Local And Regional Weather Conditions – Ventana Wilderness Alliance

Weather, Road & Trail Conditions

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.

Weather

weather You'll find here a number of links to some pretty informative internet weather sites relevant to the northern Santa Lucia backcounty traveler. They should be helpful in determining what the weather's going to do while you're out there. But regardless of what these folks say, it's always smart to prepare for the worst.