At last! The Los Padres National Forest has finally reduced the Soberanes fire closure order. Most of the Ventana Wilderness is now open, although the western Pine Ridge Trail, Terrace Creek Trail & spurs remain closed (see attached map). Have fun out there, but be safe & remember that we are still in Level 3 Fires Restrictions- NO CAMPFIRES in the backcountry. Happy trails!

The official order can be viewed at- https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/new ... EPRD563663

In a normal year, we'd all be preparing for hiking season & the VWA keeps getting requests for such information. HOWEVER, please note that this is not a normal year & that due to the Soberanes Fire the entire Los Padres National Forest Monterey Ranger District is CLOSED until further notice. In the past, such closure orders have lasted well into spring, so please plan accordingly. In other words, don't plan on hiking in the Ventana Wilderness until at least spring of 2017. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lpnf/aler ... ?aid=36366 for more details.

As of today, Friday, September 2nd, the entire Monterey Ranger District is CLOSED. Plan your adventures somewhere other than the Big Sur backcountry until further notice. Here is the closure map & official order-