Chumash Wilderness

Chumash Wilderness is a large protected area spanning over 38,000 acres within Los Padres National Forest. Mount Pinos reaches 8,831 feet (2,690 meters) and dense forests of conifers cover the higher elevations throughout the region.

Congress protected this wilderness in 1992 as part of the Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act. This law marked an important step to preserve the natural landscape and its resources for future generations.

The Chumash people hold deep spiritual connections to the peaks and ridges here, viewing these high places as sacred ground. Walking through the land, you can sense the long relationship between this Native American community and the natural features around you.

Overnight visitors need permits to camp in this area, and trails here are long and demanding. The main access point is the Mount Pinos trailhead with parking available about two miles from the entrance gate.

The area contains specialized habitats for California condors, giant vultures found almost nowhere else in the world. The knife-edge ridges and steep canyon walls create geological features that these rare birds depend on for survival.

Location: Kern County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 34.80174,-119.20760

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03