Provided there are no fires nearby, this is always a fun place for a hike. Long hikes or short hikes, this forest has them all. Be sure to research your hike (or other activity) beforehand for safety reasons, to ensure you know where you're going, as cell reception is spotty at best. You also want to make sure it's at your preferred skill level. Great place to explore nature and get some exercise. Excellent way to get kids away from the city and electronic devices for a while. It's the type of vividly beautiful environment that inspires deeper admiration for our planet and all she has to offer, with rich forests and mountain views all around. Depending on where you are, you may even get some views of the ocean from up high. read more

It's amazing as I get older how much more I appreciate nature and the simple things in life. Just a beautiful area of Southern California that Maps directed us to. Instead of taking the highway 1 up north it sent us through the mountains, and I'm sure glad it did. The hidden gems on this drive were breath taking. I am now starting to understand why people love camping and the outdoor life. Everything about Los Padres National Forest was beautiful. I can't wait to have more time to drive back through and see all the little towns that you pass through to get to this awesome location. read more

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Los Padres National Forest is a beautiful forest to come to, nestled in Central California with scenic views. When my husband, our little girl dog and I visited this national forest last month, we saw patches of poppies and other beautiful flowers all throughout our drive and brief walk to take family photos. There was no admission price to pay when we came, but have read from other Yelp members' reviews that you may need a forest adventure pass. But there was no one that was selling the passes on site, nor did we see signs that indicated that we needed to have one when entering the forest (we also did not hike or engage in any type of activities when we were in the forest so I am not sure if we needed it). I may be wrong but I just thought I would mention this information. Anyways, it was a nice day when we arrived. Unfortunately the visitor center (where there are restrooms but did not see any where else where there are restrooms so be sure to use the restroom before coming here) was closed and one of the entrances was closed as well (which is probably why we were not charged to come in here or were required to purchase the adventure pass). There did not appear to be a lot of shade so be sure to wear a hat and bring water to stay hydrated if you plan on hiking here. If you want to see Mother Nature in action, this is the place to check her out in all of her glory if you happen to be in this part of California. read more

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The entrance by Los Olivos is where we went -- FIGUEROA CAMPSITE-- great place to stay if you're tasting and camping! Easy to find just go straight as you leave the town into the mountains. Get your $5 adventure pass at the local Los Olivos Grocery. Camping is just past the fire station-- stay on the paved road. Way better deal than Angeles national forrest. read more

All over Ojai there are maps that can be purchased that detail hikes in Los Padres National Forest. The Boyfriend and I are not athletic people, so we looked for a hike that was both rated easy and was short. We drove into the park and bought are day pass. While there, we were informed of a couple of events going on at the ranger station. After checking their website, it looks like they have events every weekend. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We then headed to the trail-head of the hike, which was at a campground. Our hike was both easy and short. And included several small waterfall-type parts, climaxing with an amazing waterfall at the end of the hike. Locals told us that this is often where calendars are shot. The Park itself has lots of camping facilities and a small like in which people were fishing a boating. We were only in a small part of it, so I am sure there is a lot more to discover. read more

My husband and I backpack in national forests quite frequently, and our goal is always to leave them cleaner than we found them. Most recently, we went on a car camping trip with friends. These are the same friends we car camped with near Mommoth, Sequoias, and most recently the Los Padres National Forest. We were quite disappointed by the amount of trash we saw everywhere on this trip. The very first night it was just my husband and I and we camped in the lower Los Padres. Just as we were setting up our tent, we look down to see a pile of human feces. Upon looking around, we saw other areas of used toilet paper. We figured it was because it was so close to the road. However, the next day we met up with our friends and camped closer to the Big Sur area, still in the Los Padres N.F. Again, it was impossible to find a camp area out of sight of open piles of feces and mounds of used toilet paper. Very disappointing. Also, gas on U.S. 1 sold for $6.50 gallon and ice was $4 a bag. So be prepared. I'm not blaming the forest rangers, but we certainly saw plenty of them. They seemed to be oblivious to the sanitation problem, unfortunately. read more

My SO and I love exploring new trails and so it was no surprise when he suggested we try Los Padres NF. Once we arrive and got passed the gate, we were detoured by the signs of a previous campsite (I think they should just remove the signs to stop the extra stops). Once we got on the trail, it was angelic. The trail follows a stream of ponds or swimming holes. We were surprised at the number of people taking the break from the summer heat. But that's not why we came, so on we went. As we walked we found signs along the trails of balancing rocks - very zen-like and very comforting knowing you're on the right path. The terrain varies and every turn is breadth taking. Definitely going back. read more

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I can't believe there's only one review for this gem of a national park. Does no one else venture into the range for some of the best adventuring in sunny Southern California? Are we too taken with ourselves in vanity and trendy fashions to go outside for some fresh air and traipsing amongst that which is the Santa Ynez Mountains? No, this cannot be. Not if memory serves me correctly. My dearest friends, in just a little under two weeks from hence, I shall be back in good ol' Santa Barbara to take care of some business; and during my visit, I shall defy these preposterous tendencies and galavant all over this beloved range once more. There's something to be said for getting to live in such a great state as ours. Do you take the time to go out and discover these wonders we call a part of home? Truly blessed are we to have such amazing majestics in our own back yards. Hiking and off-roading along the foothills and peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains were things that we geology students did nearly every weekend - rain or shine. I've missed this range, with its knifebacks and snakebacks, sheer drops down to the bases of peaks so high you can see the Catalina Islands from the tops, and the reddest sandstone formations you may ever see. In summer months, you'll see parachuters vaulting from the tops of these jagged peaks to float aimlessly down to the sandy white beaches of the town every weekend. This park is especially special as it stretches from the sandy beaches of SB, all the way to I-5. I won't be going that route this time, but Route 33 takes you directly to the back door step of the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (see my review for that park). A bit of trivia for you, lovies. The Santa Ynez range is the only mountain range in California that goes East-West; all others traverse North-South. This uniqueness is due to the famous San Andreas Fault. Santa Barbara is the exact location of the kink in the fault where the North American plate and the Pacific plate continuously bump against each other, causing this phenomenom to occur. Crazy, right? I love unique things. Next time you're in Santa Barbara, take a day hike amongst the high peaks, and maybe even try parachuting off the top of one on a warm sunny weekend. The views you get really can't be beat. I'll wait at the bottom with the car. Then we can go get some chowder on the pier afters. read more

WOW!! So beautiful!! But watch the heat and BRING PLENTY OF WATER!!! The Sespe Creek Trail's water is very low until you get about 8 or 9 miles in. Even then, use a filtration pump just in case!! Night hikes are great because you avoid the heat and get to wake up to this amazing view of the mountains, the valleys, the creek, the rocks, etc. Adventurers, GO WILD!! read more

I admit, it's been awhile, but this is THEE place to visit. Here in So Cal we are so blessed to have so many natural wonders within a couple hours drive; beaches, mountains, Vegas, lakes, rivers, parks, walking trails, many big shopping centers. But Las Padres is a gorgeous place, if you drive up over the mountain guess what you'll see? The ocean!! You can purchase Pistachios!!! Good one!!! Olives. Oils. Wine! Or, you can remain within the Park, be sure to check out PMC (Pine Mt. Club) and see all that this areas nature has to offer. Some high peeks for star gazing! Lots of wildlife. If you're into off roading, like me, you can find MANY surprises!! Find the tree canopies!! read more

The Los Padres National Forrest is just another one of the wonderful examples of the diverse costal mountains that we have access to as Californians. Although I am in no ways an expert on the Los Padres, what I have seen has convinced me that I want to go back. However, I have spent a good amount of time in the Santa Ynez National Recreation Area, a special area of the Santa Ynez river on the western boundary of the Los Padres forrest. I camped at the Los Prietos campsite, one of the many campsites that dot the recreation area. Although not one of the premiere campsites I've been to, Los Prietos has 3 very important things: 1) Easy river access, about a 5-10 min walk (depending on where your site is) to the White Rock day use area, 2) flush toilets (although smelly ones), and 3) shade provided by big, sweeping oak trees. However, there is very limited privacy - those big oak trees are great at providing shade, but not ground cover. Also, the campsite has a reputation of attracting the type of crowd that doesn't believe in camp etiquette, but I think that purely depends on your luck of the draw. The river does attract a TON of UCSB kids when it's flowing well - we'll leave it at that. Personally, I didn't have a problem. If you can, snag the campsites #15, 16, 6, 11, 17, 19, 20, and 22. The actual Santa Ynez river was by far the best part of my stay, especially after we found one of the many prime swimming holes. Just remember, it's definitely in your best interest to check ahead with the ranger station to determine the water level. If you catch the river at the right time, there are numerous legit swimming holes throughout! I am definitely on my way back to Los Padres; next trip will be to Ojai and the campsites around there like Wheeler Gorge. If you want to read more about my trip to Los Prietos you can check out my blog at www.tenttalktime.com, or follow the permalink: tenttalktime.com/los-prietos read more

I work with a college group that does camping retreats up in this area and has been doing it for the last ten years or so. It's a beautiful place with some great hikes, access to the water, and far enough away from Santa Barbara where you really see those beautiful stars but close enough where it doesn't take forever to get there! Pretty good deal compared to camping in some other areas too! read more

I love this area for hiking! I go there all the time with my family. The only thing I don't like it is paying the $5. It is a public forest and yet they charge you! :( read more

This easter instead of going to Lopez Lake we went to Los Padres National Forest which is really pretty but if you go to white rock the staff needs to cut down all the dead grass that invades the rock and the water. I would wish the staff would also clean or get rid of the dead grass that's also living by the water. The water is really green and dirty. Los padres national forest staff need to work hard to maintain this forest looking pretty and not like a dumpster. Even Cachuma lake looks like they put a bit more effort. read more