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First Crossing Day Use Picnic Area

The First Crossing Day Use Area is a 16 acre day use picnic site located off Paradise Road just before the first Santa Ynez River crossing ford. 

The First Crossing Day Use Area is open all year.  During high river flows Paradise Road is closed to motorized vehicles at the river ford and this facility becomes the “end of the road” for visitor vehicle access.

The site is adjacent to the Santa Ynez river and trails provide access to the river.

The facility has 50 picnic tables at 13 picnic sites accommodating 16 to 24 people each.  The site consists of 130 parking spaces with one trailer parking space.  There are three vault toilet buildings.

The interior roads and parking spurs are paved, all walkways are concrete and the entire site is accessible. The site is designed for large extended family groups. 

There are three large garbage dumpsters located throughout the site. There is no electricity or phone service to the site. 

Area amenities:  Picnic tables, BBQs, Parking, trash, hiking trails, water play.

General Information

In campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs mst be kept on a leash. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands.

January - December

No overnight camping in day use area. 

As of November 1, 2016, the First Crossing Day Use Area will no longer be an Adventure Pass recreation site. This day use/picnic area will be managed by the Parks Management for the Forest Service. $10 per vehicle for parking. 

Getting There

Parking

Yes

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Yes

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated February 19, 2025