Summer sunsets up high in the Los Padres really are something. Looking down Judell Canyon from the Santa Barbara Highcountry….
Wheeler Gorge Interpretive Programs Are BACK!
This Saturday, July 18, kicks off LPFA’s Summer Interpretive Programs at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. We’ll be hosting FREE public events on select Saturdays in July and August. These are family-friendly informative presentations and activities by local experts on a variety of Los Padres topics including Chumash Storytelling, Bikepacking in the Los Padres, Saving the California Condor, and Thru-Hiking the Condor Trail. Check out all the details here.
And why not take a short hike nearby and make a day of it? Here are few local trails in great shape right now thanks to trail maintenance this year:
- Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail
- Potrero John Trail
- Piedra Blanca Trail (from PB Trailhead)
- Rose-Lion Connector
Get up early to beat the heat, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and stop by the Visitor Center for one of our Summer Programs on your way back to town. The perfect Los Padres summer day….
Swimming hole anyone? We hope you’re finding time to cool down in forest during this heat!
- LPFA is HIRING for our PROFESSIONAL TRAIL CREW! Our Trail Crew works full time across the forest maintaining and building trails for the public to enjoy. If you like working with your hands and spending time in the Los Padres, this job is as good as it gets! If you or someone you know are looking to join the crew, please fill out this application.
- 160 acres of land secured by the Wilderness Land Trust near Church Creek in the Ventana Wilderness has been officially transferred to public land of the Los Padres National Forest. It is great to see more wilderness and national forest land added to this incredible canyon!
- Forest Service staff are looking for volunteers interested in a multi-year initiative to restore the Hi Mountain Lookout Tower in San Luis Obispo County! This tower sits high in the Santa Lucia Mountains and has been an important facility for the recovery efforts of the California Condors that nest in the nearby Garcia and Santa Lucia Wilderness areas. If you have any experience building or restoring structures, please reach out to Nicole Guadenti at the Santa Lucia Ranger District: Nicole.Gaudenti@usda.gov
- Nearly 150 years after they were taken, Chumash ancestors and culturally significant items have been returned to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians from Harvard and Yale museum collections. The repatriation marks an important milestone in honoring Chumash heritage, restoring cultural traditions, and supporting the ongoing healing process. Check out the full story here!
And a few dates to lookout for….
- August 1 – Bikepacking in the Los Padres Summer Interpretive Program at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
- August 8 – A-Zone South general deer hunting season begins. Opening weekend is usually a busy one in the forest! A-zone lasts until September 20
- October 18 – LPFA Used Gear Sale! Have any used gear you’d like to donate? Reach out to INFO@LPForest.org
- November 2026 – LPFA Fall Working Vacation at Alamar Saddle! Dates TBD, but it’s sure to be a good one….
The Hurricane Deck. Not the best choice for a summer trail, but great views of the Deck can be found from the Figueroa Mountain Trails. LPFA’s Trail Crew wrapped up work in this area last week and Davy Brown, Munch Canyon, Munch Connector, Sunset Valley and White Rock Connector Trails are in great shape right now. Make sure to pick a cool day and bring plenty of water! There isn’t much shade right now as the area recovers from the 2024 Lake Fire….
