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Los Padres National Forest Hiking Trails

Jesusita Trail

Start your hike at the Cater Water Filtration Plant off of San Roque Road. Dip down into the canyon before starting the gentle uphill slope. Hike under the sycamore trees and splash in Jesusita Creek as you cross it a couple of times. Then, follow the trail through the oak forest and open meadows to reach Moreno Ranch. Wind your way through a series of switchbacks until you get to Inspiration Point.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Rattlesnake Canyon

Park along the 1900 block of Las Canoas Road in North Santa Barbara to begin this hike through Rattlesnake Canyon. Cross the creek, and climb up the hills and back down again until you reach Lunch Rock. This large, flat rock in the middle of the stream is a fantastic place to watch for purple hummingbirds. Then, continue to Tin Can Meadow, named for the historic farmstead located there in the early 1900s. Finally, continue on the trail, and you will exit at Gibraltar Road after enjoying stunning coastal views.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Tunnel Trail

The Tunnel Trail is almost a loop trail, which starts at the end of Santa Barbara’s Tunnel Road. Follow the path as you climb to the top of La Cumbre Peak. Then, explore the old homestead area as the trail meanders its way back to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.

Length: 8.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Romero Canyon Trail

Start this trail by an old locked gate on Romero Canyon Road near its intersection with Bella Vista Drive. Follow the creek bed until you start hiking through the chaparral. Then, continue following the ascent until you reach the end of the canyon. Once you get to the Camino Cielo ridgeline, walk northwest about 1.5 miles, and you will find a dirt road heading back down the canyon.

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Red Rock Trail

Start this trail at the river in the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area. Follow the path along the creek and pass several swimming holes. At its end, you can walk slightly uphill and take the higher elevation road back to the starting point. This loop trail offers stunning ocean views.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Activities in Los Padres National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

There are many different types of flora and fauna in the Los Padres National Forest. Most of the forest consists of coastal mountain areas. The forest is home to 19 reservoirs and 10 wilderness areas. Plants across the forest vary dramatically based on rainfall, with the coastal regions getting a lot more rain than interior areas. At least five rare species from the Manzanita genus grow in the chaparral areas of this forest. On many north-facing slopes, you will find pinyon-juniper woodlands filled with nut trees. In addition to great places to pick nuts, these areas serve as homes to many animals. The northern edge of the forest is home to redwood trees, although they are not as tall as their northern counterparts. They are, however, still the tallest tree in Los Padres National Forest. You will find conifer forest throughout the area, especially in the northward-sloping drainage area. The grassland areas are great places to see wildflowers in the spring.

Fishing

If you love to go steelhead trout fishing, then you must visit the streams in Los Padres National Forest. It is possible that all the species of steelhead trout in northern areas got their start in the place south of the Santa Maria River in this forest. Waters remain cool enough in most areas of this forest that trout love to come here to spawn and use the deep pools as their summer home. You can also go saltwater fishing at the Sand Beach Day Use Area, the Southern section of the Big Sur coastline.

Geocaching

Traditional geocaches have been hidden in the Wind Caves area of the Los Padres National Forest. Many of the geocaches in this area, like Bustin’ Out, requires some rock scrambling to get to it, although no technical climbing equipment is needed. Even if you do not find the cache, this is a fun area to explore with many caves. One of the caves is large enough that early settlers could have hidden wagons in it.

Nature and Bird Watching

There are many fabulous places to go birdwatching and nature viewing in the Los Padres National Forest. Consider visiting the Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary, but be sure to stay on the 0.25-mile paths. Officials established this area so that California condors, which were once extinct in the wild, would have a place to be released by the Los Angeles Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Take precautions so that you do not drop any food because it can hurt the chances for these birds, which now number over 300 in the wild, to survive.

Stargazing

There are fantastic stargazing opportunities in Los Padres National Forest, especially near Mount Pinon. The parking lot at the Chuchupate Ranger Station is a great place to watch the stars at night, but there are great roadside pullouts in this area. Another great option is the Lockwood Valley, between Lake of the Woods and Ojai. The Reyes Creek Campground is a fantastic campground to stay at while stargazing.

How to get to Los Padres National Forest

Address: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, California 93023

Fee: Entry fee $0

Anglers love to visit Los Padres National Forest because it is one of the few places where you can go saltwater fishing. The trout are often biting in the streams and rivers year-round. You can find fantastic places to go hiking and stargazing. The edge of this national forest is on Santa Barbara’s northern border, and the Big Sur coastline runs through this location. The best way to explore all this national forest has to offer is in an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Padres National Forest

What is the best time to visit Los Padres National Forest?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Los Padres National Forest. You'll miss the summer crowds, but the weather will still be pleasant for outdoor exploring.

How many hiking trails does Los Padres National Forest have?

Los Padres National Forest has nearly 200 hiking trails. Hikers can explore a variety of terrains and trails along the Central Coast, in the largest national forest in California.

What is the closest town to Los Padres National Forest?

Solvang is one of the closest towns to Los Padres National Forest. Ojai and Los Olivos are two other nearby towns with plenty of shopping and fun activities in the area.

What type of wildlife lives in Los Padres National Forest?

Wildlife in Los Padres National Forest includes mule deer, black bear, wild boar, and pronghorn antelope. There is also a variety of birds and small mammals in the area.

Is there a fee to get into Los Padres National Forest?

There is not a fee to get into Los Padres National Forest. However, permits are required to park in certain areas of the forest for picnicking, hiking, and other activities.

Los Padres National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest Hiking Trails

Jesusita Trail

Rattlesnake Canyon

Tunnel Trail

Romero Canyon Trail

Red Rock Trail