Los Padres National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Los Padres National Forest is located in the central coast region of California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a vast and diverse forest that covers over 1.75 million acres and stretches from Big Sur to Ventura.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Los Padres National Forest, including its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and abundant wildlife. The forest offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking.
One of the main points of interest in the forest is the Santa Lucia Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The forest also has several rivers and streams that are great for fishing and swimming.
Los Padres National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife species, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds that call the forest home.
Some interesting facts about the forest include that it was established in 1936 and is named after the padres who founded the California missions. The forest also contains some of the oldest and largest living trees in the world.
The best time of year to visit Los Padres National Forest is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, visitors should be aware that the forest can get very busy during peak season in the summer months.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Elk
|
||
Lottie Potrero
|
||
San Carpoforo
|
||
Turkey Springs Camp
|
||
Three Peaks Camp
|
||
Estrella Camp
|
Wilderness Silver Peak
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach