Arroyo Seco – Keep it Wild

CURRENT RULES, REGS, and CONDITIONS - updated November 14, 2021

Even with recent rains, fire restrictions remain in place. No campfires until further notice.  Stoves are OK.  

The use of a gas stove is permitted with a valid permit. You can secure a permit here. This permit does NOT allow for campfire use at this time. 

Roads closed to vehicular traffic: Palo Colorado Road from the Hook to Bottchers Gap, 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 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