Big Sur Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Apps

Navigation & Trails

Google Maps / Apple Maps
Download offline maps for the entire Big Sur region before losing cell service.
AllTrails / Gaia GPS
Great for detailed hiking trail maps and navigation; download for offline use.
Weather Apps
For up-to-date forecasts, including coastal fog predictions and temperature changes.
Yelp / Google Reviews
Useful for finding and reviewing restaurants, cafes, and local businesses when Wi-Fi is available.
Offline Information
Download relevant business information prior to your journey.

Planning & Info

California State Parks (parks.ca.gov)
Official information on park hours, fees, campgrounds, and trail status.
U.S. Forest Service (fs.usda.gov/lpnf)
Information on Ventana Wilderness, backcountry permits, and campgrounds.
Caltrans (roads.dot.ca.gov)
Real-time updates on Highway 1 road conditions, closures, and construction. Check frequently.
Visit California (visitcalifornia.com)
Official tourism website general travel information and regional guides.
Henry Miller Memorial Library (henrymiller.org)
Check this site for their event calendar, including live music, author readings, and workshops.

Websites

Reservations

ReserveCalifornia.com: Book California State Park campgrounds and some state park cabins.

Backcountry Bookings

Recreation.gov: For booking U.S. Forest Service campgrounds.

Stay Connected

Follow official state park accounts and Caltrans on social media for live updates.

Additional Digital Content

Inspirational Content

Podcasts on California road trips
History of Highway 1 and Big Sur
Big Sur's literary and counter-culture history
Gain unique insights and context

Digital Tools

Utilize apps for offline navigation
Pre-download maps and information
Carry fully charged devices
Be aware of limited cell service

Important Reminders

Pre-Trip Planning

Check park hours and fees.
Understand trail conditions.
Review campground policies.
Look up local events.

Internet Access

Cell service is often unavailable.
Wi-Fi is limited to select locations.
Prepare for digital disconnection.
Rely on downloaded content.

Road Status

Caltrans website road conditions.
Check for landslide closures.
Verify open routes before driving.
Stay updated throughout your trip.

Print Resources

Printed Essentials

Recommended Maps

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Monterey and Big Sur.
Detailed topographical information for hiking.
Clearly marks roads, points of interest, campgrounds.
National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map

Comprehensive Atlases

Benchmark Maps California Road & Recreation Atlas.
Detailed maps of California's roads.
Recreational information and campground locations.
California Road & Recreation Atlas

Local Publications

Pick up free local tourism brochures.
Small newspapers for event listings.
Find local insights and special offerings.
Good for current happenings.

Literary Connections

Big Sur Authors

John Steinbeck: Captures Central California's spirit.
Jack Kerouac's Big Sur: Vivid landscape portrayal.
Henry Miller: Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch.

Enriching the Experience

Books on Highway 1's construction history.
Geological formations and natural history.
Context for your Big Sur visit.

Practical Information

Pre-Trip Essentials

Familiarize yourself with road conditions.
Understand limited services.
Prepare for varying weather.

During Your Visit

Carry cash for small purchases.
Keep a printed map handy.
Fuel up outside the region.

Visual and Audio Exploration

Films & Documentaries

Explore documentaries on Highway 1 or California's beauty. Films like 'Big Sur' (2013) offer interpretations.

Music & Art

Listen to music inspired by California's landscapes. Explore works by artists like Ansel Adams.

Online Communities

Join travel forums (e.g., Reddit, TripAdvisor) for recent experiences and specific questions.

Emergency Contacts

Save all emergency numbers and your embassy/consulate contact information in your phone. Also, write them down on a small card in your wallet, as cell service can be unreliable.

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts

Emergency Services

911 (U.S. Nationwide)
Your first call for any immediate threat to life or property.
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
For non-emergency road incidents or questions: 1-800-835-5247.
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP)
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940 (Approx. 1-1.5 hours north of central Big Sur).

Medical & Support

Natividad Medical Center
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906 (Approx. 1.5-2 hours north of central Big Sur).
California State Park Dispatch
831-649-2811 (for non-emergency assistance within state parks, general park information).
Embassy/Consulate
Keep the contact details for your country's embassy in Washington D.C. Or consulates.

Document & Disaster Protocols

Lost Documents

Passport Loss: Immediately contact your country's embassy or consulate. Report loss or theft to local police for a police report.

Road Safety

Road Closures: Regularly check Caltrans (roads.dot.ca.gov). Obey all road closure signs. Do not attempt to bypass them.

Caltrans Website

Natural Hazards

Wildfire & Earthquake: Follow evacuation orders for wildfires. For earthquakes, "Drop, Cover, and Hold On". Move to high ground for tsunamis.

Preparedness Pointers

Essential Gear

First-aid kit for minor injuries.
Sufficient water supply.
Extra snacks for emergencies.
Full tank of gas before remote areas.

Communication & Safety

Fully charged phone with offline maps.
Consider a personal locator beacon for wilderness.
Inform someone of your itinerary.
Be prepared for remote conditions.

Travel Smart, Stay Safe

Use these resources to plan a trip that is enjoyable, informed, and respectful of Big Sur’s unique character.

Big Sur Travel Resources