Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest encompasses a total area of about 1.75 million acres of land in Western California between Ventura and Monterey. The forest was established on December 1936 and is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Access to the park can be easily gained by using the US 101. There are also several cities/towns around the forest from where you could gain easy access to the forest including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Big Sur. 

The Los Padres National Forest has several features that make it a unique place to visit. This includes the wilderness areas Garcia Wilderness, San Rafael Wilderness, Machesna Mountain Wilderness, Ventana Wilderness, Matilija Wilderness, Santa Lucia Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness, Dick Smith Wilderness, Sespe Wilderness, and Chumash Wilderness. 

The forest also includes three designated recreation parks including Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, and Sage Hill Group Recreation Area. Furthermore, the park is home to several unique animal species including the endangered California condor. Other points of interest in the forest include La Panza Range and Sierra Madre Mountains. 

Besides this natural splendor, Los Padres National Forest is also popular for several other recreational activities including fishing, boating, camping, swimming, canoeing, hang gliding, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ORV riding, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, target shooting, and hunting. 

Amenities available to facilitate these activities include picnic sites, 69 campgrounds, trails (1257 miles), ORV roads (459 miles), and a winter sports area. You can bring your dog into the national forest although you should be aware that your experience at the park will need to be guided by the strict forest rules regarding your dog.

For example, it is compulsory to ensure that your dog is always on a leash or enclosed in a secure container. Your dog's leash must not be longer than six feet long. Additionally, you are expected to keep your pooch well-behaved at all times. This includes ensuring that you always clean your dog's poop and get rid of it in the right manner.