Arroyo Seco – Keep it Wild

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION - updated October 10, 2020

Despite the closure of public lands, many Big Sur businesses (including private campgrounds) are open for business. Call the business you wish to visit ahead of travel for hours of operation. 

As of 6 PM on 9/21/2020, Highway 1 is fully open along the Big Sur coast. 

Most other roads in the region are closed.   

US Forest Service Managed Lands - Though 98% contained as of this date, the Dolan Fire continues to burn in the Ventana Wilderness and its trails and backcountry camps are closed. The Silver Peak Wilderness remains closed. Effectively, the entire Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest is closed.  Click here for the Forest Closure Order dated 10/09/2020.  This link includes a Forest Closure Map.    

Fines for entering closed areas can be up to $10,000.  

State Parks

The following are open for day use:  Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Canyon Trail, Andrew Molera State Park, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (go online or call to find out if their campgrounds are open) 

The following remain closed: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, John Little State Natural Reserve, Limekiln State Park, Point Sur State Historic Park 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (additional US Forest Service information for the Monterey Ranger District): Please note that the information above is oftentimes more up-to-date than the US Forest Service site. Call 831-385-5434 with questions. 

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