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From the Mountains to the Sea


Los Padres National Forest spans some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes to be found anywhere in California

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Welcome to the Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly two million acres of central California's scenic Coast and Transverse Ranges. The forest stretches across almost 220 miles from north to south and consists of two separate land divisions. The northern division is within Monterey County and northern San Luis Obispo County and includes the beautiful Big Sur Coast and scenic interior areas. The "main division" of the forest includes lands within San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern Counties.

Wildfire Risk Reduction Project (Ecological Restoration)

Cuesta Fire - August 17 - 2015

The project is designed to restore fire-adapted ecosystems, reduce fuels, and reintroduce fire on the landscape by prescribed burning.

Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management Plan

Photo for the Coastal Zone VUM

The Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management strategy for the Big Sur coast has been completed following extensive collaboration with partners, user groups, residents, and local agencies over the past three years. This comprehensive strategy sets forth the guiding principles for developing a sustainable implementation plan to address the growing number of visitors to the Big Sur coast.

Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management Plan

Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management Plan Appendices

Recreation Opportunities

Hikers on the Manzana Trail
Hiking is a popular activity on the forest. There are dozens of scenic trails suited for day hiking as well as backpacking trips.Hike Los…
Ohv Main Page
OHV opportunities exist across the Los Padres National Forest.Current ConditionsStay SafeMaps & Guides (see tab for Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) 
Arroyo Seco Day Use Picnic Area
Picnic areas on the forest are varied and open for day-use only.
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Features