Exploring The Los Padres National Forest

Over 1000+ Cataloged Locations

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

Hiking Trails

Explore the hiking trails of the Los Padres National Forest. Combine trails to make loop trips, discover new trails for backpacking, or find new areas to explore.

205 Hiking Trails

• Turner Creek Trail
• Gridley Trail
• Sisquoc Trail Lower
• Wilson Canyon Trail
• Santa Barbara Canyon…

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Camps and Campgrounds

This updated list on camps enables you to find a new camp to visit anytime; we have included all car campgrounds and trail camps in this section.

293 Camps

• Goat Camp
• Middle Buckhorn Camp
• Log Cabin Camp
• Lone Pine Camp
• Barrel Springs Camp

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O.H.V. Trails

We got you covered on the O.H.V areas, including Google maps view of all trails, slope gains and losses, so you can be prepared for your next off road adventure.

56 OHV Trails

• Ballinger Route 12 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 14 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 28 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 18 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 37 OHV…

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206 Dirt Roads

• Howard Creek - Forest…
• Deer Park - Forest Rd…
• Happy Canyon - Forest…
• Apache Canyon Ohv - Forest…
• Los Burros - Forest Rd…

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111 Peaks

• Santa Paula Ridge
• Little Pine Mountain
• Ventana Cone
• Pinyon Peak
• Alamar Hill

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174 Springs

• Tajea Spring
• Mesa Spring
• Fox Spring
• Carter Spring
• Agua Caliente Spring

View All 174 Springs →

Latest Camp Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Llly Meadows Camp Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Turbo

Link:	Llly Meadows Camp
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Turbo
Camp Description:	The recent storms allow for a good flowing water supply
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Fish Creek Camp Survey - 02-12-2026 - by Kate Symonds

Link:	Fish Creek Camp
Date:	02-12-2026
Surveyor Name:	Kate Symonds
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Camped 2 days after a 1" rain event.
Weather Conditions:	Clear, mostly calm. Daytime in the 60's.

White Ledge Camp - San Rafael Wilderness Survey - 02-11-2026 - by Kate Symonds

Link:	White Ledge Camp - San Rafael Wilderness
Date:	02-11-2026
Surveyor Name:	Kate Symonds
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Camped the day after ~1 inch of rainfall. Stream flowing clear. Pool next to camp was a few feet deep and clear.
Weather Conditions:	Clear, calm, high 60's. Frost the next morning

Manzana Narrows Camp Survey - 02-10-2026 - by Kate Symonds

Link:	Manzana Narrows Camp
Date:	02-10-2026
Surveyor Name:	Kate Symonds
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Very rainy and windy at night. Clearing in the morning. Temps ranged 40's to 50's.

Valley View Camp Survey - 02-08-2026 - by Cian

Link:	Valley View Camp
Date:	02-08-2026
Surveyor Name:	Cian
Camp Description:	Found mushrooms that might've been morel(in oak leaf duff), turkey tail, and lions mane(in log), but no positive ID. A few mountain bikers riding without bike bells on trail. Weather moderate high 70s. Hiking poles very helpful for the loose patches of shale/gravel on the way down.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	strong flow, one swimmable area,
Weather Conditions:	high 70s

Valley View Camp Survey - 02-07-2026 - by Andy

Link:	Valley View Camp
Date:	02-07-2026
Surveyor Name:	Andy
Camp Description:	Campsite is in fine shape for 2 tents max. Equipment is present to clear out extra sites. It’s gorgeous with a great waterfall and rock pool, bay trees, ferns, and Humboldt lily. The spur trail could use some clearing and fix one wash out.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Abundant clear water
Weather Conditions:

Mono Campground Survey - 02-07-2026 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Mono Campground
Date:	02-07-2026
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Camp Description:	Pretty identical to report from Braulio last March, camp is gone, a flat area where the parking lot used to be is campable. Access to water is through some much bogs to find a good fresh water area. With how destroyed this is I would not rate this as a destination to stay at, but if helps you make it to where you are going it will do.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Low, muddy pools
Weather Conditions:

Forbush Camp Survey - 02-07-2026 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Forbush Camp
Date:	02-07-2026
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Camp Description:	Nice clean camp with at least two good spots, creek is flowing nicely.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Cottam Camp Survey - 02-07-2026 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Cottam Camp
Date:	02-07-2026
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Camp Description:	Nice camp in good shape, water is flowing and plenty of places to camp. Trail between Forbush and here not needs some brushing and a few downed trees but not that tough to deal with.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Thorn Meadows Campground Survey - 02-02-2026 - by Maggie

Link:	Thorn Meadows Campground
Date:	02-02-2026
Surveyor Name:	Maggie
Camp Description:	A very nice campsite. 3 tables available and two fire pits. Very cold at this time of year. A large tree fell on the road rigth after the stables getting to the camp so we were a little turned around. If you are taking a OHV up there it may be hard to get around the tree to the camp site. It fell over between the old stables and this campsite and takes up the entire forest road 7N03B. You can climb around it if you are on foot.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	the water right next to the camp was very small (only a trickle) btu nearby towards Thorn point and down the road were very strong and flowing.
Weather Conditions:	warm in day (~65) cold at nigth (below freezing)

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Alder Creek Trail Survey - 02-26-2026 - by nsrose

Link:	Alder Creek Trail
Date:	02-26-2026
Surveyor Name:	nsrose
Trail description:	We completed a through-hike from Dough Flat Trailhead to Piedra Blanca Trailhead and it was beautiful but very challenging, mostly due to current water levels in the Sespe. Once you drop into the drainage, expect constant creek crossings. The Sespe is running fast, cold, and significantly deeper than usual right now. Several crossings were waist to chest deep depending on your line, and the current was strong enough to make them genuinely dangerous. In deeper channels, the push of the water was hard to brace against, especially with uneven footing. Trekking poles were essential, and there were multiple crossings where we had to carefully scout safer routes. Staying dry isn’t realistic — this is a wet and committing hike in current conditions. Shortly after Alder Creek Camp, there is a washed-out section of trail that requires extra caution. The tread narrows significantly with a steep, exposed drop into the canyon below. It’s passable but sketchy, especially with a pack, and definitely not a place to rush or slip. We camped the first night at Alder Creek Camp, which is in good shape with plenty of space and easy water access. The next day we saw fresh mountain lion tracks in the sand, a good reminder of how wild and remote this area feels. We stopped at Sespe Hot Springs, but most of the pools were washed out from recent high flows. A couple small soakable spots remain, but nothing like the larger pools people often expect. Still worth visiting for the setting. There are many more crossings after the hot springs, and we eventually camped on a sandy beach along the creek, which was a highlight of the trip. One thing to watch out for: ticks were very active between Willet and Bear Creek Camp, especially in grassy and brushy sections. Long pants and frequent tick checks are highly recommended. Overall, it’s an incredible route but currently more demanding and committing than usual due to deep, fast water, exposed sections of trail, and constant crossings. If you’re experienced with moving water and remote conditions, it’s a memorable trip — but definitely not a casual hike right now.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Sespe River Trail Survey - 02-26-2026 - by nsrose

Link:	Sespe River Trail
Date:	02-26-2026
Surveyor Name:	nsrose
Trail description:	We completed a through-hike from Dough Flat Trailhead to Piedra Blanca Trailhead and it was beautiful but very challenging, mostly due to current water levels in the Sespe. Once you drop into the drainage, expect constant creek crossings. The Sespe is running fast, cold, and significantly deeper than usual right now. Several crossings were waist to chest deep depending on your line, and the current was strong enough to make them genuinely dangerous. In deeper channels, the push of the water was hard to brace against, especially with uneven footing. Trekking poles were essential, and there were multiple crossings where we had to carefully scout safer routes. Staying dry isn’t realistic — this is a wet and committing hike in current conditions. Shortly after Alder Creek Camp, there is a washed-out section of trail that requires extra caution. The tread narrows significantly with a steep, exposed drop into the canyon below. It’s passable but sketchy, especially with a pack, and definitely not a place to rush or slip. We camped the first night at Alder Creek Camp, which is in good shape with plenty of space and easy water access. The next day we saw fresh mountain lion tracks in the sand, a good reminder of how wild and remote this area feels. We stopped at Sespe Hot Springs, but most of the pools were washed out from recent high flows. A couple small soakable spots remain, but nothing like the larger pools people often expect. Still worth visiting for the setting. There are many more crossings after the hot springs, and we eventually camped on a sandy beach along the creek, which was a highlight of the trip. One thing to watch out for: ticks were very active between Willet and Bear Creek Camp, especially in grassy and brushy sections. Long pants and frequent tick checks are highly recommended. Overall, it’s an incredible route but currently more demanding and committing than usual due to deep, fast water, exposed sections of trail, and constant crossings. If you’re experienced with moving water and remote conditions, it’s a memorable trip — but definitely not a casual hike right now.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Sisquoc Trail Upper Survey - 02-24-2026 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Sisquoc Trail Upper
Date:	02-24-2026
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Article by Chuck Graham about hiking the Upper Sisquoc from South Fork up to Alamar Saddle: https://www.independent.com/2026/02/24/a-sojourn-along-the-sisquoc-river/
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow

Indian Trail Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Amelie

Link:	Indian Trail
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Amelie
Trail description:	Not the easiest trail to follow-- prepare for lots of wet feet, above meadow camp its mostly in the creek with occasionally sections of trail near the creek. beautiful!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	hard to follow but passable. wet feet!

Mono-Alamar Trail Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Amelie Grant

Link:	Mono-Alamar Trail
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Amelie Grant
Trail description:	hard to follow from top of Loma Pelona down to the caracole intersection, but we trail taped this section. Also hard to follow from where it drops into mono narrows till before ogilvy, worth just walking in the creek for much of that section.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	hard to follow from Loma to oglivy. passable, but trail is nearly non existant from Loma to caracole and its not the best right after the narrow.

Poplar Trail Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Amelie Grant

Link:	Poplar Trail
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Amelie Grant
Trail description:	we hiked from pens to loma pelona and then down to the mono-alamar trail... Gorgeous area but trail is totally overgrown. tread is followable and we left it VERY well taped, but prepare to crawl through the chaparral. I was in a school group and it took the 11 of us ~3 hours to go the 1 mile from pens to loma.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	prepare to crawl! well taped and tread is followable, but chaparral is brutal

North Fork Lockwood Trail Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Turbo

Link:	North Fork Lockwood Trail
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Turbo
Trail description:	Some brushy sections but overall in good condition up to Lily meadows
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Buckhorn Trail Survey - 02-13-2026 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Buckhorn Trail
Date:	02-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	The trail is very followable up to Lower Buckhorn from the Romero Camuesa Trailhaed but there are some washouts that will make the trail a little challenging in spots. We added a fresh layer of flagging at the crossings, which will help ensure people are headed the right way. Couple downed trees here/there and some rose thickets but nothing too challenging up to Lower Buckhorn. NOT STOCK PASSABLE at the moment and bikes will be pushed probably more than ridden. From Lower Buckhorn up, the trail is quite a bit more challenging. An attempt was made by unknown trail workers to open up the Buckhorn Trail above Lower Buckhorn but it was a weak and consequently short lived attempt. Didn't see flagging but you can follow old cuts at times. The route doesn't follow the correct trail alignment and there are some gullies and steep descents into creeks and tribs. The trail does improve as you get closer to the Buckhorn Road and the BIG final ascent is in okay shape at the moment. We've seen it worse ~ it's still not great but probably better than it will be. Hope that helps.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Deal Trail Survey - 02-08-2026 - by Tom Chard

Link:	Deal Trail
Date:	02-08-2026
Surveyor Name:	Tom Chard
Trail description:	From Deal Trailhead made it 1.3 miles before too many down trees.  Canyon was narrowing and did not know how many more trees to go soooo retreated and went up to Deal Connector TH to Deal Trail.  First 2.1 to 2.2 miles trail is in good shape.  Past that (into the canyon past the wilderness sign on the ridge) you are where the last trail crew stopped.  Very brushed, hard to constantly push through and was getting hard to follow.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Brushed over 2.1 miles from Deal Connector TH

Cold Spring Trail - North Survey - 02-07-2026 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Cold Spring Trail - North
Date:	02-07-2026
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Trail description:	Trail is great most of the way to the Santa Ynez River.The infinity pools were amazing. Once you get to the Santz Ynez river it seems the trail is totally gone and taken over by the Mono Jungle. We had to pull the ripcord and bushwack up a hill to get the Mono Jungle Bypass trail. That trail was great and should actually be on this map. It does have a lot of elevation gain to bypass the mono jungle but is an easy to follow trail unlilke bushwacking in the mono jungle.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow