The Los Padres National Forest has reopened, except for the Monterey Ranger District

The Monterey Ranger District remains closed to the public due to the Dolan Fire. The rest of Los Padres is open to the public. Extreme fire restrictions remain in effect – gas and propane portable lanterns and stoves are only allowed in developed recreation sites. All campfires are prohibited.

• Regional Order No. 20-25 (extends Emergency Fire Restrictions through December 31, 2020)

Dolan Fire Closure - Monterey Ranger District

• Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22 Dolan Fire Area Closure Order This Order is effective from October 10, 2020 until the Dolan Fire is declared out.
• Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22 Dolan Fire Emergency Area Closure Monterey Ranger District - Exhibit A
• Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22 Dolan Fire Area Closure MAP

​Visiting National Forests

Please avoid visiting national forests if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest.

If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.

Virtual Services

This office has moved to virtual services. You can access our forest maps at https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/. If you need immediate assistance or have any questions, please call the Supervisor's Office or one of the Ranger District Offices listed below: 

• Supervisor’s Office in Goleta – (805) 865-0416
• Santa Barbara Ranger District – (805) 448-3648
• Santa Lucia Ranger District in Santa Maria –  (805) 448-6487
• Ojai Ranger District in Ojai – (805) 448-4710
• Monterey Ranger District in King City – (831) 242-0619
• Mt. Pinos Ranger District in Frazier Park – (661) 556-6110 

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Popular Recreation Activities

 

We have lots more information about recreation opportunities across the forest!

Outdoor recreation can be beneficial for your health but must be practiced safely. We recommend exercising close to your home and complying with local and state guidance for not traveling for your recreation needs. If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Stay safe. For more on avoiding COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.gov.

Features

Protecting Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak

On May 8, Los Padres National Forest introduced a plan to protect areas of Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak that are at risk due to overstocking and the devastating impacts from disease and insect infestation. The Reyes Peak Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project lays within a federally designated Insect and Disease Treatment Area where declining forest health conditions have put the area at risk for substantial tree mortality over the next 15 years. The primary goal of this project is reduce tree densities to promote forest resilience to drought, insect and disease, and wildfire. To achieve this goal, professional Forest managers will selectively thin specific areas to enhance forest health across 755 acres on Pine Mountain between California Highway 33 and Reyes Peak in Ventura County.

• Read full article

Learn more about the Condor Sanctuary in the Los Padres

The Sanctuary lies within the Sespe Wilderness and is where the Forest Service provides critical habitat, wildlife refuge, and land management for the protection of the California condor.

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Spotlights

Forests Dealing With Visitor Surge and Trash

Piles of trash, overflowing pit toilets, and damage to trails and roads are just a few issues Forest Service staff are addressing on many of the 18 National Forest across California recently.

Los Padres NF Wins Award for Women In Wildland Fire Training

In 2014 the Los Padres National Forest received a Washington Office diversity grant to fund a project designed to engage and recruit under-represented groups into the Fire Program.

Forest Recreation Information Brochures and Publications

Information on recreational opportunities on the Los Padres National Forest.