Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and first-time backpackers
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Distance · 12.1 miles and 3,179 feet of elevation gain
Permits · No need for a wilderness permit, just fill out a CA campfire permit online
Drive · 3.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · October-May (for cooler weather and wildflowers in the spring!)
Pets · Welcome on trails and campgrounds
Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) boasts a whopping ten wilderness areas: Ventana, Silver Peak, Santa Lucia, Garcia, Machesna, San Rafael, Dick Smith, Matilija, Sespe, and Chumash. In total, the forest has a mind blowing 1.75 million acres. This trek takes you through Ventana Wilderness, which is supervised by the Monterey Ranger District. This trek offers a tantalizing mix of ponderosa pines, sandstone monoliths, historic cabins, ancient ranches, gorgeous wildflower displays, and pristine waterfalls. The fact that such places remain so seemingly unknown is a wonder in and of itself.
Official National Forest Website
Main image credit: Leor Pantilat
The Ohlone, Esselen, and Salinan are believed to be the first Native American tribes to live in the wilderness area.
Jack English's cabin is located more than 5 miles from the nearest road so the foundation was completed in 1977 and the final stone was laid in 1980
California has the second largest number of wilderness areas in the country (Alaska has the most)