Ballinger Campground

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recommended route is the 10 mile Romero Loop, with a killer descent and incredible views of the mountains. You can find some of the best rides in the area or sort by the map on the Mountain Project.

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dollar Beach and Plaskett Creek. Trout and bass are quite a catch here; you can find more info here.

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique experience each and every time. Trails take hikers through steep ridges and low valleys. Hikes are accessible year round, though the most popular time to lace up hiking boots in the wilderness is in the springtime, when flowers are in bloom and temperatures are seemingly perfect. Those looking for a great workout should try climbing Junipero Serra Peak, or take in the breathtaking Big Sur coast on the Cruickshank Trail. You can find some more trails on Hikespeak.

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly feel “on top of the world,” we highly recommend connecting with a local ranch. These horseback rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in your surroundings while listening to some of the colorful tales that guides can share about the mountain life. Santa Barbara and Big Sur offer excellent guides and outfitters. You can’t go wrong wherever you take your horse!

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountains. The Ventana Wilderness is home to creeks and rivers that allow visitors to kayak and canoe to their hearts’ content. What better way to enjoy the fresh mountain water?

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be in the forest itself, but it’s in the nearby area, and definitely worth checking out. The Ventana Wilderness is also home to some of the region’s best (and most elusive) swimming spots. The Arroyo Seco River Gorge is a collection of emerald green, totally mesmerizing swimming holes. Swimming here is a great midday break, or a good enough reason to visit the wilderness by itself. In the summer, you can find people jumping off rocks and even bringing their floaties to help them fully enjoy the river’s ambiance.

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Padres NF is a wonderful place to scope out some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of bird species, mountain lions, foxes and bobcats. There are 23 endangered species, and the forest is working on reintroducing condors, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tule elk, bighorn sheep, and endangered plants.