Things to Do in Santa Lucia Wilderness
Santa Lucia Wilderness is a rugged wilderness area located inland from Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo in California. This diverse landscape features chaparral-covered peaks, ranging from approximately 800 feet to about 3,000 feet, alongside lush, stream-fed valleys with ancient oaks and riparian vegetation. The varied terrain provides a suitable environment for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in Santa Lucia Wilderness
The Santa Lucia Wilderness offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts…
53
Routes
5
(9)
Average rating
390
People visited
2
hikers
3.56km
01:07
200m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6.42km
01:54
310m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9.16km
02:42
380m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.84km
01:17
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.82km
00:33
190m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
23.9km
02:22
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
26.2km
02:33
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
7.35km
01:04
280m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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22
runners
15.1km
01:37
230m
230m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
runners
7.57km
00:48
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
7.80km
01:12
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
24
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
39.9km
02:02
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
77.3km
03:47
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
14.3km
00:46
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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7
riders
32.4km
03:51
1,110m
1,110m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
53.4km
04:15
830m
830m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
19.8km
01:15
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
28.9km
02:44
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of outdoor activities are available in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
The Santa Lucia Wilderness provides opportunities for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and touring cycling. While mechanized transport is restricted within the designated wilderness, surrounding areas offer extensive cycling routes. Explore more with guides like Hiking in Santa Lucia Wilderness.
Are there specific trails for hiking in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
Yes, the wilderness features numerous hiking trails, including the 5.3-mile (8.5 km) Lopez Canyon Trail. This trail offers pleasant campsites near the stream. Other trails lead to notable features like Little Falls and Big Falls.
Can I go mountain biking in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
Mountain biking is prohibited within the designated Santa Lucia Wilderness area. However, the broader Los Padres National Forest lands and surrounding regions offer many routes for mountain biking. These areas include rolling hills and oak woodlands. Find more information in the MTB Trails in Santa Lucia Wilderness guide.
What are the notable natural features in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
The wilderness features chaparral-covered peaks ranging from approximately 800 feet (244 m) to 3,000 feet (914 m), and lush, stream-fed valleys. Key attractions include Little Falls, a 50-foot (15 m) waterfall, and Big Falls, which has a pair of dramatic waterfalls. Ridgetops offer views of Morro Rock and the Seven Sisters hills.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking options in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
Yes, the Santa Lucia Wilderness offers routes suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. The Lopez Canyon Trail is considered pleasant for hikers. For more specific recommendations, consult the Easy hikes in Santa Lucia Wilderness guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Santa Lucia Wilderness?
The moderate climate of California's Central Coast makes the Santa Lucia Wilderness an ideal spot to visit throughout the year. The diverse terrain supports outdoor activities in various seasons.
How popular is Santa Lucia Wilderness among komoot users?
The Santa Lucia Wilderness is a popular destination, with more than 1,300 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars, based on 37 ratings.
Where can I find official information about Santa Lucia Wilderness?
Official information for the Santa Lucia Wilderness, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is available on the Los Padres National Forest website. The official website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=11075.
What is the contact number for Santa Lucia Wilderness inquiries?
For inquiries related to the Santa Lucia Wilderness, contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District Office. The phone number is +1-805-925-9538. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Are there specific guides available for cycling in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
Yes, komoot offers guides for various cycling activities in and around the Santa Lucia Wilderness. These include Road Cycling Routes in Santa Lucia Wilderness and Cycling in Santa Lucia Wilderness.
What is the elevation range in Santa Lucia Wilderness?
The Santa Lucia Wilderness features diverse terrain with chaparral-covered peaks. Elevations range from approximately 800 feet (244 m) in Lopez Canyon to about 3,000 feet (914 m) near Hi Mountain Lookout.
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