California Hwy 1

DC&MC wrote:
We have a 40' motorhome and are wondering if Hwy 1 is suitable from
Monteray Bay down to Sam Simeon?

Yes, you'll be fine on that section. I've taken it several times in my 35 foot DP with Dodge Dakota toad. I'd probably avoid it on weekends, but it's very doable. Going south is the best as most of the turnouts are on the ocean side of the road.

othertonka wrote:
According to the Cal Trans map, that section of Hwy1 is a RED route
and Motorhomes 40 to 45 ft are prohibited.
Click on the link and when the Map comes up, click on number 5 on the map and look for HWY 1 and you will see it is a RED route. And yes it is narrow and has tight turns.
Cal trans map

Great resource! And, that settles it. Even it was legal, no way I would do it. It's a must drive in a rental or toad though. Love the PCH!

According to the Cal Trans map, that section of Hwy1 is a RED route
and Motorhomes 40 to 45 ft are prohibited.
Click on the link and when the Map comes up, click on number 5 on the map and look for HWY 1 and you will see it is a RED route. And yes it is narrow and has tight turns.
Cal trans map

I suggest that you leave the RV somewhere and just drive your toad on CA 1, will be more enjoyable for the driver and definitely safer for all. The highway offers great views of the coast, but was not built to handle big RV's and other such vehicles.

I completely agree with zoo. That stretch of State Route 1 is not big rig friendly.

There is only a length limit if you are towing a 5th wheel, and that only says to use the shortest king pin position. I have run that quite a few times. You can do it, but yes, it is a tight road in a lot of spots. There are about 6-7 10mph turns that are almost 180 degree turns. Check this website and see for yourself - http://www.milebymile.com/main/highway-373.html

Be aware that there is a length limit on that stretch of highway. I know you said you have a 40' coach, but 10 to 1 says it's more than that. DMV/LEO do not go by the "model" length, only the "actual" length.

As others have mentioned, probably not advisable.

Ron

NO!!! That portion of 101 has many hairpin turn, there are sections where there really is no discernible shoulder. Going South you will be on the cliff dropoff ocean side. Oncoming traffic will often move fast, and service trucks do take that road making deliveries to Big Sur. We drove our 38fter with toad North a couple of years ago, even though I knew better...but I forgot just how bad the drive was. Going North, with the mountain cliffs on your right, and roots and rocks protruding onto the road access I made it holding my breath for about 12 miles. It is a beautiful drive, that the driver cannot enjoy. I would suggest taking 101, a nice lovely easy drive, from Monteray Bay to Morro Bay, stopping at some of the many wineries or vegetable stands. Base camp in the Morro Bay area for a day or two and take the car to Big Sur.
Happy Trails.

I would add that it is doable. I have done it with my 30 foot.

My guess is that it depends on how you like twisty-curvey roads. We enjoyed the route ourselves, even though it was very foggy on the day we did it.