Santa Barbara Ranger District Road Closures Update
Release Date: Jul 18, 2011
Contact(s): Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759, Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

GOLETA, CA…. A large portion of the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area and all of the Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area remain accessible only by hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

It was also recently discovered that the Lower Oso Bridge on the Santa Ynez River Road (Forest Road 5N18.2) sustained significant structural damage from the high water flow during the winter and spring storms, and as a result is closed to all vehicle traffic. With the bridge closed, the Lower Oso day use area is split in half and can now accommodate only half the vehicle use. Access is restricted to first-come, first-served basis, and once the parking area is full no additional vehicles will be permitted beyond the first crossing. Visitors are allowed to park in the first crossing day use area and walk to Lower Oso, however typically the Lower Oso day use area is reaching capacity each weekend by mid-morning.

The day use picnic sites and water use areas in the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area beyond Lower Oso cannot be reached by car. The popular Red Rock trailhead, as well as the Falls and Live Oaks, can be accessed by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The distance from the Santa Ynez River Road closure to the Red Rock trailhead is approximately five miles. The Falls and Live Oaks day use sites, along with the Red Rock picnic area, are off limits to barbeques because of the road closure.

Members of the public interested in riding or hiking up the river road are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water and approach the trip as they would a backcountry hike. Visitors are advised that restroom facilities are not available beyond Lower Oso and people will need to pack out all of their trash.

Upper Oso campground and the hiking and OHV trails that access the backcountry are open and trailhead parking is available. The Upper Oso campground is currently being managed on a first come, first served basis with no reservations being taken.

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