Figueroa Mtn area of Los Padres -- boondocking or CGs?

Question

We are thinking about a short trip, close to home -- we have biked in the Santa Ynez Valley but we are considering hiking up in the Figueroa Mtn area. Would you happen to know if there is any boondocking available up there? And if not, would anyone have info on the campgrounds (such as Davy Brown and Nira)?

The info on forestcamping.com is very good -- but I am wondering about whether these areas are suitable for a small trailer, how the roads are, whether there are low hanging branches, etc.

I have done an archive search and have come up with almost no information -- that would lead me to believe that this is not a very popular area! Thanks in advance.

tiger4x4rv · Answer

I drove up, around, and over Figueroa Mountain in late March, 2007. It was snowing at the top. The road (I think it was Happy Canyon) up was one lane with few places to pass. This could be a problem with a trailer. I didn't camp, but did stop at Nira for this photo:

I think there was a big fire up on the mountain the year after I took this photo. Sorry I cannot provide more help.

profdant139 · Answer

Hmmm.  Good point -- one lane, and someone has to back up quite a ways.  I can do it, but I don't enjoy the process.

tiger4x4rv · Answer

I went up the mountain on one road and down on the other.  The other (north side?) was paved and wider.  It also had more traffic.

camorhino · Answer

Traffic is a lot less now that Neverland Ranch is no more.....;)
With you smaller rig, I would not think you would have a problem. We have taken lowbeds to the guard station at Figeroa, from Happy Canyon side.

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Figueroa Mtn area of Los Padres -- boondocking or CGs?

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