Arroyo Seco – Keep it Wild

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION - updated September 23, 2021

The current Los Padres National Forest-wide Closure Order expired on Thursday September 23. The public is welcome back to their public lands. Please remember that Extreme Fire Danger restrictions remain in place! NO CAMPFIRES. NO SMOKING. 

These rules apply to all lands of the Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest which includes the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas. Just one campfire can destroy lives, property and precious natural resources.  Don't do it. Don't tolerate others doing it. 

The use of gas stoves with an on/off valve is permitted with a valid permit. You can secure a permit here. This permit does NOT allow for campfire use at this time despite its stupid name.

Roads closed to vehicular traffic: Arroyo Seco Road at Carmel Valley Road, Tassajara Road at Carmel Valley Road, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, South Coast Ridge Road to Prewitt Ridge, Cone Peak Road, Arroyo Seco - Indians Road from Memorial Park to Escondido Camp

Know Before You Go: Call the U. S. Forest Service, Monterey Ranger District office if you need more information: 831-385-5434.  

State Parks: Check with individual State Parks to confirm access and for additional information. 

Arroyo Seco – Leave No Trace Hot Spot

asg mappdfClick here (or on the map) to download an Arroyo Seco map and Leave No Trace brochure. Prints best on Legal Size (8.5" X 14") paper. File is 3.9 MB.

Amid the most rugged terrain in the Santa Lucia Mountains, pristine springs feed crystal-clear streams that converge to form the mighty Arroyo Seco. Churning through steep gorges intersected by a single trail, the river abruptly emerges to sandy shores at a campground and day use area. Here, thousands of visitors flock to deep pools, grand vistas, and extensive backcountry.

Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys the river responsibly; trash, toilet paper, abandoned gear, and dry season campfires mar the landscape. In fact, the Arroyo Seco was selected as a 2019 Leave No Trace Hot Spot. In pursuit of solutions, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics sent Traveling Trainers to the region for a series of festive and educational events in partnership with the VWA.

For questions or more information:

| 831-423-3191