the most beautiful I'd ever set my eyes on. Experience it for yourself, love it, and protect it.