Welcome To Hike Los Padres!
User Log In or Sign Up
Use Marker Cluster
Markers: Use Marker Groups
Time used: ms
Routes
    Trails
    OHV Trails
    Forest Roads
    Streams
Wildfire Layers
    Wolf 2002
    Piru 2003
    Day 2006
    Zaca 2007
    Gap 2008
    La Brea 2009
Forest Layers
    Forest Boundary
    Wilderness Areas
    Ranger Districts
    Counties
    Topographic Outlines
    Trailheads
    OHV Trailheads
Helpful Hints
    ↣ Right click the map for location data. ↣ Click a stream for Water Stats.

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
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
Log Cabin Camp 02-14-2025Shaddus MaximusFlowing
Oak Flat Camp 02-08-2025Ol' MartoFlowing
Valle Vista Campground 02-08-2025Antonio CalderonDry
Blue Canyon Camp 02-08-2025Omar EffFlowing
Oak Camp 02-01-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Chorro Grande Camp 02-01-2025Paul MuhlTrickle
Madulce Camp 01-27-2025Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
Coldwater Camp 01-20-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Potrero Camp 01-20-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Miller Camp 01-19-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Mormon Camp 01-19-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Water Canyon Camp 01-19-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Manzana Schoolhouse Camp 01-19-2025Paul MuhlFlowing
Beartrap Camp 01-18-2025Troop 26Flowing
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:
Cow Spring Camp Survey - 03-30-2025 - by Laura Clay
Link: Cow Spring Camp
Date: 03-30-2025
Surveyor Name:Laura Clay
Camp Description:Camp in good shape, plenty of water for a few months
Took Alder Creek trail in front locked Dough Flat gate. Road to trailhead in extremely good shape and trail is very clear
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Small flowing stream with some deeper pools in creek
Weather Conditions:
Valley View Camp Survey - 03-29-2025 - by Gio
Link: Valley View Camp
Date: 03-29-2025
Surveyor Name:Gio
Camp Description:Plenty of water in the stream.

Some pockets of poison oak along the trail coming into camp.

Most tent sites are in good condition if a little on the small end, the one in a thicket of trees slightly uphill from the fire ring has a collapsed tree lying across it that will need to be removed. There are tools in a hollow tree but I did not have time.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Stream was full and flowing
Weather Conditions:Surprise drizzles most of the night
19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 03-28-2025 - by Jen Smith
Link: 19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date: 03-28-2025
Surveyor Name:Jen Smith
Camp Description:Some landslides have been partially repaired along the trail, a few spots on the trail are slippery and difficult to climb. Poison oak looks like it has been cleared though, nothing overgrown. Camp is in good condition, water in trough is completely dry. Creek still has a trickle of flowing water with a few pools along the way. 
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Cool, partially cloudy
Sheep Camp Survey - 03-27-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Sheep Camp
Date: 03-27-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Lots of snow on trail coming from Nordic. Best to have spikes or snow boots. I even worn my snow pants. Follow the footsteps to find your way if trail is covered with snow. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:50’s, cool
Manzana Narrows Camp Survey - 03-24-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Narrows Camp
Date: 03-24-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
camp is in good condition
32 river crossings there and back.
Most can be rock-hopped except the last 2-3 right before camp. 
Some crossings are challenging, some are easy.
Highest water went a little above my ankle. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:sunny hot 85 deg
Fish Creek Camp Survey - 03-24-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Fish Creek Camp
Date: 03-24-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
rock hopped across creek 
Highest water went a little above my ankle. 
camp is in good condition
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:sunny hot 85 deg
Rays Camp Survey - 03-24-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Rays Camp
Date: 03-24-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
camp is in good condition
rock hopped 
Highest water went a little above my ankle. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:sunny hot 85 deg
Manzana Camp Survey - 03-24-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 03-24-2025
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
camp is in good condition
32 river crossings there and back.
Most can be rock-hopped except the last 2-3 right before camp. 
Some crossings are challenging, some are easy
Highest water went a little above my ankle. 

Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:sunny hot 85 deg
View All Camp Reports

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Red Reef Trail Survey - 04-01-2025 - by Rick Hayes
Link: Red Reef Trail
Date: 04-01-2025
Surveyor Name:Rick Hayes
Trail description:Hiked from Nordhoff road down Red Reef to Sespe with full pack. Need pants, long sleeves, trekking poles entire route. Brush and deadfall. Water flowing at Ladybug and Horsethief camp. Poison Oak from Horsethief to Sespe.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Alder Creek Trail Survey - 03-30-2025 - by Laura Clay
Link: Alder Creek Trail
Date: 03-30-2025
Surveyor Name:Laura Clay
Trail description:Recent trail work made it clear and easy to follow. Plenty of water along the route we took to Cow Spring
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Good shape and easy to follow
Aliso Trail Survey - 03-29-2025 - by Casey Horgan
Link: Aliso Trail
Date: 03-29-2025
Surveyor Name:Casey Horgan
Trail description:Trail is narrow and easy to follow. Mostly rideable with some areas of minor overgrowth and off camber. 
Mode of transport:Bicycle
Trail condition:Needs some work
Condition details:Out and back bike outing to Painted Rock
Santa Paula Canyon Trail Survey - 03-29-2025 - by Rick Hayes
Link: Santa Paula Canyon Trail
Date: 03-29-2025
Surveyor Name:Rick Hayes
Trail description:Hiked to Bluff Camp. Need pants, long sleeves, trekking poles and Garmin or Gaia app to follow the trail after leaving the creek all the way to Bluff camp. Flagging to Cienega camp. Some of the flagging was wrong. Bear trails everywhere, lots of false trails. Tons of water at Cienega camp. Some flowing water at Bluff camp. Even more flowing water on the backside of the ridge of Bluff camp. Rock cairns from Cienega to Bluff
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Hard to follow
Poplar Trail Survey - 03-27-2025 - by Chris Berry
Link: Poplar Trail
Date: 03-27-2025
Surveyor Name:Chris Berry
Trail description:We only did the 1 mile section of this trail down from the Loma-Victor fire road to Pens camp and the trail was next to non-existent. Multiple sections of hands and knees crawling, hoping to find the occasional cut stumps of chaparral to indicate there once was a trail here. A few decaying pieces of orange flagging helped give hints that we were on the correct path. Overall, very hard to follow and it took close to 3 hours to get through. Had we been going uphill I don't know that we would have succeeded. Unsure of the status of the trail up to Bluff as we exited down Indian Creek. Lot's of water flowing in Indian Creek at Pens. Pens camp was fairly overgrown but there was enough space to pitch a couple of tents.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Non existent
Mono-Alamar Trail Survey - 03-27-2025 - by Chris Berry
Link: Mono-Alamar Trail
Date: 03-27-2025
Surveyor Name:Chris Berry
Trail description:The trail could use some work, it's easy to lose in many places and increasingly challenging to follow the further along one goes. The trail becomes particularly challenging and overgrown leaving Mono Creek up the Caracole. It was slow going and we often had to drop into the creek bed to advance or move up onto less vegetated slopes until we reached the junction with the Alamar Hill trail. Not much of a trail to be found going up to the Loma-Victor fire road, but hiking through the grass was easy enough, just steep. 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Lion Canyon Trail Survey - 03-22-2025 - by Rick Hayes
Link: Lion Canyon Trail
Date: 03-22-2025
Surveyor Name:Rick Hayes
Trail description:Hiked from Middle Lion camp to Nordoff Ridge road. Trail is in great shape and easy to follow. Did whole thing in shorts and T-shirt, no brush. Last water is at the junction of East Lion and West Lion camp. Old melted irrigation tubing at base East Lion falls.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Good shape and easy to follow
Piedra Blanca Trail Survey - 03-21-2025 - by Daniel J. Hall
Link: Piedra Blanca Trail
Date: 03-21-2025
Surveyor Name:Daniel J. Hall
Trail description:We went from Piedra Blanca Trailhead to Pine Mt. Lodge, with 2 nights at Twin Forks, from March 19 -21.  The trail from the Trailhead to Twin Forks was clear and easy to follow.  The first mile up from Twin Forks was clear and easy to follow, except for a couple of minor rock slides that don't affect hikers, but may cause stock some problems.  The following stretch of trail up to PML has been recently worked and was in amazing condition: good tread, very wide clearance with extraordinary water bars that are greatly needed in that steep, remote trail and which I hope do not get destroyed by hikers or stock.  However, almost up to PML, there was a section of trail about 200 feet long that is thick, over-your-head brush, but at least it is the kind of brush that you can slip through fairly easily.  For more detail, see https://tinyurl.com/2bbxdu3r   
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Needs some work
Piedra Blanca Trail Survey - 03-16-2025 - by bardley
Link: Piedra Blanca Trail
Date: 03-16-2025
Surveyor Name:bardley
Trail description:
the purpose of my survey is to relate the current water levels at the beginning of this hike, from the piedra blanca trailhead to the far side of sespe creek at the junction / trailhead of the sespe river trail.

the water crossings at lion creek, the sespe creek tributary stock and hiker crossings, and the sespe creek main crossing are all readily passable with deepest water levels at mid-calf.  a returning hiker related that the further down the sespe - the deeper the water.  at the hot springs = hip deep.

no defined trail from the stock/hiker crossing to the main crossing.
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Non existent
Big Falls Trail Survey - 03-16-2025 - by DMajor
Link: Big Falls Trail
Date: 03-16-2025
Surveyor Name:DMajor
Trail description:Did some trail clearing up to the main waterfall
Some challenges crossing the river many times 
All the poison oak is cut back so good tread amd a clear pathway with just a few blowdowns and easy crossing 
Newts are out in force, and the falls are roaring 
No trash, no people on the trail in the afternoon 
Impressive canyon after a trek to the trailhead 
Mode of transport:Hike
Trail condition:Good shape and easy to follow
View All Trail Reports