Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity on the forest. There are dozens of scenic trails suited for day hiking as well as backpacking trips.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Buck Creek Trailhead- 18W01
Site Open
Buck Creek Trail (18W01) Difficulty: moderate to difficultLength: 11.25 milesSESPE WILDERNESS - More information on the Sespe Wilderness: www.wilderness.netMaps: 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps…
Campo Alto Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Jeffrey Pine shaded camp, Recreational Vehicles up to 30 feet. There are 17 campsites. 6-8 people allowed per site. 2-3 small tents. Access to the Vincent Tumameit Trailhead. Beautiful scenic views.…
Campo Alto Group Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Tucked away high atop the Cerro Noroeste you’ll find solitude, serenity and unsurpassed scenery at Campo Alto Campground. Beautiful scenic mountain vistas from the campground.Campo Alto Campground…
Camuesa Connector
Site Closed
Trail crosses the river and meanders four miles up the south slope of the river canyon to tie into Camuesa Rd.
Carmel River - 3E03
April 1, 2024 - There is currently no access to the Carmel River, Rattlesnake, and Big Pines trails from Los Padres Dam. An updated easement agreement is being worked out and no current official…
Carrizo - 3E10
Old historic trailhead on Milpitas Road
Cedar Creek / Fishbowl Loop - 22W10
Site Open
Open in Spring/Summer/Fall and is within the winter seasonal closure between December 1st and April 30. Best conditions for hiking in May and June. Hot and dry and low water levels in the summer and…
Cerro Alto Campground
Site Open
The campground sits at 1,000′ above sea level in a verdant canyon pass astride a semiannual creek. Cerro Alto Peak (2,624′) is the destination of Hikers, Bikers and Equestrians with its 360°…
Cerro Alto Loop
Site Open
Experience a climb to one of San Luis Obispo's highest points. Found within West Cuesta Ridge; Cerro Alto Loop, provides spectacular views of San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest, and…
Chorro Grande - 23W05
Site Open
Chorro Grande Trail (23W05)Length: 5.1 milesDifficulty: moderately difficultTake Highway 33 north 25.8 miles to Chorro Grande Trail sign at mile marker 36.60. Hike 1.7 miles to Oak Camp where there…