Named for the Spanish padres who established a network of missions along California's southern and central coasts, the Los Padres National Forest is the second-largest National Forest in the state, encompassing approximately 1,950,000 acres - nearly half of which is federally-designated wilderness. Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara and Ventura fills a huge gap in coverage of this great hiking and backpacking destination, leading the reader through the varied terrain of the forest's southern districts, from the fern-clad grottoes of the Santa Barbara frontcountry to the sweeping vistas and granite-clad ridges of the Chumash Wilderness.No other guide covers the region in such detail, and not since Dennis Gagnon's near-legendary guides in the 70s and 80s has the Santa Barbara (and Ventura) backcountry been given the guidebook treatment ... but this book goes even further. Every official trail (and many use trails) in the Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Pinos districts are covered here, including those in the southern San Rafael Wilderness, Dick Smith Wilderness, Matilija Wilderness, Sespe Wilderness, Chumash Wilderness, the Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Rose Valley, the Santa Barbara and Montecito frontcountry, the Ojai frontcountry, and the Santa Paula/Fillmore frontcountry.

Named for the Spanish padres who established a network of missions along California's southern and central coasts, the Los Padres National Forest is the second-largest National Forest in the state, encompassing approximately 1,950,000 acres -- nearly half of which is federally-designated wilderness. Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara and Ventura fills a huge gap in coverage of this great hiking and backpacking destination, leading the reader through the varied terrain of the forest's southern districts, from the fern-clad grottoes of the Santa Barbara frontcountry to the sweeping vistas and granite-clad ridges of the Chumash Wilderness. No other guide covers the region in such detail, and not since Dennis Gagnon's near-legendary guides in the 70s and 80s has the Santa Barbara (and Ventura) backcountry been given the guidebook treatment ... but this book goes even further. Every official trail (and many use trails) in the Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Piños districts are covered here, including those in the southern San Rafael Wilderness, Dick Smith Wilderness, Matilija Wilderness, Sespe Wilderness, Chumash Wilderness, the Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Rose Valley, the Santa Barbara and Montecito frontcountry, the Ojai frontcountry, and the Santa Paula/Fillmore frontcountry.

Named for the Spanish padres who established a network of missions along California’s southern and central coasts, the Los Padres National Forest is the second-largest National Forest in the state, encompassing approximately 1,950,000 acres — nearly half of which is federally-designated wilderness. Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara and Ventura fills a huge gap in coverage of this great hiking and backpacking destination, leading the reader through the varied terrain of the forest’s southern districts, from the fern-clad grottoes of the Santa Barbara frontcountry to the sweeping vistas and granite-clad ridges of the Chumash Wilderness. No other guide covers the region in such detail, and not since Dennis Gagnon’s near-legendary guides in the 70s and 80s has the Santa Barbara (and Ventura) backcountry been given the guidebook treatment … but this book goes even further. Every official trail (and many use trails) in the Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Piños districts are covered here, including those in the southern San Rafael Wilderness, Dick Smith Wilderness, Matilija Wilderness, Sespe Wilderness, Chumash Wilderness, the Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Rose Valley, the Santa Barbara and Montecito frontcountry, the Ojai frontcountry, and the Santa Paula/Fillmore frontcountry.

An intermingling of nature and culture

Medicinal Herbs of California is the first statewide field guide to more than 70 common medicinal plants of California. This vital addition to the California naturalist’s shelf will introduce readers to the principles of herbal remedies, history and roots in native cultures, scientific information, and how to find and incorporate medicinal plants into daily life. Inside you’ll find: Photos and descriptions to help with positive identification Common and scientific names and the plant families Conservation status Modern and traditional uses The science behind natural phytochemicals that have earned these plants a place in Native American medicine for thousands of years.

Backpacking California is a collection of more than 70 of the most intriguing backpacking adventures in Wilderness Press's home territory of California. With contributions from more than a dozen Wilderness Press authors, the book describes routes ranging from one night to one week. Backpacking novices as well as "old hand" California hikers will find expert-crafted trips in the Coast Ranges, the Sierra, the Cascades, and the Warner Mountains. Expanded coverage includes trips in Big Sur, Anza-Borrego, Death Valley, and the White Mountains. Several trips have been described in print nowhere else. Each trip includes a trail map and essential logistical information for trip planning.

Find Adventure in California’s Los Padres National Forest Majestic waterfalls, sweeping vistas, granite-clad ridges, and hot springs—the southern Los Padres National Forest stretches across Southern California’s incomparable scenery. Let local author Craig R. Carey lead you through the best of this varied terrain. Hiking & Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura presents nearly 100 of the finest routes between Gaviota Pass and Lake Piru. Explore lush trails above Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. Plan a day hike, a weekend backpacking trip, or a deep backcountry journey through stretches of the Chumash, San Rafael, Dick Smith, Sespe, and Matilija wildernesses. This guide provides the information you need to plan and implement your next hiking and backpacking adventure! Inside You’ll Find 98 of the top routes in California’s second-largest national forest Day trips, weekend excursions, and deep backcountry treks Detailed section maps and GPS coordinates Waypoints, camps, trailhead directions, and permit information Recommendations for hiking with children

Chuck Graham has produced a pictorial homage to the Carrizo Plain at its most beautiful. His excellent photographs encourage the reader to explore the many hidden paths, valleys, flowing springs, and mountain ridges beyond the easily travelled roadsides of the Carrizo Plain, one of the last areas of wilderness habitat in the Golden State of California.

Channel Islands National Park, immediately adjacent to millions of southern Californians, sees relatively few visitors because of the logistical and physical challenges involved in visiting any of the islands. This guidebook provides detailed advice on planning a trip, what essential items to bring, expected weather conditions, sketches of the natural and cultural history of the island, and detailed descriptions of possible walks on the island, ranging from strolls of a few minutes to overnight backpack trips. The author describes several routes that are not listed among the official maintained trails on the island. Routes are rated by relative difficulty and safety measures and skill levels are described for the prospective visitor.