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.

In an effort to connect proud residents and the 10 million visitors a year who visit Santa Barbara with the stunningly beautiful natural world nearby, hiking expert John McKinney, aka The Trailmaster, created this compact guide to the trails in the local mountains.The guide is one of the popular books in The Trailmaster Pocket Guide series, created especially for hikers and designed to fit perfectly in the hiker's pocket or pack. "HIKE Santa Barbara" comes complete with The Trailmaster's colorful stories, trusted trail accounts and easy-to-follow maps.From Seven Falls to Hot Springs Canyon to Figueroa Mountain, "HIKE Santa Barbara shares favorite trails to Santa Barbara's parks, preserves and special places Take along this pocket-sized guide and meander lovely Mission Canyon, Cold Spring Canyon and San Ysidro Canyon. Enjoy grand vistas from Inspiration Point, Knapps's Castle and Montecito Peak. Discover waterfalls, wildflowers and a near wilderness close to town.Some of the best hiking in Southern California is along trails through the mountain canyons right behind Santa Barbara and Montecito. The creekside paths, the mountain trails, and the marvelous views of the Pacific, the islands and "America's Riviera" add up to world-class walking.Author John McKinney knows Santa Barbara well. As the Los Angeles Times hiking columnist for 18 years, he became an expert on SoCal trails and, as a 30-year resident of Santa Barbara, still regularly hikes his home mountains.

The Santa Barbara landscape is a picturesque mix of sandy coastline and forested mountains. The temperate climate and gentle ocean breezes have distinguished this area as the "jewel of the American Riviera." This comprehensive guide clearly describes the attractions and routes to all of the area's best day hikes. A wide range of hikes accommodates all levels of experience, from coastal beach walks to steep canyon climbs with stunning panoramas.

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.

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.

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the world's greatest artists? Each book in the World's Greatest Artists series offers a biography of a famous artist, introduces the techniques that made each artist's work so unique, and highlights some of the artist's most famous masterpieces. Each book features entertaining cartoons, informative sidebars, and engaging art reproductions. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, an index, and an introduction to the author and illustrator.

Guide to 156 easy to moderately strenuous day hikes around San Luis Obispo County, ranging from bluff trails along the Pacific coastline to creekside canyon walks in the Santa Lucia Mountains, from city paths to wilderness retreats.