Deal Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 6.10 Miles

Trail Details

• Trail #: 24WO4
• Wilderness Area: Dick Smith
• County: Ventura County
• Ranger District: Mt. Pinos Ranger District
• Trail-head Latitude: 34.67804
• Trail-head Longitude: -119.36589
• Trail Condition: Kind of Good - Little to no bushwacking and easily followable
• Topo Maps:
  
  Rancho Nuevo Creek
Activities & Features:
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Day Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wilderness Camping

Trail Stats

• Total Elevation Gain: + 1386 feet.
• Total Elevation Loss: - 1375 feet.
• Overall Average Slope Gain: + 8 %.
• Overall Average Slope Loss: - 6 %.
• Kilometers:
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• Meters:
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• Miles:
  (mi)
• Feet:
  (ft)
• Average Slope:
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Trail Camps

Deal Junction Camp (1300 feet)

Photo By: Antonio Calderon - Website Link

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Survey This Trail

Survey Photos:

• 
  Subbotin - 02-02-2014
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  Subbotin - 02-02-2014
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  Craig R. Carey - 02-05-2017
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  Craig R. Carey - 02-05-2017
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  Craig R. Carey - 02-05-2017
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  Craig R. Carey - 02-05-2017
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  Mike Maki - 03-03-2017
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  Mike Maki - 03-03-2017
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  Mike Maki - 03-03-2017
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  Mike Maki - 03-03-2017
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2017
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  M. Jones - 11-03-2017
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  M. Jones - 11-03-2017
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-20-2018
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-20-2018
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-20-2018
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-20-2018
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  MSubbotin - 12-01-2018
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 08-23-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 08-23-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 08-23-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 08-23-2019
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  Nate M - 05-21-2020
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  Antonio Calderon - 06-27-2020

Submitted Trail Reports

Deal Trail Survey - 02-13-2022 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	02-13-2022
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	The MPRD hosted another project on the Deal Trail as part of their annual Super Bowl Sunday project. This year the volunteers worked from the eastern Deal TH up the Bear Canyon portion and out to the wilderness boundary focused on brushing, tree clearing and some light tread. LOOKS GOOD!
Mode of transport:	Array
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Deal Trail Survey - 03-14-2022 - by Daniel J. Hall

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	03-14-2022
Surveyor Name:	Daniel J. Hall
Trail description:	We started from the Deal Connector Trailhead (not the Deal Trailhead farther north on Route 33), went past the Mine Camp Spur Trail and connected with the Deal Trail at the marked junction after .9 miles.  We then took the Deal Trail up and past the Dick Smith Wilderness Boundary, down the other side and on to about a quarter mile past where the trail intersects with Deal Canyon coming in from the left/south. There was no water in the creek and so we went no further.  To that point, the trail was in good shape and easy to follow.  However, there were minor slides in the switchbacks before the wilderness boundary and some brushy sections in the last half mile we hiked. The Mine Camp Spur Trail was very brushy, there were blowdowns across it and it was sometimes hard to find.  Mine Camp was in good shape, but had no drinkable water.  More detail in captioned photos at https://tinyurl.com/bdhn6da2
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Deal Trail Survey - 06-27-2020 - by Antonio Calderon

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	06-27-2020
Surveyor Name:	Antonio Calderon
Trail description:	Still plenty of water flow. Some brushy areas but easy to follow. Found lots and lots of ticks.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:

Deal Trail Survey - 05-21-2020 - by Nate M

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	05-21-2020
Surveyor Name:	Nate M
Trail description:	I started this trail from the bottom at the Rancho Nuevo camp. The trail is pretty overgrown in many places but still followable. I put my machete to good use but there are a lot of overhangs that have grown this Spring. Creek is flowing well the whole way. Put some videos up on IG as @picbynathan
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Needs work
Images:

Deal Trail Survey - 04-05-2020 - by Louis Tremblay

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	04-05-2020
Surveyor Name:	Louis Tremblay
Trail description:	Wow this trail is a MUST for people! Those rock features in the canyons are amazing.  Trail condition: the previous trail work has held up well. Easy enough to follow, only lost the trail twice. Very minor bushwhacking at times with 2 fallen trees that are easy to get around. A few loppers at places would help but otherwise we had a great time!Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Deal Trail Survey - 01-07-2020 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	01-07-2020
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Trail description:	I hiked a loop along the Deal Trail and Rancho Nuevo. I started down the spur, but decided not to face its blow downs twice. There were some high winds up here and my arms got very tired from throwing small trees off the trail. I'd say half my hikes along this trail were in the context of trail work, so I was in a trail work frame of mind. Also, there would have normally been a bit of work about to happen on this one, but the yearly work moved over to the nearby NRT. They get all the attention. There's still a few bigger trees on the trail. Nothing much more than a foot in diameter to my memory. The only thing difficult to cross that didn't get tossed off the trail was up in the section that is usually skipped by using the connector instead. (That's outside the wilderness.) There is some difficulty navigating in the upper sections within the wilderness. I might have even felt slightly lost at one point, but everything follows the creek, so there is an overriding navigation to follow.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Deal Trail Survey - 08-23-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	08-23-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	As part of a NFWF trail grant, the LPFA restored 4.7 miles of the Deal Trail during the 2018-2019 trail season.  We worked the trail from the Deal Connector junction out to Deal Junction Camp.  The trail should be in excellent shape for the 2019-2020 hiking season!  Go check out this beautiful, wild, yet not that remote trail which also happens to be part of the Condor Trail. Year round water was found at this location: 34° 39' 57.12" N, 119° 24' 58.8" W
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:	A before and after along the middle part of the Deal Trail, below the Narrows Another before and after along the middle part of the Deal Trail, below the Narrows The trail heading up from Deal Junction Camp, wide open. The LPFA Trail Crew, braving the cold, snow and sleet in February 2019.

Deal Trail Survey - 05-08-2019 - by Diane Soini

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	05-08-2019
Surveyor Name:	Diane Soini
Trail description:	Other than a short stretch in the middle, the trail was in good shape. Someone has put up tape along the short stretch in the middle to guide you through. There was no trail in this section and you just had to push through the brush. Other than that, the trail was in good shape and the cliffs and the creek were gorgeous. This trail is a hidden gem.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Deal Trail Survey - 12-01-2018 - by MSubbotin

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	12-01-2018
Surveyor Name:	MSubbotin
Trail description:	MPRD Volunteer Trail project with Order of the Arrow BSA re-established the first 1/4 mile of trail from the trailhead by brushing and removing slough to FS standard.  Trail report of 5/16 had indicated trail was impossible to follow, but not longer!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:	Order of the Arrow w/ Chapter Chief Jack and support team.

Deal Trail Survey - 11-20-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	11-20-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA survey of the Deal Trail from the Deal Connector (Hwy 33) into the wilderness and down past the Narrows.  See detailed trail report slideshow below. The trail is followable now thanks to a fresh set of pink flagging but expect to have to push through brush and wander a little looking for the path of least resistance.  There are 8 downed trees along the trail but none of them should cause any problems to get around.  Water was found in one spot between the wilderness boundary and the Narrows. Very pretty canyon and quite wild.  Did not see any bear signs.  This is along the Condor Trail. LPFA and MPRD will be working this trail later in 2018-2019 trail season. https://arcg.is/05LGOG
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:	The water was located in this thicket of willows. Note pink flags designating the trail. View down towards the narrows, very picturesque. The mammoth downed oak in the narrows will need a skilled sawyer to clear. View from Deal Trail down across Hwy 33 and towards Pine Mountain.

Deal Trail Survey - 05-21-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	05-21-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Condor Trail hikers reported the section of trail from Deal Junction to the wilderness boundary was in "need of some serious work".  Water was available at all the nearby camps and along most of the usual sections of the trail.  No water at Upper Tinta or Tinta Camps.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Deal Trail Survey - 01-07-2018 - by MSubbotin

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	01-07-2018
Surveyor Name:	MSubbotin
Trail description:	From the Hwy 33 the first 1/4 mi trail not clearly defined but cross drainage and head up Bear Canyon until finding more defined tread.  Trail easy to follow up to wilderness boundary and then dropping down into Deal Cyn.  Heading west/northwest down Deal Cyn trail is overgrown and brushy. Some flagging but in other places no discernible trail for approx 1.5 miles until canyon starts to narrow and flagging picks up again.  Trail typically can be found on east side of canyon floor.  Numerous downed trees cause walk arounds. Trail is easy to follow for approx 1.5 miles above Deal Camp, but not stock passable.  Trickle of flowing water in Deal Creek.  Deal Camp to Rancho Nuevo Trailhead is in excellent condition.  3 new fire rings at Rancho Nuevo Campground.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	thru hike from Hwy 33 up Bear Cyn, west & north on Deal Cyn to Deal Camp & exit Rancho Nuevo campground

Deal Trail Survey - 11-03-2017 - by M. Jones

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	11-03-2017
Surveyor Name:	M. Jones
Trail description:	Overall trail is in good condition, a few minor areas where it is hard to find trail. Tree blocking trail about a 1/2 mile from Deal Canyon Junction Camp:  N34° 41.002' W119° 25.164' @ 3800ft Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	There are a few pools of water along trail
Images:	Tree blocking trail

Deal Trail Survey - 03-18-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	03-18-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Boy Scout David Jones installed a new Dick Smith Wilderness sign at the wilderness junction along the Deal Trail.  This was part of an Eagle Scout project which also included repainting Los Padres Forest signs along Hwy 33.  Very cool project, great work David and thanks also to MPRD super volunteer Mark Subbotin for coordinating the effort.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:

Deal Trail Survey - 03-03-2017 - by Mike Maki

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	03-03-2017
Surveyor Name:	Mike Maki
Trail description:	We did a clockwise loop up Deal Tr and down Rancho Nuevo and 3 miles on Hwy 33. Most of the work the Boy Scouts did Feb 5 in Bear Cyn held very well. Great work. A few trees down and stream crossings washed out but not a problem to find route. Bryan Conant's description of the trail is right on on his map. Easy to follow to the saddle/wilderness boundary then a little more route finding is required. More of the same for the wilderness section, washed out crossings and a few tress down but if you take your time and look you can usually find the trail. Many more pics here.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Not bad. Some down trees and wash outs.
Images:	Easy tree to get around One of the wash outs. Not too many. Mostly at stream crossings. Good flowing water! What happens when a culvert gets clogged. Actually surprised to find this culvert up here.

Deal Trail Survey - 02-05-2017 - by Craig R. Carey

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	02-05-2017
Surveyor Name:	Craig R. Carey
Trail description:	Worked the Bear Cyn section of the Deal Trail with Mark Subbotin's hard-hitting Super Bowl crew and Boy Scout Troop 111. Several trees removed, some erosion control, treadwork, and much clipping. A great weekend and great weather.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:

Deal Trail Survey - 05-14-2016 - by Josh Henderson

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	05-14-2016
Surveyor Name:	Josh Henderson
Trail description:	This was my first time trying this trail. It's possible that I just wasn't looking in the right place but I couldn't follow this trail more than a couple of hundred yards. I saw the "Deal Connector Trail" further south on 33 which looked like a better bet, but by that time I'd just decided to call it a day.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Non existent
Condition details:	First Timer

Deal Trail Survey - 02-02-2014 - by Subbotin

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	02-02-2014
Surveyor Name:	Subbotin
Trail description:	For good description of recent trail conditions, see http://valhikes.blogspot.com/2014/02/deal-trail.html
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Trail has recently been brushed and logged by UTMC (http://www.unitedtrailmaintainers.org/photos.aspx) from Hwy 33 to wilderness boundary. From there to Deal Camp general brushing needed but trail generally easy to follow.
Number of trees down:	2
Images:

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