Big Cone Spruce Camp

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
04-27-2024	Antoine	Flowing
04-10-2024	Daniel O'Shea	Flowing
10-15-2023	Dave Billybob	Flowing
04-21-2023	Troop 37 - Jonathan Rocque	Flowing
11-27-2022	M bros	Trickle
03-24-2022	Silvio G	Flowing
11-27-2021	Diane Soini	Flowing
11-26-2021	Heather Rose	Flowing
05-08-2021	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
02-20-2021	kiddaddio	Flowing
08-22-2020	Kevin Varga	Flowing
04-02-2020	SKIPP	Flowing
08-25-2019	Jack Henry	Stagnant
06-06-2019	Keith Stoodley	Flowing
11-11-2018	K&A	Trickle
03-30-2018	Sara Lafia	Flowing
02-25-2018	Bastien	Flowing
01-16-2018	Curt Cragg	Flowing
12-31-2017	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
11-11-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
08-31-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
05-28-2017	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
11-22-2016	Curt Cragg	Trickle
10-18-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
03-26-2016	Ash	Flowing
11-26-2014	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
10-18-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
09-26-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
03-21-2014	Valerie Norton	Flowing

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 04-27-2024 - by Antoine

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	04-27-2024
Surveyor Name:	Antoine
Camp Description:	Hiked from Manzana narrows. The trail is faint but findable at the beginning but I lost it around the two bends the canyon gets narrower. There is trees and branches everywhere around. The creek might be the easier way to go up. Once it is passed, the trail is again faint but easier follow. The trail that goes up to McKinley camp is very nice. Just two or three spots with one bush grown in the middle of it.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	The creek below the campground is flowing nicely
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 04-10-2024 - by Daniel O'Shea

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	04-10-2024
Surveyor Name:	Daniel O'Shea
Camp Description:	The trek from Manzana Narrows here was a little grueling. Lots of poison oak, downed trees, erosion, bushwhacking. So this place was a great lunch spot on my way up to McKinley Peak!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good strong flow but a little tricky to get to
Weather Conditions:	70 and sunny
Images:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 10-15-2023 - by Dave Billybob

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	10-15-2023
Surveyor Name:	Dave Billybob
Camp Description:	Dropped in from the Mission Pine Trail/Cachuma Mountain Road ridgeline. Very steep trail getting down to camp, but pretty well maintained overall. Plenty of water flowing at camp, both next to camp and a small stream that went right through the camp. Lots of poison oak in/around the campsite. Campsite seemed unused for quite some time. Lots of downed trees and leaf litter. Picnic table is in rough shape but still useable. I tried to approach the camp from the Manzana Narrows in May 2023, but the trail was very overgrown and hard to follow. Turned around after getting walled out by poison oak. Path of least resistance would have likely been rock hopping up the Manzana to camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Manzana flowing strong!
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 04-21-2023 - by Troop 37 - Jonathan Rocque

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	04-21-2023
Surveyor Name:	Troop 37 - Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:	I entered from the trailhead off of McKinley Mtn Road. The trail down was mostly clear and then things were a bit washed through with downed branches as I got closer to the camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water flow was plentiful and pretty much a rushing river
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-27-2022 - by M bros

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-27-2022
Surveyor Name:	M bros
Camp Description:	A handful of fallen trees around the camp, and the table is coming apart a bit, but otherwise in good shape! We took lunch here before heading up to McKinley Spring Camp.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	small amount of flow next to camp
Weather Conditions:	sunny, 60s, probably in the mid 30s at night
Images:	water flowing along camp campsite

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 03-24-2022 - by Silvio G

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	03-24-2022
Surveyor Name:	Silvio G
Camp Description:	There are a lot of fallen trees around camp, but none affect the ability to use the camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water is flowing at a good rate. There are some pools in the creek which allow for easy fill up.
Weather Conditions:	Pleasant and mostly shady.

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-27-2021 - by Diane Soini

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-27-2021
Surveyor Name:	Diane Soini
Camp Description:	There's a large tree fallen in the creek making it difficult to get to a large pool of clear water being fed by the spring in the camp. I had to wade through leafless poison oak stems to get down to the creek and I was able to get water flowing over the edge from the spring. There is a small creek flowing well uphill from the lower camp just beyond the turnoff to the upper campsite. Get water there. The steep climb up is in good shape. There is one green ceanothus bush laying down in the trail near the bottom. It took me an hour to climb up the hill.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	warm and dry

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-26-2021 - by Heather Rose

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-26-2021
Surveyor Name:	Heather Rose
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow in the creek just above camp, trickle of flow directly through camp.
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 05-08-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	05-08-2021
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 02-20-2021 - by kiddaddio

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	02-20-2021
Surveyor Name:	kiddaddio
Camp Description:	We day hiked up from the narrows. there are lots of fallen trees but there are signs clearing. trails is a bit overgrown but nothing difficult to pass. Camp is full of debris from burnt and fallen trees and high winds over the weekend gave us cause for caution.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	good flow before the camp, a trickle flows through it but not very clean.
Weather Conditions:	mild and very windy

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 08-22-2020 - by Kevin Varga

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	08-22-2020
Surveyor Name:	Kevin Varga
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great flow with pools enough for bathing
Weather Conditions:	Hot and smoky

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 04-02-2020 - by SKIPP

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	04-02-2020
Surveyor Name:	SKIPP
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Creek was flowing well and another storm was coming.
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 08-25-2019 - by Jack Henry

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	08-25-2019
Surveyor Name:	Jack Henry
Camp Description:	Water was between stagnant and trickle, but definitely survivable.Â Water was continuous from NIRA to Manzana Narrows for the most part with a couple exceptions between Fish and Ray's. Heat was definitely a huge factor and would recommend either hiking in as early or late as possible and take as many breaks as possible. I would recommend sticking to Manzana Narrows or Manzana for ease of clean water access.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Clear skies/ Hot
Images:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 06-06-2019 - by Keith Stoodley

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	06-06-2019
Surveyor Name:	Keith Stoodley
Camp Description:	The trail up the Manzana Creek from Nira was very nice, once you turn off the main trail .5 miles beyondÂ Manzana Narrows was very overgrown with lots of poison oak you have to push through. Also a lot of down trees that you need to climb over or crawl under all the time pushing through poison oak.Â The ticks were out in full force as were the little flies. About a quarter mile from Big Cone Spruce there were two pile of bear scat. Still, all-in-all a beautiful hike, I'm waiting to see how bad the poison oak outbreak may be.Â Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	The water was flowing very well, very cold.
Weather Conditions:	Clear skies, in the low 70s

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-11-2018 - by K&A

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-11-2018
Surveyor Name:	K&A
Camp Description:	The spring near the camp is a good source of water. The campsite needs a raking, lots of dead leaves on the ground. The fire ring is in good shape and has a grill. Shovel and rake intact. Lots of flat space for tents, but only one table in okay condition. No dead trees or widow makers in camp either
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	75 clear and sunny

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 03-30-2018 - by Sara Lafia

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	03-30-2018
Surveyor Name:	Sara Lafia
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Beautiful site, but not enough water to swim in
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 02-25-2018 - by Bastien

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	02-25-2018
Surveyor Name:	Bastien
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 01-16-2018 - by Curt Cragg

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	01-16-2018
Surveyor Name:	Curt Cragg
Camp Description:	Upper camp is in nice shape with water nearby.Â Lower camp picnic table is in bad shape.Â Some limbs down around the camp but generally cleaned up.Â Spring and creek are flowing at lower camp. Trail to Manzana has been mostly cleared of trees including big Sycamore that was blocking trail.Â Large oak that was cut last year has slid down into trail so partially blocking buy easy to walk around.Â Will need to be cut soon.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flowing water all of the way down the creek
Weather Conditions:	Clear and very nice 40's at night 70's during the day.

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 12-31-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	12-31-2017
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-11-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-11-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Lower camp picnic table needs work but it is usable. One Section of the trail is close to impassable on the way up from Manzana Narrows. About 1.5 miles up the trail a sycamore tree has fallen against a rock face directly across the path. The trunk of the tree has a honey bee hive in it as well,Â You can bushwhack your way round the blocked section of the trail to the left via the stream. Poison Oak has withered and is not an issue on the trail. Beautiful big treas to look at and great access to water at the site.Â Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Steady Flow from the streams around the lower camp site.
Weather Conditions:	low 70s during the day and chilly at night, recommend a tent

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 08-31-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	08-31-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flow in Manzana Creek and at the Spring behind Big Cone Spruce Camp. Lots of flies though.
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 05-28-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	05-28-2017
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Did not make it all the way to the camp, because the trail was very overgrown with poison oak. Made it about 1.5 miles from Manzana Narrows camp but turned back because of the poison oak. Would have had to have long pants and long sleeves to try making it through untouched. But water was certainly flowing along the way.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-22-2016 - by Curt Cragg

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-22-2016
Surveyor Name:	Curt Cragg
Camp Description:	Los Padres Forest Association Volunteer Wilderness Rangers cleaned up the campsites. Â Sign was re-installed at entrance to lower camp. Â Carlon sign installed near trail to upper camp. Â Upper camp can be hard to find due to duff on trail, but is a nice spot. Â Creek is above the camp to the right as you're facing the fire pit. Â Upper picnic table in decent shape, lower picnic table needs replacement.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Water was pretty good in the creek above the upper camp and below the lower camp. Flowing slowly
Weather Conditions:	Clear Low 70's

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 10-18-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	10-18-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 03-26-2016 - by Ash

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	03-26-2016
Surveyor Name:	Ash
Camp Description:	Our hike from Nira to Manzana Narrows was fantastic...unfortunately our round trip up to Big Cone through to the fire road for a loop was ruined but the trail condition. Â Downed trees every 10 yards or less, poison oak was unavoidable and in your face as you army crawl under trees. Â First 7 miles took a little over 2 hours, last 1.5 miles from Manzana to BCS probably took 2+ hours and was miserable. Â Would not advise anyone use this trail in its current condition as of March 2016.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow, maybe 6 inches in the stream crossing just south of camp, 1' plus below that
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 11-26-2014 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	11-26-2014
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow in creek just above and below Big Cone Spruce. Trickle of water from spring located right next to the campsite.
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 10-18-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	10-18-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	All springs flowing and water available. Information from: http://songsofthewilderness.wordpress.com/
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 09-26-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	09-26-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Water in two small pools. There is a muddy track leading to one from the spring, so something is still flowing. The water is tasty and clear.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 03-21-2014 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	03-21-2014
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Camp Description:	There are two sites situated below towering oaks and conifers, each with a table and fire ring. Between the sites and a little to the east, the spring can be found. It's water flows past the east side of the lower camp. The upper camp table has been heavily modified by bear activity. Probably not much morning sun.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	both Manzana Creek and the spring were flowing well
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp South Los Padres National Forest

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