Join the U.S. Army and Simulate Middle East Combat in Central California's Beautiful Coastal Range

During my bikepacking trip last weekend, I unexpectedly found myself riding through a live firing area in Fort Hunter Liggett, outside of the Los Padres National Forest.  Not as gnarly as one may think, although you have to bushwhack past some skulls and crossbones to get to some of the post beautiful rock formations in the area, so there's that.  Anyway, from what I can tell, the general public is permitted to explore the area when the military is not actively using the range, so be sure to make your way out there if you ever find yourself in this part of Central California.

Not sure why they had to make some of there targets look like mosques.

This setup apparently allows the military to practice firing upon trucks driving quickly through rubble-filled streets in the Middle East (in the distance, you can see how the truck begins to swerve around barriers).

Comments (1)

I saw your photos on Flickr and posted a comment. Makes sense that I only “sort of” recognized the areas you rode through very well, since it was up north in the Ventana. What route did you take?

Here is a tour/race I have planned for next spring that you guys might be interested in that goes through the southern los padres national forest. Hope you guys can ride it! Check out the website:

www.tourdelospadres.com

-Erin