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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
Mono Campground 1-1-2024Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp 11-11-2024Jen SmithFlowing
Coldwater Camp 11-10-2024Trail Life Troop #4110Flowing
Potrero Camp 11-10-2024Trail Life Troop #4110Flowing
Manzana Schoolhouse Camp 11-09-2024Trail Life Troop #4110Dry
Log Cabin Camp 10-26-2024Alan ColesFlowing
Upper Lopez Camp 10-26-2024PeterFlowing
Forbush Camp 10-23-2024Dale PearsonFlowing
Indian Creek Camp 10-22-2024Dale PearsonFlowing
Pegleg Camp 10-22-2024Dale PearsonFlowing
Meadow Camp 10-22-2024Dale PearsonFlowing
Forbush Camp 10-13-2024Colin PrinciFlowing
Coldwater Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Manzana Schoolhouse Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlDry
Water Canyon Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Mormon Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Miller Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Abel Canyon Camp 10-13-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Piedra Blanca Camp 10-13-2024ForestFlowing
Coldwater Camp 10-13-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Potrero Camp 10-12-2024Paul MuhlTrickle
Fishbowls Camp 10-12-2024Vicki ArmstrongTrickle
Cedar Creek Camp 10-12-2024Vicki ArmstrongTrickle
Dutra Flat Camp 10-06-2024Steve CypherTrickle
Forbush Camp 10-05-2024Nate KirchhoferFlowing
Turkey Springs Camp 10-05-2024Steve CypherFlowing
Upper Bear Camp 10-02-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Twin Forks Camp 09-23-2024MountainGoatManFlowing
Mission Pine Springs Camp 09-22-2024Steve CypherFlowing
Piedra Blanca Camp 09-22-2024JamesFlowing
McKinley Spings Camp 09-21-2024Steve CypherTrickle
Sheep Camp 09-15-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Sheep Camp 09-14-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Sheep Camp 09-11-2024Ricky SFlowing
Sheep Camp 09-08-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Rays Camp 09-08-2024Robert PearigenFlowing
Forbush Camp 09-08-2024Andy H.Flowing
Bluff Guard Station 09-07-2024mark riedyFlowing
Lion Den Camp 09-02-2024Joel BTrickle
Dutra Flat Camp 08-31-2024bushyFlowing
Pine Mountain Campground 08-24-2024Anonymous SurveyorDry
Twin Forks Camp 08-03-2024Pat RaceFlowing
East Fork Lion Camp 08-03-2024Andrea RFlowing
Sheep Camp 07-28-2024Tom KoonceFlowing
Prewitt Ridge Campground 07-24-2024Tyler BushDry
Pine Valley Camp 07-20-2024BillLocFlowing
Matilija Camp 07-15-2024AndyFlowing
Middle Matilija Camp 07-14-2024AndyFlowing
Wheeler Gorge Campground 07-02-2024Mark GonzalezFlowing
Sheep Camp 06-21-2024BSA Troop 858Flowing
Sycamore Camp 06-16-2024Paul MuhlFlowing
Cliff Camp 06-16-2024Paul MuhlFlowing
Abel Canyon Camp 06-16-2024Paul MuhlFlowing
McKinley Spings Camp 06-09-2024Linus BlomqvistTrickle
Mission Pine Springs Camp 06-09-2024Linus BlomqvistFlowing
Fish Creek Camp 06-08-2024Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
Fishbowls Camp 06-08-2024Pierson JacquelinFlowing
Sheep Camp 06-02-2024Tom KoonceFlowing
Pine Mountain Lodge Camp 06-02-2024Jimmy CooperTrickle
West Fork Lion Camp 06-01-2024Amy FindlayFlowing
View All Water Reports

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:
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:
Indian Creek Camp Survey - 10-22-2024 - by Dale Pearson
Link: Indian Creek Camp
Date: 10-22-2024
Surveyor Name:Dale Pearson
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Pegleg Camp Survey - 10-22-2024 - by Dale Pearson
Link: Pegleg Camp
Date: 10-22-2024
Surveyor Name:Dale Pearson
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
View All Camp Reports

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
View All Trail Reports