The Old Coast Road is a historic dirt path that was the main route between Monterey and Big Sur before Highway 1 was built in the 1930s. It is wide and easy to navigate, with two significant 1,000-foot ascents. Initially established by the Rumsen and Esselen Native Americans, this route provided access to present-day Monterey County's coast. Today, the Old Coast Road is part of the 90-mile stretch of Highway 1 that runs from Carmel to San Simeon and is included in the Big Sur International Marathon route, organized by Runner's World editors.