Will Creek Road to Los Burros Road Dispersed Camping near Big Sur

TBarr

Does anyone have an update on this closure?

The ranger website lists it as still being closed but it does not state why.
Is it closed due to physical damage from the storm or closed just due to concerns about the illegal activities up there?

Hoping it will reopen soon...

MikeJones

TBarr I don't have any real updates on the closure. I know there was another road collapse on highway 1 in late January.

For the most up to date information I would recommend calling the Monterey Ranger District phone number:

Monterey Ranger District

(831) 385-5434 X 0

(phones answered Mon-Fri 8-430)

Lina2008

TBarr I have been researching for a trip this May and just found out this closure is part of the Dolan Fire closure that is in place until at least May 21, 2021.

MikeA

Hi everyone! I noticed on the Monterey Ranger District website that Forest Road No. 23S01 (Los Burros/Willow Creek Road) is open now. I would assume that means the restrictions from the Dolan Fire Closure have been lifted?

Thanks!

MikeJones

MikeA I noticed on the Monterey Ranger District website that Forest Road No. 23S01 (Los Burros/Willow Creek Road) is open now. I would assume that means the restrictions from the Dolan Fire Closure have been lifted?

I would think so, but to be safe I always recommend to call the ranger office there: (831) 385-5434 X 0

JennyH

Hey Mike!
Loved the article, was so informative and congrats on the engagement! I wanted to see if you know if there are other spots like the one you found along the road. (Also is dispersed camping legally allowed? I tried calling the rangers office, but I think they changed their phone number and I had no luck reaching the Monterey Bay Rangers Office. Guess I'm outta luck sadly.)
Thanks!

MikeJones

JennyH I wanted to see if you know if there are other spots like the one you found along the road.

Welcome to the website and glad you found the article helpful. There are a number of locations along the road to pull off and camp. If you look at the map I posted in one of the comments you can see I even marked some as I drove past, but those are not all of them.

For the rangers office, they probably are not there all time. I recommend trying different times during the week.

JennyH

Thanks for the reply, I'll definitely use this during our trip. One last question - I'm always worried about people messing with our campsite, what was your experience like when you went hiking and such? Appreciate it!

MikeJones

JennyH Thanks for the reply, I'll definitely use this during our trip.

No problem! When you come back, please share how your experience was! The most recent info is always beneficial to the community.

JennyH I'm always worried about people messing with our campsite, what was your experience like when you went hiking and such?

This was my biggest worry as well. I can not make any guarantees for you, but we had no issues while we were there. We did not leave anything really other than our tent though, and we kept everything clean.

MikeJones

@JennyH if you were planning to go this weekend for memorial day, looks like things are probably closed.

California just closed all National Forest in the state yesterday...

All national forests in California closed to visitors. No Labor Day camping, hiking, biking

"With fires raging across the state, the USDA Forest Service is closing all 20 million acres of California’s national forests to public access for two weeks beginning Tuesday."
"In an announcement Monday, the Forest Service said the closure will extend through at least Sept. 17."
Closure starts Tuesday Aug 31st at noon

Source: Sacramento Bee

JennyH

Wow, what a bummer! I'll have to check this spot out when things clear up and I'll let everyone know how it goes then. Thanks again for the info, Mike 🙂

dfries

Hi Everyone!

Thanks so much for this guide, I went up to go camping for the night a while ago in mid August and was able to find the spots easily! My AWD car made it up the road with no problems as well. I was hoping to go back for my birthday next weekend and was wondering if anyone might have an idea as to the road conditions of this road in mid November? It hasn't rained too heavily but I'm worried that the bit of rain we have had the last few weeks may have made the road temporarily inaccessible. Has anyone been up the road recently/do you have any experience with dispersed camping in Big Sur this time of year in November?

MikeJones

dfries It hasn't rained too heavily but I'm worried that the bit of rain we have had the last few weeks may have made the road temporarily inaccessible.

There was some really heavy rains in Central California a couple weeks ago. Best bet would be to call the rangers office. The number is listed a few times in other replies.

If you head up, please let us know what you find out.

Taleofus

Hi Mike! I wanted to ask about that “impassable when wet sign”. You say you left the campsite in the early morning in the dark with rain fall and in need of new tires. Under these conditions, how did you manage to get back through a road with this type of warning. Where the roads not as a bad as they seemed? I’m thinking of taking a trip there next week but there is some light rain in the forecast and the sign has me worried. Thanks for the guide!

MikeJones

Taleofus Welcome to the Forum!

You say you left the campsite in the early morning in the dark with rain fall and in need of new tires.

The roads were not soaking when we left, we got packed up and in the Jeep during a light drizzle before the rain really opened up.

I’m thinking of taking a trip there next week but there is some light rain in the forecast and the sign has me worried. Thanks for the guide!

A lot of this will depend on what you drive and how much rain comes. Glad to hear you enjoyed the guide!

crosstrekquestionguy

Hi Mike. Thank you so much for the info and videos.

Was planning to camp in Big Sur this weekend and trying to figure out if it’s still worth it with the forecast.

We’re looking at dispersed camping, either Plaskett Ridge Road or Los Burros Road.

I’ve got a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek AWD with a 2-inch lift and All-Terrain tires.

Forecast I’m seeing for the area is basically off-and-on rain:
Friday: around 0.27", about 5 hours of rain
Saturday: around 0.10", a few more hours of rain
Sunday: slight chance of rain

I’m mostly trying to figure out whether Plaskett Ridge Road or Los Burros Road gets really sketchy in these conditions, and if a Crosstrek should be okay if we take it easy.

Would you still send it this weekend in my situation? I am going with friends and sadly can't change the dates.

If you think it's too risky, I would really appreciate a suggestion on where else is recommended. Thanks a lot!

MikeJones

crosstrekquestionguy Honestly with a 2 in lift and only AWD, I wouldn't risk it. I havent been up there in a bit though but the road can get pretty interesting.

crosstrekquestionguy

MikeJones Thanks for the reply! I think that's probably the smartest decision.

MikeJones

crosstrekquestionguy Yea I might be being extra cautious, but we literally had to rescue someone on our trip lol

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