Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and intermediate backpackers
Vibe · Challenging and hard
Distance · 10 miles round trip and 3,038 feet of elevation gain
Permits · No wilderness permits, just fill out a CA campfire permit.
Drive · 3 hours from SF
Ideal dates · September to November or March to May (for wildflowers!)
Pets · Welcome at camp and on trails
Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) has 10 designated wilderness areas within 1.75 million acres of public land: Ventana, Silver Peak, Santa Lucia, Garcia, Machesna, San Rafael, Dick Smith, Matilija, Sespe, and Chumash. Ventana Wilderness sits above Big Sur, CA's famous central coastline, and features steep ridges, narrow canyons, redwood forests and stunning coastal views. Like most national forests, you can bring your doggos into Ventana's backcountry as long as they're leashed. There are also designated backcountry campsites with pit toilets in Ventana, but you'll have to pack out your trash. Every trek requires a climb from HWY 1 in Ventana, but once you make the journey, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Big Sur.
Official Forest Service Website
Latest Forest Alerts and Conditions
Main image credit: Dave Hoefler
Los Padres used to be named Santa Barbara National Forest, but locals complained about it referencing a single county, so they changed the name in 1936
Thousands of years ago, the Ohlone, Esselen, and Salinan tribes were the first inhabitants in Ventana Wilderness. They lived a nomadic life, migrating to the coasts during winter
Los Padres means "the Fathers", which refers to the Catholic missionary priests who lived in the area around the 18th and 19th centuries
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.