Rancho Nuevo Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 5.26 Miles

Trail Details

• Trail #: 24W03
• Wilderness Area: Dick Smith
• County: Ventura County
• Ranger District: Mt. Pinos Ranger District
• Trail-head Latitude: 34.69515192
• Trail-head Longitude: -119.3978207
• Water Sources: Rancho Nuevo Creek
• Trail Condition: Kind of Good - Little to no bushwacking and easily followable
• Topo Maps:
  
  Rancho Nuevo Creek
Activities & Features:
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Creek
• Day Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Paved Roads
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wilderness Camping

Trail Stats

• Total Elevation Gain: + 1107 feet.
• Total Elevation Loss: - 552 feet.
• Overall Average Slope Gain: + 5 %.
• Overall Average Slope Loss: - 4 %.
• Kilometers:
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• Meters:
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• Miles:
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• Feet:
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• Average Slope:
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Trail Camps

• Rancho Nuevo (3500 feet)
• Deal Junction (1300 feet)
• Upper Rancho Nuevo (4068 feet)

Photo By: Christopher P Lord - Website Link

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Survey This Trail

Survey Photos:

• 
  Mark Subbotin - 03-02-2015
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  Mark Subbotin - 03-02-2015
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  Mark Subbotin - 03-02-2015
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  Chester - 11-22-2015
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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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  Mike Maki - 03-03-2017
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  C Day - 04-25-2017
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  C Day - 04-25-2017
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  C Day - 04-25-2017
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  C Day - 04-25-2017
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  C Day - 04-25-2017
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 12-16-2016
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  M. Jones - 04-06-2018
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  Scott Williams - 06-29-2019
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  Scott Williams - 06-29-2019
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  Scott Williams - 06-29-2019
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  Scott Williams - 06-29-2019
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  Christopher P. Lord - 07-06-2019
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  Christopher P. Lord - 07-06-2019
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  Christopher P. Lord - 07-06-2019
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  Christopher P. Lord - 07-06-2019
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  Christopher P. Lord - 07-06-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-13-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-13-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-13-2019
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  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-13-2019
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  Craig R. Carey - 11-02-2019
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  Craig R. Carey - 11-02-2019
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  Craig R. Carey - 11-02-2019
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  Craig R. Carey - 11-02-2019
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  Craig R. Carey - 11-02-2019
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  Antonio Calderon - 02-16-2020
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  Antonio Calderon - 02-16-2020
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  Antonio Calderon - 02-16-2020
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  Christopher P. Lord - 12-27-2020
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  Christopher P. Lord - 12-27-2020
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  Christopher P. Lord - 12-27-2020
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  Christopher P. Lord - 12-27-2020
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  Christopher P. Lord - 12-27-2020

Submitted Trail Reports

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 05-07-2023 - by Daniel J. Hall

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	05-07-2023
Surveyor Name:	Daniel J. Hall
Trail description:	Hiked from the locked gate at #33 to Rancho Nuevo Trailhead (at the campground) and then up the trail into the Dick Smith Wilderness.  The road section from #33 to the camp is easy to hike, even after all the storm damage.  From the trailhead into the Wilderness, the trail is very brushy, has numerous small slides across it, is hard to find at some creek crossings and, about a half mile before Deal Junction, has a large slide across it that stopped me from going further.  There were 10 blowdowns across the trail, all of which I got over or around, but stock would be blocked by some of them.  Generally a slow hike, but still a great area to visit.  For more detail, see https://tinyurl.com/2fhjwu8p
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 03-14-2021 - by Luna

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	03-14-2021
Surveyor Name:	Luna
Trail description:	Until the deal junction the canyon is A+ beautiful and trail in great condition. This part of the trail was a unique gem and is an absolute must see. Past the junction the bushwacking slowly gets worse and worse, but it's not too bad. Dusting of snow still on all the north slopes. The canyon opens up, and aside from the beautiful wind carved sand stone and solitude wasn't too special; the view at Upper Rancho Nuevo is decent, but it was a slog and I probably won't return until maintenance has happened. Everything looks the same as Christopher's pictures from December, except there is more water in the creek.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Trail is in mostly good condition and easy to follow except for a 1/2 mile stretch about 1.5 miles from upper rancho nuevo. But a good amount of bushwacking is necessary. Lots of roses.

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 12-27-2020 - by Christopher P. Lord

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	12-27-2020
Surveyor Name:	Christopher P. Lord
Trail description:	I spent a little time in the Dick Smith Yesterday along Rancho Nuevo and a small section of Deal. Rancho Nuevo was in much better condition than I expected. Scattered brushing needed after Deal Junction and the crossings could use some work. Most annoying part was the Rose thorn surrounding the Upper camp. A handful of downed trees are easy to circumnavigate. All in all I found the trail surprisingly easy to follow, a little love next season and this one could be pristine. We were lucky to get after it this late in December. Was real pleased to see that gate still open. Though as of December 28th it is now closed for the season. Blog write up here at https://christopherplord.blogspot.com/2020/12/rancho-nuevo-trail-24w03.html
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 04-05-2020 - by Louis Tremblay

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	04-05-2020
Surveyor Name:	Louis Tremblay
Trail description:	Trail is in challenging condition after deal junction camp.  Followable with some effort, but pushing through the "rose" bushes and fighting off the tics add a lot of challenge. River crossings are also particularly rough right now, with some slides and 2 in particular where the bushes have won. Flagging and kerns were a big help in places.  No real dirt work needed anywhere though!  Water flowing the whole way to upper camp.  Forest service map 2016 is very accurate for this trail if one loses it.  All that said, the upper canyons are amazing! The contrast of green hills with the vibrant red rocks was stunning.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 02-16-2020 - by Antonio Calderon

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	02-16-2020
Surveyor Name:	Antonio Calderon
Trail description:	Gate was closed to trailhead which adds about an extra mile and a half  to  the hike. Trail is in good condition up to deal junction camp. After this the trail gets really brushy with rose plants that can’t be avoided in some areas. At creek crossings there are several slides making a little challenging to find the trail which just adds that extra fun to the trail, rock cairns and flagging are helpful here. Several blowdowns along the trail that I stopped counting. We made it about a mile and a half shy of upper rancho Nuevo campsite. The tread  as is all there and not at all too hard to find. The scenery is awesome and almost every corner has a nice place to explore.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:	Major blowdown At a creek crossing after deal junction Beautiful trail

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 11-02-2019 - by Craig R. Carey

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	11-02-2019
Surveyor Name:	Craig R. Carey
Trail description:	Troop 111's High Adventure team struck out for Rancho Nuevo Canyon yesterday — 36F at camp at 0830 but warmed up quickly.  The Scouts covered 12 miles on foot, surveying trail conditions and flagging along the way. There are a few blown-out stretches at crossings but nothing impossible to find with a little way-finding and patience. The boys flagged those crossings and set up rock cairns where necessary; probably 7 or 8 crossings that needed it. Tread overall is in pretty good shape, but things do get brushy after the crossing upstream from Deal Junction and roses at entrance to Upper Rancho Nuevo are particularly thick. A few down trees and one rock fall impediment. Decent water the entire way.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 06-13-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	06-13-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Rancho Nuevo Trail is in okay shape up to Deal Junction with a few downed trees and some brushy sections and becomes much more overgrown above that.  While we didn't get much above Deal Junction we did run into a backpacker who was unable to get to Upper Rancho Nuevo due to the trail becoming hard to follow. - Good water along the entire trail. - Deal Junction Camp was in good shape.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:	Lovely Rancho Nuevo Trail One of the downed trees along the RN Trail Our frenemy the California Rose Can you see the trail beyond Deal Junction Camp? Not easy.....

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 07-06-2019 - by Christopher P. Lord

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	07-06-2019
Surveyor Name:	Christopher P. Lord
Trail description:	Worked the lower section of Rancho Nuevo trail yesterday with volunteers clearing downed trees. Trail From Rancho Nuevo Campground is in good shape and easy to follow to Deal Junction Trail Camp. (Some further brushing is still needed). After Deal Junction the trail becomes harder to follow. Water is still flowing and readily available from Rancho Nuevo Creek.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Images:	Water is flowing as of 07/05/2019 Sespe Wilderness Boundary sign

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 06-30-2019 - by Josh

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	06-30-2019
Surveyor Name:	Josh
Trail description:	I attempted to hike to the Upper Rancho Nuevo campground but had to turn back about a mile or so past the Deal Trail junction. The trail is a little overgrown but easily followable from the trailhead to the Deal Trail. After that point, it becomes extremely overgrown and extremely difficult if not impossible to follow. I definitely lost the trail several times, but there were places where I am 100% sure I was on the trail (I saw a large metal support structure that had been used to support the hillside) that STILL felt like bushwhacking. This trail needs serious restoration work. A very beautiful trail, with lots of water in it even on the last day of June, but extremely difficult to follow.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	moderate to good from trailhead to Deal Trail junction; marginal to very poor past junction

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 06-29-2019 - by Scott Williams

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	06-29-2019
Surveyor Name:	Scott Williams
Trail description:	This is a beautiful trail with lots of geological formations and caves to explore. The trail is in good shape with lots of brush starting to encroach over the trail. Wear long pants. A couple downed trees but easy to cross (not passable by stock). The brush is not that bad except around the stream crossings. I hiked about a half mile past Deal Junction Camp and the trail started to disappear. I turned around after concluding that it would be a wet muddy slog after that point. I then doubled back and headed up Deal Trail for about two miles. Deal trail is in much better shape. Water is flowing consistently up both canyons.  Bear scat and prints in a few places with a small cub in tow. Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Very brushy but easy to follow
Images:

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 05-07-2019 - by Diane Soini

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	05-07-2019
Surveyor Name:	Diane Soini
Trail description:	I hiked this trail only to the junction with Deal Trail. The trail was in decent shape. There is one large fallen tree that requires some difficult negotiation. The camp is a little disappointing. The cliffs along this trail are impressive and I could hear a large baby bird calling for its mother from one of the caves in the cliffs. This trail is really pretty.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 04-23-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	04-23-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Got a report from a hiker who hike Rancho Nuevo up to Upper Rancho Nuevo: - Trail seemed better than usual, although a few of the crossings require clambering up to reach or are overgrown. - Upper Rancho Nuevo has its usual allotment of trash. - A few downed trees here and there including a large oak just above Rancho Nuevo Camp. The road to Rancho Nuevo remains closed.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 07-22-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	07-22-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	- No water along the extent of Rancho Nuevo Trail from the trailhead up to about a mile above Deal Junction Camp. - There was water in Deal Canyon a short ways above Deal Junction but it was very shallow and light flowing. - A few downed trees along Rancho Nuevo Trail. - As usual, the beginning portions of the trail are good, the farther out you go the more work is needed.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 04-06-2018 - by M. Jones

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	04-06-2018
Surveyor Name:	M. Jones
Trail description:	N34° 41.576' W119° 24.085'  20” Dbh Oak tree hit by rock fall blocking trail, about 1/3 mile from Rancho Nuevo Camp
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:	N34° 41.576' & W119° 24.085' Oak tree blocking trail

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 12-16-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	12-16-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA helped lead three trail crews along the Rancho Nuevo Trail in late November and December 2016.  We worked the trail from Rancho Nuevo to Upper Rancho Nuevo and the trail was in really really solid shape.  All trees were cleared, brush was removed from 95% of the trail and damaged sections of trail were restored.  Here are some photos of the trail work: http://arcg.is/2yai9U7
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:	Before and after showing a section of trail that was pushed into the creek and restored out of the creek.

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 04-25-2017 - by C Day

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	04-25-2017
Surveyor Name:	C Day
Trail description:	see my survey of Deal Camp
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Most of the trail is fine as far as we went (Deal Junction) 2 trees across trail, some erosion at creek crossings
Images:

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 03-03-2017 - by Mike Maki

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	03-03-2017
Surveyor Name:	Mike Maki
Trail description:	This report is only for the lower section from Hwy 33 to Deal Junction. We cam down this section as part of a loop up Deal Tr, down Rancho Nuevo, and 3 miles on Hwy 33. The lower section of Rancho Nuevo is beautiful! Trail is easy to follow. Lots of water after our winter rains. More pics here.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	A few downed trees and washed out stream crossiings
Images:	Lots of stream crossings washed out. If you look hard enough you can find the trail on the other side. Beautiful Trail! Lots of water. Great trail! One of the more difficult obstacles.

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 11-22-2015 - by Chester

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	11-22-2015
Surveyor Name:	Chester
Trail description:	Trail was in good condition all the way to the deal junction camp, apart from a small downed tree across the trail about 1/2 a mile from the trail head. Once past deal junction the trail became increasingly difficult to follow, some markers were present which helped however after a mile from the deal junction camp I began to lose track of the trail only to rejoin it later.. this happened multiple times until I turned back. once past deal junction I counted an additional 4 trees down across the trail.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Images:

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 07-12-2015 - by Donna Spencer

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	07-12-2015
Surveyor Name:	Donna Spencer
Trail description:	     Well if your into geology I firmly believe you'll love this on.  The canyon walls speak with strata folds and castle like structures.  The first section from Rancho Nuevo Campground to Deal Junction was not a concern.  However once passed Deal you'll have to bring your patience.  I only got maybe a mile passed Deal when I had to give up DUE TO HEAVY WILD ROSE BUSHES clogging the trial, which was about hip high.  I am sorry I did not want to end up as nature's pin cushion.  Bu overall was a great hike full of solitude and geological interest.  The Canyon floor is covered with wide array of plant life, however the Zaca Fire did scare parts of the canyon walls.  If you don't have 4wheel drive vehicle like I did plan on an extra 1.5 miles of un-shaded fire road to campground.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	This trail from Deal to Upper Rancho will need some heavy WEED WRACKING due to overgrown WILD ROSE BUSHES.

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 05-03-2015 - by Hike Los Padres

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	05-03-2015
Surveyor Name:	Hike Los Padres
Trail description:	UTMC continued their assault on the trails within the MPRD, this time focusing on Rancho Nuevo.  UTMC completed the goal of clearing all trees from the trailhead to Upper Rancho Nuevo.  Trail is good to Deal Junction but gets brushy after that with washouts.  Upper Rancho Nuevo is stock passable but only for experienced stock crews.  If you hike this trail, please bring some flagging and mark the hard parts so we can keep people going the same direction. GREAT WORK!
Mode of transport:	Array
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Rancho Nuevo Trail Survey - 03-02-2015 - by Mark Subbotin

Link:	Rancho Nuevo Trail
Date:	03-02-2015
Surveyor Name:	Mark Subbotin
Trail description:	Cuyama River crossing from Hwy 33 was dry; high clearance vehicle recommended.  From trailhead to Deal Junction trail in good condition and easy to follow courtesy UTMC trail maintenance work.  From Deal Junction to Upper Rancho Nuevo campground 11 trees down across trail, one big washout not passable to stock, and overgrown along approx 30% of distance.  Tread is narrow in some areas.  Flagging left in creek bottom sections and at switchback near Upper Rancho Nuevo campground.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	easy to follow up to Deal Junction Camp, then brushy at times up to Upper Rancho Nuevo Camp
Images:	dead oaks fallen over trail from slope above 30" pine tree and 5-ft. deep side drainage trail washout typical brushy condition w/ rose thicket

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