San Rafael Wilderness

Located in the Los Padres National Forest in California.

The 217,000-acre San Rafael Wilderness is located in the San Rafael and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges in southeastern Santa Barbara County. The San Rafael was established as a primitive area by the Chief of the Forest Service on January 19, 1932 and then contained 79,000 acres. On March 21, 1968, the San Rafael became the first primitive area in the Nation, reclassified as wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Over 125 miles of trail exist within the wilderness. Elevations range from 1,166 feet to 6,800 feet. Wood fires are allowed only in designated areas. Portable stoves are permitted. Two-thirds of the area is closed July 1 through Nov. 15 due to fire danger. The best time to travel in the area is the spring.

For further information contact: Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest