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Exploring The Los Padres National Forest

1,257 Miles of Trails on 1,762,400 Acres, with 875,000 Acres of Protected Wilderness to Explore.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Hike Los Padres Community. This website was created with the mission of being a source of shared information on trails, camps, and locations across the entire Northern and Southern portions of the Los Padres National Forest. The more information we all share and catalog, the better we can track the conditions of the forest network and figure out what sections, trails, and locations are safe to use and which need maintenance. 

A good portion of the interior of Los Padres National Forest gets very little use by the public, so any information on these areas will ensure that these places remain accessible for future generations of hikers, backpackers, trail runners, equestrians, O.H.V, hunters, cyclists, and explorers. Many of the trails listed may be unmaintained. Know your level of ability, and always remember to bring extra water.

In partnership with the Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA). The LPFA’s mission is to care for the Los Padres Forest, ensuring it thrives and remains safe and open for the people to use and enjoy. LPFA volunteers work to keep trails open, report and assess forest conditions and provide public education on how to use the forest safely. If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteering, please visit www.lpforest.org to learn more.

Over 1000+ Cataloged Locations

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


Recent Water Reports
Location Date ▾ Surveyor Water Report
Sykes Hot Springs 10-1-1996Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
Mono Campground 1-1-2024Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
South Fork Camp - Sisquoc 04-23-2025Randy LaheyFlowing
Matias Potrero Camp 04-19-2025Brian King Dry
Mansfield Camp 04-19-2025Randy LaheyFlowing
Pine Mountain Lodge Camp 04-18-2025Brandon SteetsFlowing
Fishbowls Camp 04-18-2025Brandon SteetsFlowing
Bear Creek Camp 04-17-2025Daniel J. HallFlowing
Manzana Schoolhouse Camp 04-15-2025BJFlowing
Estrella Camp 04-12-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Heath Camp 04-12-2025Antonio Calderon Flowing
South Fork Camp - Sisquoc 04-12-2025Antonio CalderonFlowing
Gridley Springs Camp 04-06-2025Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
Ant Camp 04-06-2025Rick HayesFlowing
Painted Rock Camp 04-06-2025Dave BourgeoisFlowing
Oak Camp 04-03-2025Chris Houlberg - Scoutmaster Troop119Flowing
Cow Spring Camp 03-30-2025Laura ClayFlowing
Valley View Camp 03-29-2025GioFlowing
19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp 03-28-2025Jen SmithTrickle
Sheep Camp 03-27-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Manzana Narrows Camp 03-24-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Fish Creek Camp 03-24-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Rays Camp 03-24-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Manzana Camp 03-24-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Lion Den Camp 03-24-2025JoshFlowing
West Fork Lion Camp 03-23-2025AndyFlowing
Lost Valley Camp 03-23-2025Patrick R. MorganFlowing
Fish Creek Camp 03-23-2025Patrick R. MorganFlowing
Rays Camp 03-23-2025Patrick R. MorganFlowing
Manzana Narrows Camp 03-23-2025Patrick R. MorganFlowing
Alcove Camp 03-23-2025Patrick R. MorganFlowing
Lady Bug Camp 03-22-2025Rick HayesFlowing
Middle Camuesa Camp 03-21-2025Los Padres Forest AssociationDry
Log Cabin Camp 03-16-2025Laura ClayFlowing
South Fork Camp - Sisquoc 03-12-2025Paul CostalesFlowing
Cottam Camp 03-08-2025Omar EffFlowing
Piedra Blanca Camp 03-08-2025Jose FuentesFlowing
Mono Campground 03-08-2025Braulio AguileraFlowing
Rock Campground 03-08-2025Braulio AguileraFlowing
Pine Mountain Lodge Camp 03-07-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Nira Campground 03-02-2025j0nnyFlowing
Manzana Narrows Camp 03-02-2025Paul CostalesFlowing
Twin Forks Camp 03-01-2025Alex PerryFlowing
Piedra Blanca Camp 03-01-2025Jon BainFlowing
Llly Meadows Camp 03-01-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Sheep Camp 03-01-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Mission Pine Springs Camp 03-01-2025Paul CostalesFlowing
Mission Pine Basin Camp 03-01-2025Paul CostalesTrickle
Mansfield Camp 03-01-2025Paul CostalesFlowing
Cottam Camp 02-28-2025Rob GuzzonFlowing
McKinley Spings Camp 02-28-2025Paul CostalesTrickle
McKinley Spings Camp 02-23-2025Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
Hidden Potrero Camp 02-22-2025Antonio Calderon Dry
Santa Cruz Camp 02-22-2025Antonio CalderonFlowing
Gridley Springs Camp 02-17-2025Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Shady Camp 02-16-2025Shaddus MaximusFlowing
Cove Camp 02-15-2025Shaddus MaximusFlowing
Ant Camp 02-15-2025Shaddus MaximusFlowing
Alder Creek Camp - Ventura 02-15-2025Shaddus MaximusFlowing
Last Chance Camp - Sespe 02-15-2025Antonio CalderonFlowing
View All Water Reports

Latest Camp Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Sykes Hot Springs Survey - 10-1-1996 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Sykes Hot Springs
Date: 10-1-1996
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:A story about a missed chance at visiting Sykes from 1996. Worth a read:

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-03-03/big-sur-wildfire-threat-camping-survival-story-between-a-rock
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
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:
South Fork Camp - Sisquoc Survey - 04-23-2025 - by Randy Lahey
Link: South Fork Camp - Sisquoc
Date: 04-23-2025
Surveyor Name:Randy Lahey
Camp Description:The trail between South Fork and Mansfield is bad. Walk the creek between 34.754830, -119,763220 and 34.754041, -119.757091 as well as 34.754233, -119.755075 and 34.752182, -119.750182.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow
Weather Conditions:
Matias Potrero Camp Survey - 04-19-2025 - by Brian King
Link: Matias Potrero Camp
Date: 04-19-2025
Surveyor Name:Brian King
Camp Description:is challenging to find. there was some orange trail tape on some small oaks that helped to go in the direction, but trail is overgrown.   
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:suuny 70 degrees
Mansfield Camp Survey - 04-19-2025 - by Randy Lahey
Link: Mansfield Camp
Date: 04-19-2025
Surveyor Name:Randy Lahey
Camp Description:The trail between South Fork and Mansfield is bad. Walk the creek between 34.754830, -119,763220 and 34.754041, -119.757091 as well as 34.754233, -119.755075 and 34.752182, -119.750182.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow
Weather Conditions:
Pine Mountain Lodge Camp Survey - 04-18-2025 - by Brandon Steets
Link: Pine Mountain Lodge Camp
Date: 04-18-2025
Surveyor Name:Brandon Steets
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Fishbowls Camp Survey - 04-18-2025 - by Brandon Steets
Link: Fishbowls Camp
Date: 04-18-2025
Surveyor Name:Brandon Steets
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Bear Creek Camp Survey - 04-17-2025 - by Daniel J. Hall
Link: Bear Creek Camp
Date: 04-17-2025
Surveyor Name:Daniel J. Hall
Camp Description:Camping area in good shape.  Amazing what the 2023 flooding did, again.  For more detail, see captioned photos at https://tinyurl.com/258mpag9
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Steady and clear, but low flow for mid-April. Can cross creek on rocks without water going over boots.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Schoolhouse Camp Survey - 04-15-2025 - by BJ
Link: Manzana Schoolhouse Camp
Date: 04-15-2025
Surveyor Name:BJ
Camp Description:Plenty of water at camp, even skinny dipped!
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Great water flow
Weather Conditions:60 degrees and cloudy
Estrella Camp Survey - 04-12-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Estrella Camp
Date: 04-12-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Upper and lower campsites were maintained.  Not all spots have a picnic and fire pit.  
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Clear weather 60s / 40s
View All Camp Reports

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Sisquoc Trail Upper Survey - 04-20-2025 - by Antonio Calderon
Link: Sisquoc Trail Upper
Date: 04-20-2025
Surveyor Name:Antonio Calderon
Trail description:
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Last Chance Trail Survey - 04-19-2025 - by Laura Clay
Link: Last Chance Trail
Date: 04-19-2025
Surveyor Name:Laura Clay
Trail description:Hiked in 4/19 with intent to stay at Jackson Camp. After splitting from the Santa Paula Canyon Trail, things became increasingly difficult and after crossing the water at Cross Camp, the trail wasn't terrible but there eventually became so many instances of losing the trail and bushwhacking that we gave up short of camp and hiked all the way back to the trailhead. 
Plenty of water in the creek right now though 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Condition details:Very tough to find after Cross Camp
Hurricane Deck Trail Survey - 04-17-2025 - by BJ
Link: Hurricane Deck Trail
Date: 04-17-2025
Surveyor Name:BJ
Trail description:
Did Manzana loop from Lower Manzana to Potrero, then Hurricane to Schoolhouse.  It was very strenuous.  Weather was overcast and 60 degrees, and with a pack I don't think I'd recommend even a small amount warmer or cloudless.  Saw zero humans from start to finish on this portion.  
The uphill is rigorous.  Trail was decent enough, though the final 2 miles going down to the schoolhouse was completely overgrown and the ground gave way.  That was the worst maintained of the trail.  Plenty of poison oak.  No water of course.  Did this April 15 2025.  First solo backpack.  I expected to see rattlers on the trail, but I never did.  Continued from schoolhouse on day 2 on the Manzana trail down to the lower manzana start.  37 water crossings. 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Condition details:Hurrican Deck Trail from Potrero
Sespe River Trail Survey - 04-17-2025 - by Daniel J. Hall
Link: Sespe River Trail
Date: 04-17-2025
Surveyor Name:Daniel J. Hall
Trail description:
Went only from Piedra Blanca Trailhead to Bear Creek.  Trail is in generally good shape and easy to follow.  No blowdowns across the trail, nor catastrophic rutting or slides.  However, there are a few areas where the brush is starting to grow over the trail.  For more detail, see captioned photos at https://tinyurl.com/258mpag9 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Manzana Trail West (Lower) Survey - 04-16-2025 - by BJ
Link: Manzana Trail West (Lower)
Date: 04-16-2025
Surveyor Name:BJ
Trail description:
Did Manzana loop from Lower Manzana to Potrero, then Hurricane to Schoolhouse.  It was very strenuous.  Weather was overcast and 60 degrees, and with a pack I don't think I'd recommend even a small amount warmer or cloudless.  Saw zero humans from start to finish on this portion.  
The uphill is rigorous.  Trail was decent enough, though the final 2 miles going down to the schoolhouse was completely overgrown and the ground gave way.  That was the worst maintained of the trail.  Plenty of poison oak.  No water of course.  Did this April 15 2025.  First solo backpack.  I expected to see rattlers on the trail, but I never did.  
Camped at schoolhouse, had my pick of spots as there were only 3 people there.  Skinny dipped in the creek, which was nice after the grueling day 1.  Fire pits at each site, and a shovel at many so you could smother.  Logs stacked at many of them, but they were mostly too big to fit in the pit, or freshly cut and didn't burn well.  Still managed a fire for an hour or 2. 
Hung my food bag for bear proofing, but never really saw any signs of bear activity on the trail. 
Continued from schoolhouse on day 2 on the Manzana trail down to the lower manzana start.  37 water crossings. 
I kept my Tevas on all day so as not to constantly change shoes, but that ended up giving me substantial blisters and near the end I slipped on some rocks and fell face first, full immersion into the creek.  Fortunately only had 1.5 miles to go after that so didn't have to be soaked for too terribly long.
The trail is not easy to follow at places, mostly after creek crossings.  Some tags here and there- shoutout to Brad whom I met on the trail and was placing some markers for people- I know I needed it!  Lots of poison oak.  Quite pretty, and plenty of flowing water- some of the crossings were up to my knees.  I saw a total of 4 people and 1 dog on the trail day 2 (Manzana) but far more cars in the parking lot at trailhead.  
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Condition details:Schoolhouse to Lower Manzana
Judell Trail Survey - 04-14-2025 - by Antonio Calderon
Link: Judell Trail
Date: 04-14-2025
Surveyor Name:Antonio Calderon
Trail description:
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Horse Pasture Trail Survey - 04-13-2025 - by Sam Graves
Link: Horse Pasture Trail
Date: 04-13-2025
Surveyor Name:Sam Graves
Trail description:Crossing Tassajara Creek from Marble Peak trail is easy with a shallow wade and slow water. From then on the trail is designated only by occasional cairns and pink tape. The general contours could be followed but there was no clean, obvious trail. Rough going with little maintenance, deadfalls, and a stagnant spring running down the ravine which is crossed and crisscrossed repeatedly. We got close to the Tassajara Cutoff before deciding we were spending too much time navigating and turned back to Marble Peak Trail. Also, for anyone coming from Arroyo Seco be aware that the Horse Pasture Bridge is washed out; you'll need to wade in water that can get deep for some folks (up to my waist and I'm a little over six-foot). 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Hard to follow
Sweetwater Trail Survey - 04-12-2025 - by Antonio Calderon
Link: Sweetwater Trail
Date: 04-12-2025
Surveyor Name:Antonio Calderon
Trail description:Pretty much smooth sailing from sierra madre ridge road to south fork station. Great trail. Good time to get out there. 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Good shape and easy to follow
Bucksnort Trail Survey - 04-07-2025 - by Rick Hayes
Link: Bucksnort Trail
Date: 04-07-2025
Surveyor Name:Rick Hayes
Trail description:Dough Flat to Ant Camp, then 1/2 mile up Agua Blanca creek. Day pack from Cow Spring/Bucksnort junction. Can wear shorts to the saddle before changing watersheds to drop down to Ant. Overgrown from saddle to Ant, need pants and long sleeves. Could do it with a full pack. Couldn't make it to Saddle Skirt, too overgrown, hard to follow and poison oak. Couldn't hike up the water itself, too much flow and too much debris.
Found old marijuana grow 1/4 mile upstream from Ant Camp, on right side. Irrigation, trash, fertilizer bags, pesticide spray bottle.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Sweetwater Trail Survey - 04-06-2025 - by Dave Bourgeois
Link: Sweetwater Trail
Date: 04-06-2025
Surveyor Name:Dave Bourgeois
Trail description:Trail has been recently maintained by LPFA, and it's in great shape overall. There's a mile in the middle which still needs work, but even that section is easy to follow and not too overgrown.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Good shape and easy to follow
View All Trail Reports