Use Marker Groups Wolf 2002
Piru 2003
Day 2006
Zaca 2007
Gap 2008
La Brea 2009
Pothole Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 5.31 Miles
From Highway 126, turn north on Piru Canyon Road. Drive 6 miles to the Lake Piru gatehouse and inform staff that you are parking at the Pothole Trailhead. Drive approximately 5 miles on Piru Canyon Road to the trailhead parking lot. The trail switchbacks up the ridgeline for 2.7 miles, enters the Sespe Wilderness, and descends into the Potholes for another 2 miles. A loop hike may be taken by connecting with the Agua Blanca Trail (19W10).
This trail branches from the Agua Blanca Trail just upstream from the Devils Gateway and before you reach Log Cabin Camp. It climbs up a small south side canyon with a small stream in its bottom. Reaching the head of the canyon you come to Pothole Spring; with an old cabin and farming tools that all had to be packed to the cabin area on mule back by William Whitaker. Following the trail south for a short distance, you come to a trail junction. The right hand fork is little used and leads to The Pothole. After leaving the junction, Trail 18W04 climbs steeply to reach the top of a north south ridge. Here there are excellent views of the Devils Gateway far down below you and then on up Piru Creek to the Big Narrows. Finally, it steeply descends to the road between Lake Piru and Blue Point.
The Pothole is caused by a gigantic slide that descended across the canyon forming a large dam. Over the years, the area back of the dam has filled in with sand and silt until it has now formed a floor. This area sometimes floods for a very short period after very heavy rain. A grove of cottonwood trees covers part of the flat area.
Where the trail enters The Pothole the entrance is partially covered by sand, silt and weeds and the remains of an old horse drawn hay rake. The hay rake was used by William Whitaker when he cut the mature grass for hay.
POTHOLE SPRING
Water seeping into the aquifer at The Pothole seeps out down the canyon to form a small marsh at the spring. William Whitaker filed on 80 acres and by Cash Entry, in 1891 for which he received a Patent. He built a small cabin and packed numerous farm tools up by mule back to farm at the spring as well as The Pothole.
Trail Details
- Trail #: 18W04
- Wilderness Area: Sespe
- County: Ventura County
- Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District
- Trail-head Latitude: 34.51236
- Trail-head Longitude: -118.76057
- Water Sources: Pothole Spring and Log Cabin Camp
- Trail Condition: Bad - Trail may require some bushwhacking and/or searching for markers due to potential sub standard trail conditions
- Topo Maps:
Activities & Features: - Backpacking
- Camping
- Creek
- Day Hiking
- Panoramic Views
- Spring
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wilderness Camping
Trail Stats
- Total Elevation Gain: + 2550 feet.
- Total Elevation Loss: - 2126 feet.
- Overall Average Slope Gain: + 16 %.
- Overall Average Slope Loss: - 14 %.
- Kilometers: (km)
- Meters: (m)
- Miles: (mi)
- Feet: (ft)
- Average Slope: (%)
Trail Camps
Log Cabin (1510 feet)
Photo By: Christopher P Lord - Website Link
Survey Photos:
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-15-2015
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-15-2015
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-15-2015
Los Padres Forest Association - 11-20-2014
Los Padres Forest Association - 04-12-2015
Los Padres Forest Association - 04-12-2015
Los Padres Forest Association - 04-12-2015
Daniel Meinzer - 04-16-2016
Daniel Meinzer - 04-16-2016
Eric - 01-28-2017
Eric - 01-28-2017
Eric - 01-28-2017
Eric - 01-28-2017
Mike Maki - 03-10-2017
Mike Maki - 03-10-2017
Los Padres Forest Association - 02-02-2018
Los Padres Forest Association - 02-02-2018
Los Padres Forest Association - 02-02-2018
Los Padres Forest Association - 02-02-2018
Los Padres Forest Association - 02-02-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-14-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-14-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-14-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-14-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-14-2018
Christopher P. Lord - 01-20-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 01-20-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 01-20-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 01-20-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 01-20-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 05-18-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 05-18-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 05-18-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 05-18-2019
Christopher P. Lord - 05-18-2019
Antonio Calderon - 03-27-2020
Antonio Calderon - 03-27-2020
Alan Coles - 03-27-2021
Alan Coles - 03-27-2021
Alan Coles - 03-27-2021
Mike Maki - 12-04-2022
Mike Maki - 12-04-2022
Alex Siapkas - 06-19-2023
Alex Siapkas - 06-19-2023
Alex Siapkas - 06-19-2023
Alex Siapkas - 06-19-2023
Alex Siapkas - 06-19-2023
Submitted Trail Reports
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Pothole Trail Survey - 11-30-2024 - by Alan ColesLink: Pothole Trail Date: 11-30-2024 Surveyor Name: Alan Coles Trail description: Crew of 7 worked the trail from upper stream crossing to Devils Potrero. Cleared brush, fallen trees and improved the tread. Restored original tread near cabin. There are still 4 logs to clear but easy to get over/around. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Condition details: Trail crew - 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 - Pothole Trail Survey - 11-05-2023 - by Jaime Santana
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 11-05-2023 Surveyor Name: Jaime Santana Trail description: I completed the full trail, from log cabin up and then down to pothole trailhead. I also dough flat down to ant camp and ant camp to login cabin - go check those trails for my report on those. The trail from log cabin to pothole spring: is destroyed in a few section - downed trees and storm damage have made a few sections nearly impassable. There are a few parts where you will be right on the cliff edge and have to walk on a narrow, footstep wide, section of loose dirt to get around some landslide damage. Additionally, there is one section where a large tree has fallen, and the only way around it is scrambling up very loose dirt on a steep clifside. Doable, with some determination and strength, but somewhat dangerous.The trail from pothole spring (has water in Nov 2023) to the peak of the mountain: Somewhat overgrown but not too bad - that isn't the problem, however, there are a few landslides that are a problem. You need to cross a few landslides on steep cliffs that require you step carefully and quickly on somewhat loose dirt. Not for the faint of heart and somewhat dangerous but certainly passable.peak of the mountain down to pothole trailhead: no damage, no problems. not too overgrown and fairly easy to follow.Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work - Pothole Trail Survey - 06-19-2023 - by Alex Siapkas
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 06-19-2023 Surveyor Name: Alex Siapkas Trail description: First half of the trail heading up hill is in good shape, back half heading down hill is overgrown in some sections but nothing major. the section from Tin cabin to Log cabin though is all messed up and non existent in some areas from storm damage, landslides and downed trees Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images: - Pothole Trail Survey - 12-04-2022 - by Mike Maki
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 12-04-2022 Surveyor Name: Mike Maki Trail description: This report is for the section from Pothole Spring (flowing) to Agua Blanca Creek. Hiked up to the spring and old tin cabin from Agua Blanca Creek. Trial in good shape but slippery due to recent rain. No significant obstacles in this section. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images:
Old Tin Cabin near the spring
Freshly fallen cottonwood leaves on the trail. - Pothole Trail Survey - 02-06-2022 - by Mike Maki
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 02-06-2022 Surveyor Name: Mike Maki Trail description: I listed the trail as in good shape and easy to follow, but it could use minor brushing. I worked the previous day on the Agua Blanca then did some brushing on the Pot Hole Trail on my way back the Pot Hole Trailhead. For the most part it is in good shape and easy to follow. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 04-15-2021 - by Dave Burnett
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 04-15-2021 Surveyor Name: Dave Burnett Trail description: This was a hike with four friends on this new trail for all of us. We went as far as the high point on the trail plus a short distance on a use trail continuing upward on the ridge with the objective to look down at The Pothole this trip. A distance of about three miles and about 2,500 feet elevation gain. The trail was easy to follow, though near the trailhead there seem to be several alternates paths that have developed. The switchbacks are non existent other a few vestiges that can be noticed. The easiest path to follow proceeds directly up the ridge.The new parking area is excellent. however the Trailhead sign is misleading. The path behind the sign shortly passes a Posted sign and it is obvious this is the wrong way. The actual trailhead is on the other side of the parking lot and just off the road.No water at all on the part of the trail we covered. Great views and some flowers were to be found.Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 03-27-2021 - by Alan Coles
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 03-27-2021 Surveyor Name: Alan Coles Trail description: Surveyed the trail today and did some light tread work and brushing all the way to Log Cabin Camp then returned on AB. Motorcycle trespass has become a major problem causing deep ruts that need to be repaired.Switchbacks on the trail going up from the trailhead are hard to find and overgrown. Most users are going straight up the ridge.Some light brushing is needed but major issue is tread repair.Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Condition details: Survey and trail work Images:
Near the trailhead, motorcycles are coming in from the left, likely from the inholdings.
Rutting from motorcycle
Looking east at the trail from the high point. - Pothole Trail Survey - 03-23-2021 - by Oak Titmouse
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 03-23-2021 Surveyor Name: Oak Titmouse Trail description: The road is now open to the trailhead. The trail is in good shape, easy to follow. Excellent views. Disappointingly, a group of dirt bikers road the trail all the way to Agua Blanca creek, leaving behind deep ruts in places. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 01-25-2020 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 01-25-2020 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: Article by James Wapotich of Songs of the Wilderness who visited and wrote about the Pothole Trail - great resource as always, enjoy: Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work - Pothole Trail Survey - 03-27-2020 - by Antonio Calderon
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 03-27-2020 Surveyor Name: Antonio Calderon Trail description: Was surprised to see the great work done on the trailhead parking area. First two miles is very steep and grassy but easily followable. From wilderness boundary sign to log cabin trail is in great shape with only a few brushy areas. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images:
New signage at trailhead
Whitaker cabin - Pothole Trail Survey - 02-29-2020 - by Alan Coles
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 02-29-2020 Surveyor Name: Alan Coles Trail description: Worked from AB to the cabin removing the logs and cutting back the PO and blackberry. Overall, looks very good along the spring. Trail going up from road to high point needs some brushing near the top and restoration of tread where the trail switchbacks around steep sections. Possible reroute is planned but unknown when it will happen. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Condition details: Trail crew work - Pothole Trail Survey - 12-21-2019 - by Christopher P. Lord
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 12-21-2019 Surveyor Name: Christopher P. Lord Trail description: Today 12/21/19 a crew of hardy volunteers brushed and flagged the first 2.5 miles of Potholes trail from Piru Canyon Road up to the Wilderness boundary Sign.This section is now in good and shape and easy to follow. Watch out for game trails and deviations which can falsely lead you off the main trail. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 05-18-2019 - by Christopher P. Lord
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 05-18-2019 Surveyor Name: Christopher P. Lord Trail description: First mile and a Half is in desperate need of brushing. The knee and waist high grass has completely taken over the trail making it difficult to follow. (Where's Alan Coles when you need him). After the first couple miles as you begin to gain the ridge and enter the Sespe Wilderness the grass section opens up and the trail becomes much more navigable. If tall grass and ticks are your thing the potholes is where you want to be right now. (Pictures included with the report) Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Images:
Just after the trailhead
The higher up the trail you go the better it gets
Wilderness Boundary Sign - Pothole Trail Survey - 01-20-2019 - by Christopher P. Lord
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 01-20-2019 Surveyor Name: Christopher P. Lord Trail description: From Piru Canyon Road The pothole trail is in pretty good shape and easy to follow all the way to it's northern terminus at the Agua Blanca. I noted only 1 large downed tree N34° 32' 38.9" W118° 48' 15.1" just below Whitaker Cabin. Pothole Spring had a good amount of water as did the nearby creek. Unofficial Pothole Spring Camp has 2 fire pits and is well shaded by oaks. There was a large variety of mushrooms along the trail and not a single tick was found. Poison Oak was prevalent along side the trail from the Spring and beyond. Water at Agua Blanca was roaring. Perfect weather made for a fabulous day. You can read the full write up below. https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2019/01/potholes-to-agua-blanca-loop.htmlMode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images:
Potholes Trailhead Sign
Pothole Sespe Wilderness Sign
Whitaker Cabin Site
Devil's Potrero
The Pothole - Pothole Trail Survey - 08-23-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 08-23-2018 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: Funny article about getting lost in the woods with a reference to the Pothole Trail and Agua Blanca. Enjoy! https://www.telluridenews.com/the_watch/watch_listen_show/article_aead71a0-a660-11e8-b5e6-5fe278e11987.htmlÂMode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work - Pothole Trail Survey - 04-14-2018 - by Craig R. Carey
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 04-14-2018 Surveyor Name: Craig R. Carey Trail description: Troop 111 (Ventura) struck out on the Pothole trail for a sign install project at the wilderness boundary. Grassy along the lower section and as steep as ever, but tread in good shape. Tons of PO below the cabin en route to Agua Blanca junction. Various images courtesy TLJ/NDH/JJ/BBJ. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images: - Pothole Trail Survey - 02-02-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 02-02-2018 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: Pothole Trail remains in good shape. The first 1.3 miles from the road up is a big frustrating through the grass. The combination of user trails, cattle trails and game trails are more prominent than the true trail. Most people seem to be taking the direct route straight up the ridge line. At mile 1.3 the ridge narrows and all routes continue along together. It's a bit brushy but nothing serious. The trail down from the wilderness boundary towards Agua Blanca remains in great shape from the CREW working it in 2015. There was water at the usual springs below the cabin and one downed tree that was easy enough to dance around. Really nice trail, go check it out! Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Images:
View down from atop the initial grassy ridge section.
The unseasonably hot January must have triggered this early lupine to bloom. TRICKS ON YOU!
In the wilderness, looking down Agua Blanca. Some sort of sling or horse pannier was left over.
Trail junction sign, Pothole and Agua Blanca, just downstream of Log Cabin and upstream of the Devils Gateway.
One downed tree of significance: 34.5439, -118.8042 - Pothole Trail Survey - 03-10-2017 - by Mike Maki
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 03-10-2017 Surveyor Name: Mike Maki Trail description: Uphill section of trail was easy to follow but very overgrown with the recent winter rains. Just need a dozen or so people to hike it and the trail will be in better shape. Once over the top, downhill section was in excellent shape. A couple of minor wash outs from recent storms but nothing major. One tree down after corrugated shed. Hike pics Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work Condition details: Very overgrown on grassy uphill section Images:
Overgrown section
Down tree below corrugated shed - Pothole Trail Survey - 01-28-2017 - by Eric
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 01-28-2017 Surveyor Name: Eric Trail description: The trail was a bit overgrown due to the recent rains, but well maintained and easy to follow, especially once you make it up to the ridge. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images:
Beginning of Pothole Trail looking back on Piru Canyon rd
On the ridge looking east from Pothole Trail
Looking west coming down toward the Pothole
Approaching the Pothole - Pothole Trail Survey - 05-02-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 05-02-2016 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: TRAIL UPDATE:The Ojai Ranger District hired The CREW (http://www.thecrew.org/) to work for three weeks from the Sespe Wilderness Boundary down to Log Cabin Camp. Â That section is now 100% stock passable and in the best shape it's been in for years and years, if not decades.Mode of transport: Array Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 04-16-2016 - by Daniel Meinzer
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 04-16-2016 Surveyor Name: Daniel Meinzer Trail description: Maintenance was in progress during our hike. Â Expect it to be in very good shape. Â Water was present at pothole spring. Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images: - Pothole Trail Survey - 04-24-2016 - by Gordon A Jenkins
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 04-24-2016 Surveyor Name: Gordon A Jenkins Trail description: Excellent condition...CREW Ojai just completed a 21-day spike, worked trail from ridge to Log Cabin camp and Devil's Gateway Mode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow - Pothole Trail Survey - 11-15-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 11-15-2015 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: Ojai Ranger District patrol of the Pothole Trail. Â There is good water along the bottom of the canyon, including water at the Pothole Cabin. Â There will be a few weeks of trail work by the CREW along this trail later this fall. Mode of transport: Array Trail condition: Needs some work - Pothole Trail Survey - 04-12-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 04-12-2015 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: Report from the Ojai Ranger District: The CREW continued work on the Pothole Trail and have now completed 90% of the trail from the wilderness boundary (ridge) down to the Agua Blanca to trail standards. Â If you are going to backpack the Pothole Trail, now is a great time. Â The CREW will be back in the Fall to wrap up that last 10%.More information about the CREW:http://www.thecrew.org/Mode of transport: Array Trail condition: Good shape and easy to follow Images:
Photo Ranger Heidi
Photo Ranger Heidi
Photo Ranger Heidi - Pothole Trail Survey - 11-20-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 11-20-2014 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: LPFA hosted a Working Vacation along the Pothole Trail. Â Let the pictures tell the story: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.375270365931227.1073741836.153337144791218&type=1Mode of transport: Array Trail condition: Needs some work Images: - Pothole Trail Survey - 03-15-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 03-15-2015 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: The Ojai Ranger District continued work on the Pothole Trail. Â They worked from the Wilderness boundary down towards the Agua Blanca. Â The Pothole Trail is seeing a lot of work this year with multiple projects hosted by the ORD, LPFA and CREW. Photos: Ranger HeidiMode of transport: Array Trail condition: Needs some work Images: - Pothole Trail Survey - 09-06-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Pothole Trail Date: 09-06-2014 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Trail description: LPFA scouted from Agua Blanca up to the Potrero for a future trail project. Â Information here: http://bit.ly/1pcaIwkMode of transport: Hike Trail condition: Needs some work
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Survey / Report Form - Please click this box to open the form.Last Updated: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
