There are 3 recreational areas in the Los Padres National Forest: Figueroa Mountain, Sage Hill and Santa Ynez. The Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area is a secluded and lush trail system with occasional closings due to mud/dirt slides. If you happen to be visiting in the spring months you will see an amazing blanket of wild flowers. If you enjoy fishing and you have your fishing license with you, you can fish for trophy-sized trout in the streams. If you're riding your ATV on the designated trails in the summer, bring along some insect spray as the gnats can be thick. Camping is allowed in one of the five campgrounds at The Figueroa Mountain Area.
The Sage Hill Group Recreation Area is the next area that is available in the Los Padres National Forest. This area has been designed for larger groups of people to use in the day and at night. Reservations for using this area are highly recommended. At the recreation are you will find a centralized cooking and eating area, flush toilets, water faucets, and numbered parking spurs. During the winter months, the Sage Hill Area may be closed off due to high water. Call before you go out there to make sure the area is open for use.
Santa Ynez Recreation Area is the third area that you can enjoy on your ATV. There are two off-highway routes for two-wheeled vehicles and ATV's accessed from the Canyon: Camuesa and Buckhorn roads. Both are well-maintained fire access roads, suitable for beginning riders. Camuesa road is 16 miles long, beginning at Upper Oso Campground. Buckhorn Road forks off Camuesa road 4 miles up and is 9 miles long. These routes are for two-wheeled vehicles and ATV's only. Camping is allowed in this area as well. So you can make a long weekend of ATVing fun with your friends at the Los Padres National Forest!
