2018 Map of Caldwell Mesa

About this map

Caldwell Mesa and its namesake landforms dominate this high-relief portion of the Los Padres National Forest in San Luis Obispo County. The 2018 survey reveals a landscape of complex drainage basins, where the headwaters of the Salinas River gather in the north while the southern reach is defined by the Huasna River and the ephemeral Arroyo Seco. The network of forestry roads and ranch trails, such as Avenales Ranch Rd and Record Ranch Rd, underscores the region's historical use for cattle ranching and resource management within the national forest. Peaks like Garcia Mtn and Bald Mtn stand as primary landmarks, providing a clear orientation for the topographic transition from the canyons of the Huasna River up to the broad plateaus and prominent outcrops like Bonnet Rock.