Ventana Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Los Padres National Forest, California
The Ventana Wilderness extends across 240,008 acres of dense forests, steep canyons, and mountain ridges within the northern Santa Lucia mountain range.
The area received federal protection under the Wilderness Act of 1964, with subsequent expansions increasing its protected territory throughout the following decades.
Native American tribes inhabited this region for thousands of years, establishing paths through the mountains that later became sections of modern hiking trails.
Visitors need permits for overnight camping, and regulations prohibit motorized equipment, mechanical transport, and the landing of aircraft within wilderness boundaries.
Natural thermal waters at Sykes Hot Springs emerge from underground sources, creating pools where hikers can rest after long mountain journeys.
Location: California
Operator: US Forest Service;BLM
GPS coordinates: 36.25000,-121.66700
Latest update: May 14, 2025 02:02
Big Sur
16.3 km
Bixby Creek Bridge
25 km
McWay Falls
10.2 km
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
9.1 km
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
10.3 km
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
32.8 km
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
15 km
Tassajara Hot Springs
10.7 km
Point Sur Lighthouse
21.7 km
Limekiln State Park
29.9 km
Andrew Molera State Park
15.4 km
The Hacienda
46.5 km
Junipero Serra Peak
25.1 km
Point Sur State Historic Park
21.7 km
Pfeiffer Beach
13.6 km
Rocky Creek Bridge
25.5 km
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
8.3 km
Sand Dollar Beach
40.5 km
Big Creek Bridge
20.9 km
Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area
14.5 km
San Clemente Dam
21 km
Palo Corona Regional Park
28.8 km
King City High School Auditorium
48.2 km
Odd Fellows Hall
35 km
Mission Soledad Museum
32.8 km
Fort Hunter Liggett
51.4 km
Chalone Peak Lookout
47.6 km
Keyhole Arch
13.6 kmReviews
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