Los Padres ForestWatch has teamed up with Cuyama Buckhorn, a boutique roadside resort and restaurant, to publish a comprehensive guide to outdoor activities in the Cuyama Valley. The valley is a remote and picturesque region straddling Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Kern counties. The Guide to the Outdoors in Cuyama Valley is available in both print and electronic formats and can be purchased in the ForestWatch Store online, or in person at the Cuyama Buckhorn.
The 56-page Guide to the Outdoors in Cuyama Valley—produced by ForestWatch and designed by the Cuyama Buckhorn—features trails, hiking tips, scenic drives, and other recommended local destinations to guide visitors through the largely untapped region. The booklet also includes safety tips, how to recreate responsibly, what gear to bring, and information about the area’s ecosystems, wildlife, Chumash culture, and resources to help plan your trip.
“The Guide will help families and adventurers explore this area safely and responsibly, while learning about the role we all play in protecting this precious landscape,” said ForestWatch executive director Jeff Kuyper. “We’re honored to partner with our friends at the Buckhorn to give folks a glimpse of all the outdoor opportunities that the Cuyama Valley has to offer.”
Popular destinations in the Guide include various trails in Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument, as well as local waterfalls, pine-studded mountains, wine tasting, and the best spots for viewing wildlife and wildflowers.
For each trail or point of interest, the Guide includes trailhead coordinates and a link to look up the location on a smartphone, difficulty rating, detailed directions, and more. Many of the trailheads in the region do not have signs, making this guide essential to navigate the area.
“I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors and inspired by old national park brochures and pamphlets,” said Kiana Toosi, Brand Manager for Cuyama Buckhorn. “Our goal with Cuyama Buckhorn has always been to spread the word about this incredible valley. It’s our most asked question—‘What is there to do in the area?’—so the opportunity to create a resource for both the local community and the wider public has been a labor of love. We’re excited to be able to make this guide and invite a new wave of explorers to this region that we call home.”
The Guide can be paired with the free OpenTrails web app—also produced by ForestWatch—that shows which trails in the region are open and which are subject to seasonal closures or longer-term closures due to damage from this year’s storms. The app is updated regularly in partnership with various federal, state, and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
“With this guide in hand, folks can explore the magic of the Cuyama Valley and learn about our natural surroundings and cultual past,” said Steve Gliessman and Robbie Jaffe, owners of Condor’s Hope Vineyard. “We are pleased to be part of this guide and look forward to visitors joining us for a wine tasting in our dry farmed vineyard.”
About the Authors & Designers
The Cuyama Buckhorn is a an artfully restored 21-room resort in the heart of the Cuyama Valley. Hotel guests and daytrippers alike are welcomed to the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Resort guests can also enjoy the full 2-acre property which includes a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, garden, fire pits, bocce ball, and more. To learn more, visit cuyamabuckhorn.com.
Los Padres ForestWatch is a nonprofit organization that works to protect Los Padres National Forest and neighboring public lands including Carrizo Plain National Monument. To learn more, visit forestwatch.org.
Comments are closed.