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First Crossing Day Use Picnic Area
The First Crossing Day Use Area is a 16 acre day use picnic site located off Paradise Road just before the first Santa Ynez River crossing ford.
The First Crossing Day Use Area is open all year. During high river flows Paradise Road is closed to motorized vehicles at the river ford and this facility becomes the “end of the road” for visitor vehicle access.
The site is adjacent to the Santa Ynez river and trails provide access to the river.
The facility has 50 picnic tables at 13 picnic sites accommodating 16 to 24 people each. The site consists of 130 parking spaces with one trailer parking space. There are three vault toilet buildings.
The interior roads and parking spurs are paved, all walkways are concrete and the entire site is accessible. The site is designed for large extended family groups.
There are three large garbage dumpsters located throughout the site. There is no electricity or phone service to the site.
Area amenities: Picnic tables, BBQs, Parking, trash, hiking trails, water play.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | None. First-come, first-serve. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | As of November 1, 2016, the First Crossing Day Use Area will no longer be an Adventure Pass recreation site. This day use/picnic area will be managed by the Parks Management for the Forest Service. $10 per vehicle for parking. |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Best Season: | Sping/Summer/Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | No overnight camping in day use area. |
| Closest Towns: | Santa Barbara, approximately 30 miles |
| Water: | Yes |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet |
| Operated By: | Parks Management Company www.campone.com or 805-434-1996 |
| Information Center: | Santa Barbara Ranger District Office 3505 Paradise Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 967-3481 |
General Information
General Notes:In campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs mst be kept on a leash. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands.