Bottchers Gap
Closed — Closed indefinitely since July 2016 due to Palo Colorado Road closure. The road was damaged by the Soberanes Fire and subsequent winter storms. Repairs are underway but not expected to be completed until 2027 at earliest. The road is gated and closed to vehicle traffic beyond The Hoist.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
Cold Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 9:51PM PST until December 30 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 36 expected. * WHERE...Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, North Bay Interior Mountains, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
About
Bottchers Gap Campground is located at the end of Palo Colorado Road in the northern reaches of Los Padres National Forest, approximately 8 miles inland from Highway 1. Situated at 2,100 feet elevation on a ridge, the campground features 11 campsites shaded by oak trees, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The location serves as an important trailhead for hikers and backpackers accessing the Ventana Wilderness, with the McPhearson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail beginning at the campground. The campground has historically been a popular hunting camp during fall season and a base for wilderness exploration. Palo Colorado Road winds through a narrow canyon with redwood groves before climbing to the campground. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or hookups. Water is not available on-site, so campers must bring their own supply.
Directions
From Highway 1, turn onto Palo Colorado Road approximately 11 miles south of Carmel. Follow Palo Colorado Road east for 8 miles to the campground at the end of the road. Currently closed to vehicle access beyond The Hoist due to road damage.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 385-5434 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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