Knapp Time

For a little taste of Pompeii in Southern California, head for Knapp’s Castle in the Los Padres National Forest above Santa Barbara. It’s a delightful oddity with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains and Valley. The former mountain retreat burned down in a wildfire and today has enough of the original sandstone arches, columns, walls, stairways, and chimneys still standing to provide plenty of perches from which to contemplate a stellar sunset over the Santa Ynez Valley. After wandering around the remnants, follow the stairs down to the lower level of the property (to the south), where you’ll find a knotted rope swing hanging from a tree. Brave types can grab hold of that rope, step out off of the ledge and swing! You’ll feel like the whole world is swaying below.

BONUS: As long as you’re in this section of the Los Padres National Forest, take a side trip to the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, a small sandstone cave featuring beautifully preserved Native American paintings dating back to the 1600s or earlier. The cave is located a few miles south of Knapp’s Castle on Painted Cave Road.

Follow Hwy. 154 north from Santa Barbara. Turn right on East Camino Cielo and drive for 3 miles. Park near the other cars on the side of the street and follow the dirt road on the left side of the street. When the road splits, head to the right toward the metal gate marking the entrance to the property. Note: Knapp’s Castle is technically on privately owned land, but the owner has made it accessible to the public. After walking up a dirt road from the street, you’ll come to a large metal gate engraved with the words “Right To Pass Revocable By Owner.” Pass through the gate, and you’ll see the ruins up ahead to the right. No dogs.