What is the climb in the Sierra Madre Mountains of the Los Padres National Forest?

What is the climb in the Sierra Madre Mountains of the Los Padres National Forest?

• Answer:

  The best climb in the Los Padres National Forest of Santa Barbara County, in the Sierra Madre Mountains, is probably West Big Pine Mountain (6490'), since it is the most remote peak in this wild region, and involves the greatest walking distance, although it requires no technical climbing skills. The hiking figures are: Distance: 35 miles round trip on dirt road Gain: 4400' Time: 19-21 hours round trip (2 days) Rating: Class 1, very strenuous Navigation: Easy Driving directions to the trailhead from Los Angeles are: DRIVING ROUTE 1 •Drive north on I-5 past the Grapevine to the SR 166 off-ramp. Turn left (west). •Head west 36.5 miles, passing through Maricopa, to the junction with SR 33 south. This junction may be reached by a slower route via SR 33 north from Ojai. (There is a junction with SR 33 north in Maricopa that you will pass in Maricopa.) Turn left (south). •Go 2.7 miles to Foothill Road on the right. Turn right (west). •Go 2.1 miles, crossing the Cuyama River, to the Santa Barbara Canyon Road (9N11) on the left. Turn left, note your odometer, and go as follows: •At 3.1 miles, just past a ranch house, junction with a dirt road on the left and a paved road on the right with a sign "Santa Barbara Canyon Road". Turn right. •At 7.5 miles, fork with Santa Barbara Ranch visible ahead. Go right and cross a creek. The pavement ends. •At 10.8 miles, fork with Dry Canyon Road on the left. This is the turnoff for Lizard Head and Cuyama Peak (LO). Keep straight. •At 12.6 miles, a locked gate. Park here.