The Los Padres National Forest is 2,000,000 acres! It is approximately 76 miles from UCLA which translates to roughly 1.5 hr drive. Los Padres National Forest includes mountainous lands along the coast of California. This national forest offers beaches, bicycling, camping, fishing, OHV riding, hiking, picnicking, horse riding and hunting! Be sure to visit website for most up to date notices and policies. Los Padres National Forest offers visitors a personalized experience with recreation activities here. If you visit Los Padres National Forest, one must visit place is the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway. The Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway has a diverse range of terrain including rock formations, unique geology and lush riparian habitats. It is incredibly picturesque.

Photo by Los Padres National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf

The Angeles National Forest is 700,176 acres! It is approximately 29 miles from UCLA which translates to roughly a 35 min drive. Recreation activities in the Angeles National Forest include beaches, bicycling, fishing, hiking, and water sports! Be sure to visit website for most up to date notices and policies. The Angeles National Forest features over 50 hiking trails including the famous Pacific Crest Trail. For a small day hike, we suggest you hike the Bear Canyon Loop Trail that is 3.2 miles long and follows a stream bed. It is a picturesque trail that shows forest and riparian ecosystems! There are also over a dozen campground sites in Angeles National Forest. Tip: be sure to get there early because they are first come, first serve

Photo by Angeles National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/

The San Bernardino National Forest is 823,816 acres! It is approximately 58 miles from UCLA which translates to roughly an hr drive. Recreation activities in the San Bernardino National Forest include bicycling, photography, fishing, horse riding, hunting, nature viewing, picnicking, and winter sports! Be sure to visit website for most up to date notices and policies. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the San Bernardino National Forest, along with 50 other trails. Campgrounds in the national forest also offer hikers the option to day hike or backpack. If you do not wish to hike, the San Bernardino National Forest has a native plant garden located directly behind the Lytle Creek Ranger Station.

Photo by San Bernardino National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf