2018 Map of Salisbury Potrero

About this map

Salisbury Potrero and several other high-elevation meadows, locally known as potreros, punctuate the complex ridges of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Located within the Los Padres National Forest, this remote backcountry landscape is defined by its network of canyons and seasonal water sources. The map reveals a reliance on isolated springs such as Pine Corral Spring, Cherry Orchard Spring, and Aquadulce Spring to sustain life in this arid terrain. Access is limited to primitive routes like Sierra Madre Rd and Big Pine Rd, which follow the high crests and drainage divides. The drainage systems, including the Salisbury Canyon Wash and the Sisquoc River, highlight the hydrological patterns of the northern Santa Barbara County interior. The naming of these potreros, including Montgomery Potrero and Santa Barbara Potrero, reflects a history of high-country grazing and seasonal habitation.