Consider the vastness of Fort Hunter-Liggett.
It’s like Paso’s outdoors city to the north – a vast landscape of oak hills, Big Sur peaks and expansive grasslands. The fort is a place the tourist doesn’t go to all that often. With special regulations, special rules and all sorts of loopholes it takes to get there, it can be well worth the hiking experience.
Each spring, wildflowers dot the landscape with vibrant hues of purple, rose, amber and blue. During rainy years, the area in and around Indian Caves monument can be quite spectacular biologically with tons springing to life.
Hikers can explore area peaks using side trails that connect down the main thoroughfare once it becomes official land within Los Padres National Forest. Drivers can look for a significant cattle guard and signage posted at the entrance – you can’t miss it. Be sure to stick to the LPNFS land and don’t trespass on military land, which adjoins the land in several spots.
Fort Hunter-Liggett most definitely has a unique feel to it. Yes, it’s highly guarded land, and yes it’s extremely isolated. It’s also extremely difficult to find if you’re not a longtime local, and the logistics of getting there, getting trails lined up and having the stars of good fortunate line up with military operations is doubtful. Yet still, something draws the hiker back to this northern location.
Maybe it’s the sheer isolation of landscape; for some perhaps it’s the “in the know” feeling you get after a good adventure there. Free camping? Yep, there’s that to boot, too. I can’t say enough good things about the rather perilous hiking situation that is Ft. Hunter-Liggett. Up for some adventure?
Give the old military base a try this season – you’re in for a treat.
Here are some of the biggest advantages to hiking at Fort Hunter-Liggett:
1. Cheap
2. Beautiful and isolated
3. Ample dispersed camping
4. Oak woodlands
5. Lots of off-trail hiking & trekking
