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Big Sur Trail

Santa Barbara · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Los Padres backcountry
Difficulty 25/100 · Moderateout and back#los-padres#los-padres-backcountry#backcountry
Distance
16.9 mi
Net gain
1,800 ft
Net loss
1,800 ft
Elevation
1,600–3,400 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Big Sur Trail is a 8.47-mile trail through the Los Padres backcountry that climbs from 1,600 to 3,400 feet and is rated Moderate/Strenuous by the Forest Service. Named camps along the route include Cienega Camp, Cold Springs Campground, Mocho Camp, Rainbow Camp. Note: the trail is listed as temporarily closed — check current conditions before planning.

Highlights

  • 8.47 miles of backcountry trail per the Forest Service
  • An elevation range of 1,600–3,400 feet
  • No wilderness permits required on the Los Padres
  • Trail camp: Cienega Camp
  • Trail camp: Cold Springs Campground
  • Trail camp: Mocho Camp

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Big Sur Trail Trailhead · parking: Per the Forest Service trail page directions; no trail fees
  • Water: Seasonal creeks along the route; treat all water and confirm flows.
  • Resupply: None; services are limited in the backcountry districts.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Los Padres National Forest (USFS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, and forest-wide fire restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round; winter snow is possible at higher elevations.

Heat: Summer brings heat and sun exposure — spring and fall are ideal.

Bugs: Poison oak and ticks in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The Forest Service lists this trail as temporarily closed — verify access before planning
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Poison oak lines many Los Padres trails
  • Water is seasonal — confirm creek flows

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Big Sur Trail. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/big-sur-trail-3e07. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (8.47 mi one way), elevation range (1600–3400 ft), and difficulty rating (Moderate/Strenuous). Trail listed as temporarily closed.
  2. Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/los-padres-fire-use-and-firearm-restrictions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current fire-use restrictions for the forest.
  3. Hiking — Los Padres National Forest. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.