Set in a rugged and spectacular wilderness, Santa Lucia Memorial Park is reached on through Fort Hunter Liggett, then via Del Venturi Road (with its two wet crossing of the San Antonio River, when that road is road), or a detour graded dirt Milpitas Road that connects back with Del Venturi Road above the river crossings. Farther north and uphill, after driving through spectacular oak savanna -- but no stopping is permitted on the Fort -- one reaches the Los Padres National Forest border. After the oak savanna is left behind, and one crosses a one-lane bridge over Rattlesnake Creek, the road name changes to "Indians Road" -- it is not as well-maintained as the Army's road through Hunter Liggett, but at least one can stop and bird anywhere within the Los Padres National Forest. The road then climbs a rocky gorge to a summit, and then drops into the valley called Santa Lucia Memorial Park.  Here the habitat changes to Ponderosa Pine forest.

Mountain Quail are resident, and heard often, but the rugged country here makes them exceedingly difficult to see. Other residents include Band-tailed Pigeon, Hairy Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, Oak Titmouse, and Western Bluebird. Summer breeders include Violet-green Swallow, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak. At 2000' elevation, Cassin's Vireo and Western Tanager are mostly migrants, but a few may breed. Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Canyon Wren can be heard in rocky, arid country along the unpaved, upper end of Indians Road, north of Memorial Park. An occasional California Condor will fly over this area.

Santa Lucia Memorial Park is a mix of remote wilderness, rustic campground, and private in-holdings with summer cabins. At 2000' elevation (610 m ), the habitat here is Ponderosa Pine forest set among dramatic rocky cliffs and rugged ridges, with plenty of surrounding montane chaparral. There is a fine view of Junipero Serra Peak  -- highest mountain in the Santa Lucia range of central California at 5856' elevation (1785 m) -- and the trailhead for the 15 mile hike starts here.

There is not an entrance fee but there is a camping fee ($30 per night) and one can be charged a $10 per day "use fee" if you car is parked near access points to "swimming holes" frequented by visitors in spring and summer, The campground is "rustic" and the toilets are pit-toilets.