Release Date: Apr 30, 2013 Ojai Ranger District
Contact(s): Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
Los Padres National Forest’s Ojai Ranger District announced the seasonal opening of two popular roads to public use. The Nordhoff Ridge/Chief Peak Roads network (5N42.2, 5N08, and 4N15.2) reopened after being closed for the wet weather season. The Dough Flat Road (6N16
north of Fillmore is re-opening after sustaining significant damage several years ago.The Nordhoff Ridge/Chief Peak Road network is open for the season beginning May 1. The public must obtain an entry permit from the district office. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended for these roads. The road is closed beyond the junction with Nordhoff Peak fire tower road.
Reyes Peak Road (6N06), a popular route used to access Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak Campgrounds as well as Reyes Peak Trailhead, will remain closed most of the summer pending completion of road work. The road was damaged in the 2007 Zaca Fire as contingency fire lines were constructed. Work will involve the reconditioning, paving, and installation of corrugated metal spillways. More specifically, work will include grinding asphalt, base placement, paving and installation of spillways. Due to this major work focused on the current narrow road and to enhance public safety, there will be no public access of any sort, motorized or non-motorized. The public may use Chorro Grande Trail (23W05) to access the south side of Pine Mountain and then turn east (right) on the last mile of road which will not be involved in the road work. This would allow access to the Reyes Peak Trail (23W04). Road work will stop at Reyes Peak Campground, which is closed to public use. At this time, the estimated road opening date to the public is August 6. The Forest Service appreciates the public’s patience as access is improved for the many recreation opportunities offered along Pine Mountain.
One additional route--the Potrero Seco Road (6N03) north of Ojai--remains closed for repairs from winter damage. There is no estimated opening date on this route.
For further information on road conditions, recreation opportunities, and permit requirements on the Ojai Ranger District, call the District office in Ojai at (805) 646-4348. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Additional information is available on the Los Padres National Forest website at http://www.usda.gov/lpnf.
