Sespe Condor Sanctuary, Protected wildlife area in Topatopa Mountains, California.

The Sespe Condor Sanctuary is a 53,000-acre (210 km2) wildlife refuge in the Topatopa Mountains of northeastern Ventura County, California, within the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Its terrain rises to about 970 m, with ridges reaching roughly 1,330 m within a kilometre, and slopes dropping toward Sespe Creek near Fillmore, 14.4 km away.

The sanctuary was established in 1947 by the United States Forest Service to protect California condors. The first captive-bred birds were released into the area in 1992, marking the beginning of their return to the wild.

The sanctuary lies within the traditional territory of the Chumash, who lived along the Sespe Creek and the surrounding Topatopa Mountains. The name Sespe is recorded in the Chumash language of the region. Visitors today see the creek and its sandstone canyon walls that shaped travel routes through this country.

Access to the sanctuary requires permits and visitors must follow specific guidelines to protect the condor population. Plan ahead as certain areas may have seasonal restrictions depending on breeding activities.

Researchers developed innovative training methods using mock power poles that deliver mild electric pulses to teach condors to avoid landing on actual power lines. These techniques help young birds learn about dangers they will encounter once living fully in the wild.