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Santa Lucia Trail

Santa Barbara · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Los Padres backcountry
Difficulty 35/100 · Moderateout and back#los-padres#los-padres-backcountry#backcountry
Distance
29.2 mi
Net gain
650 ft
Net loss
650 ft
Elevation
950–1,600 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Santa Lucia Trail is a 14.6-mile trail through the Los Padres backcountry that climbs from 950 to 1,600 feet and is rated Moderate/Difficult by the Forest Service. Note: the trail is listed as temporarily closed — check current conditions before planning.

Highlights

  • 14.6 miles of backcountry trail per the Forest Service
  • An elevation range of 950–1,600 feet
  • No wilderness permits required on the Los Padres

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Santa Lucia Trail Trailhead (1,053 ft) · 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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Santa Lucia Trail. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/santa-lucia-trail-5e03. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (14.6 mi one way), elevation range (950–1600 ft), and difficulty rating (Moderate/Difficult). Trail listed as temporarily closed.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.