Los Padres National Forest

Recreational Activities

Check out the Safety Page before visiting the forest. It contains good tips to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

The Los Padres National Forest has streams, rivers and beaches. Being in and around water is an enjoyable experience, but be responsible and use caution for there are dangers.

Through the National Recreation Reservation Service, www.recreation.gov, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to:

• Discover which parks, forests, lakes, museums, and other recreation sites managed by Federal agencies are located near a particular area and/or offer a specific recreational activity
• Use interactive maps for trip planning activities to locate specific recreation sites managed by Federal agencies. Other areas of trip planning information may include potential weather conditions, elevation, and distance to desirable features
• Determine the entrance fees and use fees for individual recreation sites managed by Federal agencies, and calculate the costs of a trip to visit multiple sites
• Utilize a user-friendly contact center for customers to make reservations online.

WATER SAFETY

Water safety tips (19kb pdf)

Santa Barbara Ranger District, Water safety tips for the Santa Ynez Recreation Area (23kb pdf)

BIG SUR COAST, MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

The ocean along the Big Sur Coast is dangerous and unpredictable with high and changeable surf, strong riptides and currents, and numerous rocks. There are no lifeguards. We strongly advise against swimming at all ocean beaches in Los Padres National Forest.

BRAZIL RANCH

Guided hikes are provided in partnership with the Big Sur Environmental Institute.

SCENIC BYWAYS

LOS PADRES NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY -

General Information about the Scenic Byway on Highway 33

Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway Plan

AMERICA'S BYWAYS

National website for byways

SUDDEN OAK DEATH

An aggressive disease called "Sudden Oak Death" (SOD) is killing our native oaks in many areas along the California coast, including Big Sur.

FOREST HUNTING AND SHOOTING INFORMATION

Hunting and Target Shooting

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME- HUNTING INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS

The Department of Fish and Game manages California's diverse fish and wildlife populations for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. Visit their web site for hunting information and regulations.

CAMPING/DAY USE

The Los Padres National Forest has many developed facilities including family and group campgrounds and picnic areas. 

HIKE, BIKE & HORSE TRAILS

Los Padres National Forest has many trails and roads that are suitable for hikers, bicyclists and equestrian enthusiasts. 

SAFETY

Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. 

FISHING

The Los Padres is the third largest National Forest in California, with the northern boundary near Big Sur and the southernmost edge located near Lake Piru. Anglers will find a wide variety of fishing opportunities on the 400 miles of year-round and seasonal flowing streams, in the 37 lakes and reservoirs within or near the forest, and along the many miles of coastal shoreline on the Monterey Ranger District. 

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAILS

The two main Off-Highway Vehicle areas are in the Mt. Pinos and the Santa Lucia Ranger Districts. The Ojai and Santa Barbara Ranger Districts have a limited number of trails. The Monterey Ranger District does not have any Off-Highway Vehicle opportunities. 

ACCESSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES

Several campgrounds and day use areas feature facilities constructed for persons with disabilities. These include specially designed campsites, picnic sites, fishing areas, restrooms and nature trails. For a complete description of these facilities, please check out the Recreation section of the website or contact the Forest Service office nearest your destination. 

WILDERNESS

With no improvements or developments other than trails, these pristine areas which are set aside by Congress offer hikers, backpackers and equestrians opportunities to view outstanding scenery, experience solitude and challenge, and practice outdoor skills.