National Forest · California
Los Padres National Forest
The Big Sur backcountry and condor country
TypeNational Forest
StateCalifornia
Best seasonFall through spring
Don’t missBig Sur backcountry
The rugged interior behind California’s Central Coast — chaparral ridges above Big Sur, hot springs, and the skies where California condors were brought back from the brink. Wild land right behind the famous coast.
What to see
- Ventana Wilderness
- Sykes Hot Springs
- Cone Peak over the ocean
- California condors
- Pine Mountain
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: