Exploring The Los Padres National Forest

Over 1000+ Cataloged Locations

Location specific weather reports, recent camp and trail surveys, water data and much more.

Hiking Trails

Explore the hiking trails of the Los Padres National Forest. Combine trails to make loop trips, discover new trails for backpacking, or find new areas to explore.

205 Hiking Trails

• Fremont Trail
• San Antonio Trail
• Middle Sespe Trail
• Chorro Grande Trail
• Santa Cruz Trail

View All 205 Trails →

Camps and Campgrounds

This updated list on camps enables you to find a new camp to visit anytime; we have included all car campgrounds and trail camps in this section.

293 Camps

• Last Chance Camp - Sespe
• Hard Luck Campground
• Valley View Camp
• Big Pines Camp - Ventana…
• Cottonwood Campground

View All 293 Camps →

O.H.V. Trails

We got you covered on the O.H.V areas, including Google maps view of all trails, slope gains and losses, so you can be prepared for your next off road adventure.

56 OHV Trails

• Cold Springs OHV Trail
• Ballinger Route 29 OHV…
• Mare Spring OHV Trail
• Yellowjacket OHV Trail
• La Panza Bypass OHV Trail

View All O.H.V. Trails →

206 Dirt Roads

• Plaskett Ridge - Forest…
• Frazier Mtn - Forest…
• Sand Dollar Dua - Forest…
• Quatal Canyon - Forest…
• Squaw Flat - Forest Rd…

View All 206 Roads →

111 Peaks

• Miller Mountain
• Three Peaks
• Topatopa Peak
• Shell Peak
• Nordhoff Peak

View All 111 Peaks →

174 Springs

• Pine Spring - San Guillermo…
• Peach Tree Spring
• Willett Hot Springs
• Cold Spring - Ventana
• Sulphur Spring - Branch…

View All 174 Springs →

Latest Camp Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Mono Campground Survey - 1-1-2024 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Mono Campground
Date:	1-1-2024
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Historic video showing the construction of the Mono Debris Dam from 1936, enjoy! https://archive.org/details/CCCAtMono1936
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Forbush Camp Survey - 11-17-2024 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Forbush Camp
Date:	11-17-2024
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Pack out your trash. Filled a day pack with garbage from the camp and trail on the way out.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing still with some stagnant pools. Plenty of depth to filter and pump, and the entire camp has good access to flowing water at the creek.
Weather Conditions:

Rattlesnake Camp Survey - 11-16-2024 - by Scott Orlosky

Link:	Rattlesnake Camp
Date:	11-16-2024
Surveyor Name:	Scott Orlosky
Camp Description:	Total hike was from Rattlesnake Trailhead to Tunnel connector, up to Camino Cielo and then to La Cumbre Peak. Then return by the same route.Total distance 11.64 Mi and 3,068 ft elevation. Started at 7:24 AM total hike time (Including stops) about 5 hours. Due to the wind, I wore two layers and had to add a lightweight windbreaker at the top of the peak.  As I approached the top, three S&R vehicles passed me and set up a rescue station near the top.  I did not engage with them (They had a job to do!)  I did not stick around at the top any longer than to put on the windbreaker and get a light snack and snap a few pix.  The view to the channel island was crystal clear. On the hike back, I noticed substantial amounts of frost in the shady areas on the N side of the road.  This would have been around 10:30.  When I finally hit the Tunnel connector I took off the windbreaker and loosened my collar as things were starting to warm up and the wind was dying down.  The hike back through Rattlesnake was cool and refreshing, compared to the earlier part of my hike which was cold and windy.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Low water, typical of this time of year. Still plenty of small waterfalls. Stream crossings were easy.
Weather Conditions:	Cool (50's) and windy (Up to 20 mph, est.) throughout most of the hike,k until I hite the return on the rattlesnake connector

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 11-11-2024 - by Jen Smith

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	11-11-2024
Surveyor Name:	Jen Smith
Camp Description:	Water is still flowing in the creek on the way to 19 Oaks. Water trough has a trickle coming out of the spout and is nearly full.  Checked on all four sites, all are clear of brush and in good shape. Some need a new fire ring.  Side trails are clear, camp is in good shape!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing slowly, more in some areas than others
Weather Conditions:	Warm, partly cloudy with a slight breeze

Coldwater Camp Survey - 11-10-2024 - by Trail Life Troop #4110

Link:	Coldwater Camp
Date:	11-10-2024
Surveyor Name:	Trail Life Troop #4110
Camp Description:	A lot of trash in the fire pits.  US Forest Camp closure notice until 1/13/25
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Potrero Camp Survey - 11-10-2024 - by Trail Life Troop #4110

Link:	Potrero Camp
Date:	11-10-2024
Surveyor Name:	Trail Life Troop #4110
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Manzana Schoolhouse Camp Survey - 11-09-2024 - by Trail Life Troop #4110

Link:	Manzana Schoolhouse Camp
Date:	11-09-2024
Surveyor Name:	Trail Life Troop #4110
Camp Description:	Fill up water at 1 mile before camp at creek crossing.  School House is completely dry
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Log Cabin Camp Survey - 10-26-2024 - by Alan Coles

Link:	Log Cabin Camp
Date:	10-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Alan Coles
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing very well
Weather Conditions:

Upper Lopez Camp Survey - 10-26-2024 - by Peter

Link:	Upper Lopez Camp
Date:	10-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Peter
Camp Description:	I came back to mark the trail with pink trail tape. The trail maintenance I did in Nov. & Dec. of 2023 has held up nicely. I hung pink trail tape throughout the trail and placed more rocks and logs over a couple of creeks to make for easier crossings. I still highly recommend a long sleeve shirt, pants, good shoes/boots, a mosquito net, and trekking poles for this trail. There are still a lot of washouts, but overall I’d say the trail is in good condition and easy to see and follow, especially the first half of the trail. You’ll see more and more pink trail tape that I hung up the further you get into the trail to help guide you through sections where the trail is not so easy to see and follow. With the pink trail tape and the use of a GPS map, you should be golden to get through this trail. Be aware though that I did not mark the trail with pink tape all the way to Upper Lopez Camp. I stopped at the wide open flat space that’s before Upper Lopez Camp. I didn’t bother going to ULC as it’s not worth the bushwhacking, time and effort to get there. That section is way too overgrown and has lots of huge down trees and needs major work from the Forest Service. If you’re planning to camp, I would advise to just stay at this wide open flat space with the make shift fire ring.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Overall the trail is in good condition, but the end stretch just before getting to Upper Lopez Camp needs major trail work from the Forest Service.
Weather Conditions:

Forbush Camp Survey - 10-23-2024 - by Dale Pearson

Link:	Forbush Camp
Date:	10-23-2024
Surveyor Name:	Dale Pearson
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Pothole Trail Survey - 11-10-2024 - by Alan Coles

Link:	Pothole Trail
Date:	11-10-2024
Surveyor Name:	Alan Coles
Trail description:	Our crew of 10 went in on the AB and cleared the Pothole Trail up to the high crossing of Pothole Spring.  There are still several trees and fallen branches to clear but the section from AB up to the cabin is in much better shape and easy to follow.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Trail crew

Lost Valley Trail San Rafael Wilderness Survey - 11-09-2024 - by Erin C

Link:	Lost Valley Trail San Rafael Wilderness
Date:	11-09-2024
Surveyor Name:	Erin C
Trail description:	I remember this trail being pretty good back in 2018 which was the last time I did it.  Not anymore!  Trail is overgrown in quite a few sections, although there are also still a few sections that are just fine. There is one very dangerous section that is located about 1.8 miles from the junction of Manzana Trail. I didn't have a heavy backpack on and it was still very sketchy because there is only a very small area to put your feet and there is nothing solid to hold onto on the uphill side, so there is a high potential to fall into the creek and injure yourself (or worse).  This trail should probably be closed right now for public safety until this area is fixed. The good news is there is a small amount flowing water in the creek in a few areas where the trail crosses the creek. I didn't even make it to Vulture Springs, so I am not sure if there is water there.d
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Horn Canyon Trail Survey - 11-02-2024 - by Erin C

Link:	Horn Canyon Trail
Date:	11-02-2024
Surveyor Name:	Erin C
Trail description:	Rode up Gridley and went down Horn Canyon Trail.  The upper part of the trail and lower part of the trail are pretty good. The middle section of the trail is now overgrown in some sections. The Chamise, Laurel Sumac and other vegetation has grown back quickly over the last 2 years and this trail now needs some brushing work.
Mode of transport:	Bicycle
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Agua Blanca Trail Survey - 10-26-2024 - by Alan Coles

Link:	Agua Blanca Trail
Date:	10-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Alan Coles
Trail description:	We cleared the trail to Devil's Gateway.  It is easily passable with a few rough spots that we hope to fix in the near future.  Trail can sometimes be hard to find at stream crossings so look for orange flags.  Stream is flowing well but still easy to cross.  You need to wade through the Gateway in 12" water for about 30' to reach Log Cabin Camp.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Passable to Devil's Gateway

Lopez Canyon Trail Survey - 10-26-2024 - by Peter

Link:	Lopez Canyon Trail
Date:	10-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Peter
Trail description:	Accidental duplicate, please delete.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Accidental duplicate, please delete.

Lopez Canyon Trail Survey - 10-26-2024 - by Peter

Link:	Lopez Canyon Trail
Date:	10-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Peter
Trail description:	I came back to mark the trail with pink trail tape. The trail maintenance I did in Nov. & Dec. of 2023 has held up nicely. I hung pink trail tape throughout the trail and placed more rocks and logs over a couple of creeks to make for easier crossings. I still highly recommend a long sleeve shirt, pants, good shoes/boots, a mosquito net, and trekking poles for this trail. There are still a lot of washouts, but overall I’d say the trail is in good condition and easy to see and follow, especially the first half of the trail. You’ll see more and more pink trail tape that I hung up the further you get into the trail to help guide you through sections where the trail is not so easy to see and follow. With the pink trail tape and the use of a GPS map, you should be golden to get through this trail. Be aware though that I did not mark the trail with pink tape all the way to Upper Lopez Camp. I stopped at the wide open flat space that’s before Upper Lopez Camp. I didn’t bother going to ULC as it’s not worth the bushwhacking, time and effort to get there. That section is way too overgrown and has lots of huge down trees and needs major work from the Forest Service. If you’re planning to camp, I would advise to just stay at this wide open flat space with the make shift fire ring.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Overall the trail is in good condition, but the end stretch just before getting to Upper Lopez Camp needs major trail work from the Forest Service.

Sisquoc Trail Lower Survey - 10-13-2024 - by Paul Muhl

Link:	Sisquoc Trail Lower
Date:	10-13-2024
Surveyor Name:	Paul Muhl
Trail description:	I hiked this trail this weekend starting from NIRA down the Manzana through the Schoolhouse and up to Abel Canyon Camp and back. It was pretty warm - low 80's - so good coverage and lots of water was necessary. BUT, there was no water from just south of the Schoolhouse through to Water Canyon camp, so be prepared for that if you hike this before the next rains. It's a beautiful part of the forest and I didn't see another human except for a couple other backpackers on the Manzana side on my way in.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Bounces between Hard to Follow and Good Shape

Manzana Trail West (Lower) Survey - 10-13-2024 - by Paul Muhl

Link:	Manzana Trail West (Lower)
Date:	10-13-2024
Surveyor Name:	Paul Muhl
Trail description:	There's only one or two places along this trail where one could spend a few minutes re-finding the trail or getting momentarily "lost" off trail. It's generally very good. When I hiked down this trail this weekend there was water good enough to get your feet wet and fill your water bottles all the way until a mile or so before the Schoolhouse camp. In other words, Potrero, Coldwater, and Horseshoe bend all had decent water ... which is too bad because they're all currently closed by the USFS post Lake Fire, and the Schoolhouse camp, which is open, is totally dry. So be advised if you plan to stay at the schoolhouse that there's currently no water there.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Piedra Blanca Trail Survey - 10-13-2024 - by Forest

Link:	Piedra Blanca Trail
Date:	10-13-2024
Surveyor Name:	Forest
Trail description:	Hiked from Rose Valley Road to Piedra Blanca camp with no problem. We tried to continue beyond PB but the trail became more and more overgrown as we went (including lots of poison oak). We only made it about a mile before turning around. No idea how the condition is beyond there, but I imagine it's probably overgrown as well.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	overgrown past Piedra Blanca camp

North Fork Matilija Trail Survey - 10-12-2024 - by Forest

Link:	North Fork Matilija Trail
Date:	10-12-2024
Surveyor Name:	Forest
Trail description:	I lost the trail about a quarter mile from the trailhead off the road. I spent some time wandering around looking for it (following the downloaded Alltrails map) but was never able to get back on track. The creek is not too deep and it wouldn't be very hard to just creek walk the whole thing, but I had a friend meeting me later and didn't want them to get lost, so I bailed. Not sure if it's overgrown that much since the last trail report, or if I was just way off track.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Couldn't find trail