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…
First Crossing Day Use Picnic Area is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.
See the map for First Crossing Day Use Picnic Area's exact location and directions.
Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.