Los Padres National Forest - California

Explore 2 million acres of beautiful coastal mountains. From Carmel Valley to the western edge of LA County, Los Padres National Forest provides the well-known rocky backdrop for Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ojai.

Most of the mountainous land along the central coast of California is found within Los Padres National Forest. From sea level along the Monterey coast to the crest of Mt. Pinos, at an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, this is some of the most rugged land in the state.

Hikers will enjoy challenging terrain, and steep hikes with beautiful rock formations and wildflowers, and of the 1200 miles of trails, two are designated National Recreation Trails. Visitors to Los Padres National Forest can enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Rose Valley Lakes are a pleasant place for fishing and watching waterfowl. In fact, The Rose Valley Lakes is one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Los Padres National Forest.

Visitors to Los Padres National Forest will enjoy camping near the banks of Sespe Creek, or Rose Valley Falls among the chaparral and coniferous forests. And lovers of wildlife - keep your eyes peeled for threatened and endangered species who live in the Forest such as the California Condor, the American Peregrine Falcon and the California Mule Deer.