The Condor Trail is a recreational thru-hiking route designed to connect the northern and southern portions of the Los Padres National Forest by a single hiking trail. The hiking/backpacking trail is approximately 400 miles long and extends from Lake Piru (border of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties) in the south to Botchers Gap (just south of Monterey, CA) in the north.
The Condor Trail is being designed to highlight the beauty and unique characteristics of the Los Padres National Forest and the Central Coast of California. The trail is primarily through rugged wilderness backcountry portions of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties. Its important to know that the Condor Trail is not one long trail, but rather a series of smaller existing trails that we are linking together in order to create a route that is passable across the forest. Backpackers can enjoy portions of the Condor Trail in a weekend, as a dayhike, a weeklong trip or attempt to do the entire trail over a couple months.
Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) is the official non-profit organization recognized by Los Padres Forest. LPFA was established in 1984 to work cooperatively with Los Padres Forest to provide interpretive resources, manage visitor centers and care for the forest. Currently the LPFA operated stores at Big Sur and the Santa Barbara Ranger District and manages the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. LPFA programs include the Volunteer Wilderness Rangers, The Wranglers and Working Vacations.
Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
17017 Maricopa Highway
Ojai, CA 93023
Telephone: (805) 640-9060
Fax: (805) 640-9059
Directions
To reach Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center from Ventura take Highway 33 towards Ojai at the “Y” intersection (by the Vons shopping center) turn left on Hwy 33 for 8 miles. From the Carpinteria area, take Hwy 150 east until you connect with Hwy33 and turn left at the intersection.
Hours of Operation
The Wheeler Gorge(ous) Visitor Center is currently opened from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Montecito Trails Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of public trails in Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. Established in 1964, MTF is a volunteer organization funded through tax deductible membership dues and donations. MTF works in collaboration with local agencies and non-profit entities to ensure the continued use of the area’s scenic trails.
- responsible trail use, respect, and education of all trail users
- the design and maintenance of environmentally and socially sustainable trails
- provide responsible care for public lands through continued stewardship
Sage trail crew leaders are trained by the US Forest Service to make trail work safety their first priority. Our volunteers are trained in tool safety and sustainable trail work techniques. All Sage work events are reviewed and authorized by the appropriate governmental agency. These agencies include the US Forest Service, Santa Barbara County and the City of Santa Barbara. Our volunteers include hikers, equestrians, trail runners and mountain bikers. Almost all of our trail work is done using hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, hand saws, and brush loppers. Sage has a strict, “no power tools” policy during fire season or whenever conditions pose a risk of fire. Only select Sage volunteers who have received US Forest Service approval in their safe use may use power tools.
Los Padres Trail Riders (LPTR) is an historic part of the Santa Barbara area horse community. LPTR invites local equestrians to join the club and participate in events such as trail rides, parades, social events with informative speakers, and taking an active part in policies, and activities that will tend to further the use, acquisition, preservation, development and maintenance of riding and hiking trails.
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