Prairie falcon and tule elk live in this wilderness. Camping, hiking, are the main types of recreational uses. There is a 1500 acre Research Natural Area, dedicated to study on a unique strain of Coulter Pine. Dramatic scenery, steep terrain, coastal redwood groves. The Silver Peak Wilderness is located in the southwestern portion of the Monterey Ranger District and along the famous Big Sur coastline.
Photographic opportunities abound.
Access to parts of the backcountry is by dirt roads and is open subject to weather conditions. Ventana Wilderness 202,178 acres was established in 1978 by the Endangered American Wilderness Act, first addition was in 1978 by the Endangered American Wilderness Act, second addition in 1992 by the Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act. Most streams fall rapidly through narrow, vertical-walled canyons flowing on bedrock or a veneer of boulders. Waterfalls, deep pools and thermal springs are found along major streams. Elevations range from 600 feet, where the Big Sur River leaves the Wilderness, to about 5,750 feet at the Wilderness boundary circumventing Junipero Serra Peak.