Los Padres National Forest

This gigantic National Forest boasts over 1,200 miles of maintained trails and 875,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. Its ecosystems range from semi-desert in the interior to redwood forest on the coast, and are home to a wide range of flora and fauna—approximately 468 species of fish and wildlife, including 23 threatened and endagered species. It's one of the best spots to escape from LA for car camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, fishing, you name it. From Ojai, we recommend the Sespe Creek Trail to Willett Hot Springs. Hike 9 miles in to a rewarding hot spring, or continue on for another 6 miles to get to a further spring, Sespe Hot Springs. You can camp along the way, and there are ample swimming holes in springtime—Bear Creek Campground, about 4 miles in, is a popular resting point (or turnaround for day hikers). Just watch for rattlers!