Road to Big Caliente Open

Though summer’s over, the U.S. Forest Service was finally able to fix the damage caused by winter rains along the road to Big Caliente Hot Springs — just in time, it appears, for the first round of this season’s rains. The road, which was the last spot of the upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area that remained closed, was opened at the end of last week, and hits a locked gate at the Mono Creek Crossing, just beyond the road intersection toward Little Caliente Hot Springs. The Forest Service recommended that people walk the road to Little Caliente at the road closed sign, as erosion has made it impassable for vehicles. “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.”