A Pass is not required for vehicles parked in an area covered by a site specific use fee or stopping for information at Ranger stations, visitor centers and other Forest Service offices. Funds generated from the Pass are used by the local Forest to maintain and improve recreation sites, facilities and services and in protecting Forest resources and wildlife habitat. The Santa Ynez Recreation Area is located north of Santa Barbara off Highway 154 along Paradise Road. Its key feature is the Santa Ynez River, the longest stretch of fee-flowing river with public access in southern California. Picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding are some of the area's popular activities.
Campgrounds are picnic areas fill up on holidays and summer weekends, but weekdays are quieter.
Several trails begin here which are popular with hikers, mountain bicyclists and horseback riders. They are used for short day trips and for access to backcountry and wilderness campgrounds. Equestrians may reserve sites at Upper Oso and Sage Hill Campgrounds, both of which have corrals and horse trailer parking. OHV enthusiasts can access the area's only two OHV routes from Upper Oso Campground, and Camuesa Road and Buckhorn Road. For information about this district's recreation opportunities, visit the Santa Barbara section of our Visitors Info Page.