A section of the rugged backcountry terrain of the Los Padres National Forest is visited by fewer than 20 people per year. Marc Muench / Alamy Upon reaching the grassy meadow known as Bear Camp, there ...

The rugged chaparral of California ’s Sespe Wilderness lay hidden under the camouflage of mahogany and sage hues. Nearly a week into her thru-hike on the Condor Trail, Brittany Nielsen surveyed this ...

Brian Sarvis, a former superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, is enjoying hitting the hiking trails in retirement. (Brian Sarvis photo) I just finished hiking 240 miles of the ...

<strong>A CONDOR’S VIEW:</strong> The air is crisp and cold near Big Pine Mountain in the Santa Barbara backcountry, where the author’s friend Roy enjoys views of ...

The last couple hundred yards are a struggle to reach the 6,500-foot top of San Rafael Peak, but Paul, Roy, and I eventually reach the crest. It is Christmas, and we’re deep in the heart of the ...

The rugged chaparral of California’s Sespe Wilderness lay hidden under the camouflage of mahogany and sage hues. Nearly a week into her thru-hike on the Condor Trail, Brittany Nielsen surveyed this ...