Arroyo Seco – Keep it Wild

CURRENT RULES, REGS, and CONDITIONS - updated August 1, 2022

Campfire Restrictions: CAMPFIRES AND SMOKING ARE PROHIBITED AT ALL BACKCOUNTRY CAMPS IN LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST. This includes the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas and dispersed (car) camping areas.  Stove use is currently allowed with a permit.  Note that despite its name this permit does not allow for campfire use. Only a stove during restrictions. The presence of a fire ring at a camp does NOT make it OK to have a campfire.  

Roads: It is wise to check Caltrans'  current Highway 1 conditions here before you drive the Big Sur coast. Closures may be put into effect at any time. You can also call a hotline at 800-427-7623. It is also smart to check rural roads maintained by Monterey County. Check this link before planning a trip. 

Roads closed to vehicular traffic: Palo Colorado Road from the Hoist to Bottchers Gap, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road from Nacimiento Campground to the coast, South Coast Ridge Road from Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to the intersection with Prewitt Ridge Road, Cone Peak Road

Know before you go: Call the USDA Forest Service, Monterey Ranger District office if you need more information at 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