Sam, here's some directions.
From Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, take route 144 (Milpas St.) to Route 192 (Stanwood Drive) to El Cielito Rd. Turn right on Gibraltar Rd. and keep climbing up to the top until you reach El Camino Cielo. You'll see a big sign that says "Big Caliente -17 miles". At this point, turn right on El Camino Cielo.This road goes right along the top spine of the mountain. After a few miles, the road starts to veer left down the other side of the mountain. You'll pass an open gate (shown on the Forest Service Map as Romero Saddle. Webmaster Rick has posted this online map on this forum) Keep driving until you get to the bottom of the valley. At Juncal Campground, the road veers left. Follow the signs to Big Caliente. Enjoy!