Nacimiento-Fergusson Road

Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in CA is quite an adventure

Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is the name of a stunning drive located on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. The road is regarded as one of the best motorcycling roads in central California.

Where is the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road?

The road is located in the County of Monterey, in the US state of California. It runs across the eastern slope of the Santa Lucia range, within Los Padres National Forest.

How long is the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road?

The road is 39.26km (24.2 miles) long,and runs west-east from Mission Road to California State Route 1 (Cabrillo Highway). It’s a spectacular road all the way.

Is the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road paved?

The road was completed in 1937. It is well-paved and maintained over its length. The paved road is barely two lanes wide (no center strip) with step banks on both sides.

How long does it take to drive the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 60 and 80 minutes. Though it is quiet and mostly unused, you might still encounter cars. The eastern slope is heavily forested allowing few vistas. There are pull-outs along the way for taking photos and for turning around. 

Is the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road open?

The road is carved into the side of the mountain, and tops out at 840m (2,759ft) above the sea level, where it crosses the unpaved Old Coast Road, seven miles from Highway 1. This route might be impassable during winter months. The road, along a slide area, is occasionally closed for brief periods during tank, artillery, and other firing exercises. Extensive slides and debris flows are common.

Is the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road difficult?

This is not a drive for the faint of heart, with precipitous drops. There are no guardrails and veering off the road would be disastrous. Go slow around corners and pay attention. The last part of the road features more than 100 turns. On the ascent, take note of potential blind corners. If you've got the stomach for essentially driving up the side of a cliff, this is a gorgeous drive. Don't try to drive this winding road at night. Cellular service is unreliable.