This bill protects over 270,000 acres of land along California's Central Coast by designating them as wilderness areas and scenic areas that will be permanently preserved in their natural state. The protected areas include three new wilderness zones (Caliente Mountain, Soda Lake, and Temblor Range) and expansions to nine existing wilderness areas in and around the Los Padres National Forest. Once designated, these lands cannot be developed, mined, or logged (except for fire prevention), though existing activities like livestock grazing and hunting can continue under regulated conditions.

The bill also protects several rivers and creeks in the region—including Indian Creek, Mono Creek, Sespe Creek, and Piru Creek—by designating them as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers. This means their natural character will be preserved and they cannot be dammed or heavily developed. Additionally, the bill creates the Fox Mountain Special Management Area, which allows recreational activities like hiking, camping, and mountain biking while protecting wildlife and natural resources. Two scenic areas (Condor Ridge and Black Mountain) are also established to preserve their visual character and ecological value.

The law ensures that Native American tribes have access to these protected lands for traditional cultural and religious practices, and it requires studies on creating a new hiking trail across the Santa Lucia Mountains and improving mountain biking opportunities. Existing water rights and valid uses are protected, and the government can still manage fires and control pests in these areas. Overall, this bill permanently shields a significant portion of California's Central Coast from commercial development while maintaining recreational access and respecting existing rights.