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 fancy stove for campers who want compact, portability, and performance all in one.
Kitchen
This spacious loveseat is designed for cuddling with loved and furry ones at camp.
Essential Items
We can confirm that these camp tables withstand hot bevvies and rock collections.
Shared Gear
Bezzi's Picks
A fun camping cot for siblings to share and sleep in overnight.
Sleep
Sleep
Bugs be gone with this rechargeable and refillable mosquito repeller.
Essential Items
Self-care
This small play tent will keep your kids busy and your main sleeping tent clean.
Essential Items
Shelters
A colorful mug with a lid to keep your bevvies warm and cool at camp.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Coolers are made for chilling and rolling in and out of camp. This one is top-notch.
Essential Items
Kitchen
Lighten the load from car to camp with this highly-rated collapsible wagon.
Essential Items
Keep water cold and your family hydrated with this sleek, non-leak water jug.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.