Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area Reopens to Vehicle Traffic

Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area Reopens to Vehicle Traffic
Release Date: Oct 3, 2011
Contact(s): Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759, Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745


GOLETA, CA…. Los Padres National Forest’s Santa Barbara Ranger District has announced that the remainder of the Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area has been reopened to motorized vehicles. Winter and spring rainstorms caused extensive damage to Forest roads that required considerable repairs before they could be safely reopened to vehicle traffic.

Visitors can once again drive to Big Caliente Hot Springs and Rock Camp, and the gate at Middle Santa Ynez Campground has also been reopened to allow vehicle access to P-Bar and Mono Campgrounds. As it has been in the past, the road (Forest Road N515 ) ends at the locked gate near the Mono Creek Crossing just beyond the intersection with the road leading to the Little Caliente Hot Springs.

As a result of severe erosion that has left the last quarter-mile of the road to Little Caliente impassable to motor vehicles, visitors are strongly encouraged to park at the road closure sign and continue on foot the remaining distance to the hot springs.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while our road and maintenance crews worked to clear these roads and grade them to allow safe travel,” said Santa Barbara District Ranger Doug Dodge. “The conditions in the Upper Santa Ynez this time of year are ideal, and it’s a perfect time for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Santa Barbara backcountry.”

Camping and fires in the Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area are strictly limited to established campgrounds, and practicing “Pack it In and Pack it Out” helps keep the backcountry clean and pristine.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, come prepared, and contact the Los Prietos Ranger Station for the latest conditions by calling (805) 967-3481.