Big Sur’s Cliff Roads Are Becoming Harder to Save From the Pacific

California’s Highway 1 through Big Sur is one of the most spectacular roads in America — but it also runs across one of the most landslide-active coastlines in the western United States.

More than 1,500 landslides have been mapped along roughly 75 miles of Big Sur, where steep mountains, heavy rainfall, wildfire, groundwater and powerful Pacific waves constantly reshape the terrain.

In this video, DiscoverTube investigates 13 developments showing why keeping Highway 1 open is becoming an enormous geological and engineering challenge. From the $82 million Regent’s Slide stabilization project and steel drilled 60 feet into the mountain, to cliff erosion at Rocky Creek, the massive Mud Creek landslide, and sections of Highway 1 that may eventually need to become bridges or move farther inland.

Engineers have repeatedly proven they can rebuild this legendary coastal highway. But as the mountains continue moving and the Pacific continues eroding the coastline, a bigger question is emerging:

How many times can California rebuild the same sections before moving the road becomes the only realistic option?

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