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Los Padres National Forest

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions

To provide for public safety, the Timber and Plaskett Fire Area is closed, including roads and trails described in Exhibit A and shown on the Exhibit B Map.This Forest Order No 05-07-51-26-10 supersedes Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-08.

Santa Lucia Ranger District Storm Damage Recovery

To provide for public health and safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Santa Lucia Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest.1. Entering or using the following developed recreation sites or portions thereof, as shown on the attached maps.      a. Cerro Alto Campground:…

Overview

Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres across central California's Coast and Transverse Ranges, stretching 220 miles from Monterey to Kern County. The forest is currently open but with significant recent fire impacts and ongoing restrictions. The Gifford Fire (August 2025) burned 131,614 acres and reached 100% containment in late September, becoming California's largest fire of 2025. This followed the Madre Fire (July 2025) which burned over 80,000 acres and was declared out in late July. Area closures remain in effect from both fires, particularly affecting the Santa Lucia and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts. Fire restrictions are active forest-wide through January 31, 2026, with additional restrictions in Santa Barbara front country through February 26, 2026 - campfires prohibited except at developed sites. The Sespe Condor Sanctuary remains closed to protect California Condor recovery. Highway 1 has partial closures near Big Sur due to rockslides. Many seasonal gates close December 1 and reopen May 1. Most recreation sites and campgrounds are open, though some areas like Figueroa Mountain trails, Lake Fire areas, and storm-damaged sections remain closed. Check district-specific conditions as accessibility varies significantly - the forest spans four distinct ranger districts with independent status updates.

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