The California Central Coast region of Big Sur is world renowned as one of the most scenic parts of the entire west coast. Imagine an even better view than the coast highway has to offer. A road where there is no tour buses in front of you & no sports car riding your rear end on the tight curves.

See further, see more ocean & experience nature without the tourist crowds. Turn outs with redwoods & creek sides await you on the Los Padres National Forest backroads. Coastal ridge routes with amazing views. You can easily escape the marine layer up here.

Small campgrounds & primitive camp options areas are available on the ridges & secluded forest roads. Springtime has abundant wild flowers & raging clear water creeks on the roadsides.

Sykes Hot Springs is a popular backpacking trip with in this area.

50 Best Short Hikes in California's Central Coast

 
CLICK TO ENLARGE - map credit Thomas Bros.

• Private campgrounds are quite expensive in this region & State Park campgrounds fill up fast, so consider obtaining a fire permit & heading to the dirt roads.
• Try the remote campgrounds on Nacimiento Rd.- Ponderosa & Nacimiento. Or the primitive style camps at Prewitt Ridge.
• Most dirt roads are in good condition & can be handled by any passenger car. The secondary roads are a bit rougher but can be easily handled with an SUV. 4WD may be recommended on some routes & is usually marked at the head of each trail.