The mission of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance is to protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness qualities and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast.
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance protects the Big Sur backcountry and opens its rugged beauty to all—inviting people to discover, connect, and care for these wild lands through greater access, transformative education, and lasting preservation. With your support, we steward the trails that lead into the heart of the Ventana, restore access to iconic places like the Pine Ridge Trail, and lead free backpacking trips for youth from communities historically underrepresented on public lands. Our Trailhead Ambassadors and Volunteer Rangers educate visitors on fire safety and Leave No Trace, while our policy work ensures these forests stay climate-resilient and ecologically intact. For 25 years, we’ve been the voice of the Ventana—shaping how the land is protected, experienced, and passed on. Your donation helps us ensure these wild places remain vibrant, protected, and welcoming for future generations.
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance benefits Monterey County residents by protecting the Big Sur backcountry—safeguarding climate-resilient landscapes, clean watersheds, and thriving wildlife. Through expanded access and transformative education, we open the door to these wild lands: clearing trails, sharing critical wildfire safety information, and leading free, multi-day, transformative backpacking experiences for youth from Salinas and South County who might not otherwise have the chance—building the next generation of voices and leaders for wilderness protection.
VWA's Youth in Wilderness free backpacking trips change how my students from Salinas carry themselves—at school, at home, and with each other. Most have never set foot in a wilderness area, and without VWA, they likely never would. I’ve seen them return from the backcountry with greater confidence, stronger leadership, and a deeper connection to themselves and the natural world. These aren’t just outdoor experiences—they’re turning points. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance makes this possible by removing barriers to access and protecting the Big Sur backcountry for generations to come. Supporting VWA means more than preserving trails and wild places—it means investing in young people who need nature not as an escape, but as a way forward.
- Christian Lamonea, Marina
