[2] Archaeological evidence shows that the Esselen lived in Big Sur as early as 3500 BC, leading a nomadic, hunter-gatherer existence.

[3][4] The indigenous people lived near the coast in winter, where they harvested rich stocks of mussels, abalone and other sea life.

At their founding, they conducted an inventory of public lands within the Los Padres National Forest Monterey Ranger District.

Their findings persuaded US Congressman Sam Farr to sponsor the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act.

[13] The topography of the Ventana Wilderness is characterized by steep-sided, sharp-crested ridges separating V-shaped youthful valleys.

Marked vegetation changes occur within the Wilderness, attributable to dramatic climatic and topographic variations coupled with an extensive fire history.

Small scattered stands of the rare, endemic bristlecone fir may be found on rocky slopes and canyon bottoms.

Mountain lion, bobcat, bear, deer, fox and coyotes range the wilderness, as does the California condor, reintroduced to the region by the Ventana Wildlife Society.

During the 1930s, the United States Civilian Conservation Corps constructed an extensive network of trails and trailheads that provided access to the Wilderness.