Ventana Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Los Padres National Forest, California
The Ventana Wilderness covers a large area of dense forests, steep canyons, and mountain ridges in the northern Santa Lucia mountains. The protected land includes varied habitats with different elevations and vegetation types.
The area received federal protection in 1964 through the Wilderness Act and was expanded several times in the following decades. These expansions reflected growing efforts to preserve more of the mountain landscape.
Indigenous peoples lived in this region for thousands of years and created mountain paths that eventually became sections of today's hiking trails. These routes remain visible reminders of how people once moved through this landscape.
Visitors need permits for overnight stays, and motorized equipment plus aircraft landings are prohibited. Good footwear and preparation are essential because trails are demanding and weather conditions can be rough.
Natural hot springs at Sykes Hot Springs emerge from underground sources and form pools where hikers can rest after long mountain journeys. These warm waters are a surprising oasis in the rugged mountain landscape.
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