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Blue Canyon Camp South Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: Carpinteria
  • Elevation: 1700 feet
  • Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
  • County: Santa Barbara County
  • Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
  • Longitude: -119.5965755
  • Latitude: 34.49372213
  • Water Sources: Blue Canyon Creek flows just beside camp. Water can be expected seasonally, often drying up from the end of summer into late fall.
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
03-09-2024Casey HallFlowing
12-22-2022Paul CronshawFlowing
06-24-2022Paul CronshawDry
05-19-2022Paul CronshawFlowing
04-09-2022James WapotichFlowing
03-31-2022Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
02-21-2022Harrison ParadiseFlowing
01-16-2022Shaddus MaximusFlowing
11-29-2021Paul CronshawDry
07-25-2021James WapotichDry
06-26-2021Yaniv Paul-Aschenbrenner Trischitta Dry
03-06-2021Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
02-14-2021ZEFlowing
12-01-2020John O'ConnellFlowing
07-01-2020MartinaFlowing
05-19-2020rich schollFlowing
05-06-2020Shaddus Maximus Flowing
08-05-2019Stephen SFlowing
04-13-2019David HFlowing
01-22-2019Craig R. CareyFlowing
12-15-2018Jonathan RocqueFlowing
11-10-2018Paul CronshawDry
10-26-2018Conor WDry
10-23-2018Anonymous SurveyorDry
10-14-2018Dan SDry
10-13-2018Jonathan RocqueDry
06-22-2018Camerin PoulsonFlowing
04-21-2018Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
09-11-2017Jared BreseeDry
01-08-2017Joshua IsaacFlowing
11-06-2016Shaddus Maximus Dry
08-20-2016Erin CarrollDry
04-30-2016Matt SwiderFlowing
04-23-2016James WapotichFlowing
03-13-2016Anonymous BackpackerFlowing
02-15-2016Shaddus Maximus Flowing
05-13-2015Donnie TognazziniFlowing
04-20-2015Valerie NortonFlowing
03-20-2015Steve GenestFlowing
03-14-2015Paul CronshawFlowing
02-15-2015Paul CronshawFlowing

Description:

Blue Canyon gets its name from the blue-green serpentine formations found along its 5 mile length. The canyon runs directly along the Santa Ynez Fault. This is a relatively narrow canyon with several overnight camps along it. Blue Canyon Camp is about a quarter-mile from the junction of the Romero Trail with the Blue Canyon Trail. This idyllic camp is placed in a large clearing beside Blue Canyon Creek and contains a table, fire ring, pit toilet, and room for a few tents.

Recent Uploads:

Survey Photos:


  • Paul Cronshaw - 02-15-2015
    Fire ring before repair

  • Paul Cronshaw - 02-15-2015
    Fire ring after repair

  • Steve Genest - 03-20-2015

  • Paul Cronshaw - 03-14-2015

  • Valerie Norton - 04-20-2015
    sign from the trail

  • Valerie Norton - 04-20-2015
    camp area overview

  • Anonymous Backpacker - 03-13-2016

  • Anonymous Backpacker - 03-13-2016

  • James Wapotich - 04-23-2016

  • Matt Swider - 04-30-2016

  • Erin Carroll - 08-20-2016

  • Camerin Poulson - 06-22-2018
    Blue Canyon

  • Camerin Poulson - 06-22-2018
    Blue Canyon

  • Camerin Poulson - 06-22-2018
    Blue Canyon

  • Jonathan Rocque - 10-13-2018

  • Paul Cronshaw - 11-10-2018
    Blue Canyon Camp

  • Craig R. Carey - 01-22-2019

  • Craig R. Carey - 01-22-2019

  • David H - 04-13-2019
    Campsite was great!

  • Stephen S - 08-05-2019
    Blue Canyon Camp

  • Paul Cronshaw - 11-29-2021
    Blue Canyon Camp

  • Paul Cronshaw - 11-29-2021
    Several of the creek crossings on way to North Romero Junction have pools of water

  • Anonymous Surveyor - 03-31-2022

  • Anonymous Surveyor - 03-31-2022

  • Anonymous Surveyor - 03-31-2022

  • Paul Cronshaw - 05-19-2022
    Campsite BEFORE cleaning....

  • Paul Cronshaw - 05-19-2022
    ....and AFTER cleaning

  • Paul Cronshaw - 05-19-2022
    Clean Firepit

  • Paul Cronshaw - 05-19-2022
    Water in Blue Canyon Creek at campsite

  • Paul Cronshaw - 06-24-2022
    Dry creek section that had water in a month prior

  • Paul Cronshaw - 06-24-2022
    Brushed Campsite

  • Paul Cronshaw - 12-22-2022
    Creek at campsite

  • Paul Cronshaw - 12-22-2022
    Blue Canyon Campsite

  • Casey Hall - 03-09-2024

  • Casey Hall - 03-09-2024

Submitted Camp Reports

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-09-2024 - by Casey Hall
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-09-2024
Surveyor Name:Casey Hall
Camp Description:Romero trail down to camp is steep, washed up, and overgrown in several places. 2 wet crossings between Blue Canyon trail junction and the site. Site is pleasant and secluded. 


Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:River is full and flowing quickly.
Weather Conditions:High 50s, low 60s.
Images:


Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 12-22-2022 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 12-22-2022
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Camp Maintenance:  Raked the leaves around campsite, cleaned and buried the fire pit ashes. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Flowing with small pools, 3-4 feet wide and 6" deep. Compare recent high water flow from recent storm with 5-19-22 photo.
Weather Conditions:Low 40s night temps and mid 70s during day. Sunny
Images:

Creek at campsite

Blue Canyon Campsite
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 06-24-2022 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 06-24-2022
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite is in excellent condition. Volunteers have cleared the grass around the table, fire pit and created trail to toilet.  
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:Water supply has dried up in a month
Weather Conditions:Upper 80s and Sunny
Images:

Dry creek section that had water in a month prior

Brushed Campsite
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 05-19-2022 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 05-19-2022
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:I stayed at this camp for maintenance purposes. This camp has the a good water flow for this time of year and dry conditions. I used the rake and fire shovel for cleaning the campsite.  I dispersed and disguised a large pile of ash with dirt and leaves.  Over 15 years ago, the table was placed in this camp by a Troop 33 Eagle Scout.  It is so nice to see that it remains in good condition. The toilet has not been used so cleaning can be postponed until a later date.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Flowing with small pools, 3-4 feet wide
Weather Conditions:Lower 80s and Sunny with some wind
Images:

Campsite BEFORE cleaning....

....and AFTER cleaning


Clean Firepit

Water in Blue Canyon Creek at campsite
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-09-2022 - by James Wapotich
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-09-2022
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:good flow
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-31-2022 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-31-2022
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Well cared for campsite.  Almost feels like camping in the PNW since the fog and dew make everything wet and damp - would never know we are in a drought.  Privy in good condition.  Is it a grave mound that is in the middle of the campsite though? 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Healthy flow in the creek
Weather Conditions:
Images:




Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 02-21-2022 - by Harrison Paradise
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 02-21-2022
Surveyor Name:Harrison Paradise
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 01-16-2022 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 01-16-2022
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 11-29-2021 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 11-29-2021
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite is in good condition.  Firepit needs reformatting to make it more safe. Toilet is in good condition.
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Low 40s night temps and mid 70s during day.Sunny
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp

Several of the creek crossings on way to North Romero Junction have pools of water
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 07-25-2021 - by James Wapotich
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 07-25-2021
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:No water at camp or downstream from camp
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 06-26-2021 - by Yaniv Paul-Aschenbrenner Trischitta
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 06-26-2021
Surveyor Name:Yaniv Paul-Aschenbrenner Trischitta
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water
Weather Conditions:102
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-06-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-06-2021
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Plenty of water!
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 02-14-2021 - by ZE
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 02-14-2021
Surveyor Name:ZE
Camp Description:Didn't actually stay at this camp, but hiked through it. There was water in the nearby creek. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 12-01-2020 - by John O'Connell
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 12-01-2020
Surveyor Name:John O'Connell
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 07-01-2020 - by Martina
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 07-01-2020
Surveyor Name:Martina
Camp Description:camp very clean
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:still a good flow
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 05-19-2020 - by rich scholl
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 05-19-2020
Surveyor Name:rich scholl
Camp Description:camp in good shape
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:plenty of water
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 05-06-2020 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 05-06-2020
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Given the volume of water in the creek, should have good flow for the next few months.
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 08-05-2019 - by Stephen S
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 08-05-2019
Surveyor Name:Stephen S
Camp Description:Blue Canyon Camp was pretty brushy, but still in good condition.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Water was flowing ankle-deep with some small pools
Weather Conditions:Sunny
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-13-2019 - by David H
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-13-2019
Surveyor Name:David H
Camp Description:Camp is in great shape with mint and orchids growing around it. The creek right next to the site has plenty of water. There were a ton of spiders (every kind) around the site...so definitely be on the look out. 

Hiked from Romero Canyon Trailhead to the camp. Once we got on the trail from East Camino Cielo to Blue Canyon there are a couple overgrown sections where you want to look out for poison oak and ticks. 

As you are crossing the creek, you might miss the Blue Canyon Trail that goes straight to the camp  (it is left of the Big Rock) due to overgrown foliage. If you miss the trail, keep going down the creek and you will find the other entrance to the camp.   
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow in the creek, I was able to fully submerge my body in a section
Weather Conditions:Sunny - Mid 70's
Images:

Campsite was great!
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 01-22-2019 - by Craig R. Carey
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 01-22-2019
Surveyor Name:Craig R. Carey
Camp Description:Troop 111 (Ventura) backpacked from Middle Santa Ynez to Blue Canyon on Sunday, 1/20/19. Camp is in great shape; plenty of water in the creek after all these rains.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Strong flow, but muddy
Weather Conditions:Cold, breezy, and cloudy.
Images:


Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 12-15-2018 - by Jonathan Rocque
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 12-15-2018
Surveyor Name:Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Water was flowing through the creek
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 11-10-2018 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 11-10-2018
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Camp is in good condition.  Camp table was brought in by Otis Calef mules for   Troop 33 Eagle Scout project many years ago.  

Toilet seat is broken on the toilet. 

I fixed the fire pit in 2015 and it needs another rebuilding. 

Damage to a 6" oak at the entrance to the camp.

A nice camp to stay at during the spring and early summer seasons.  
  
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:70s and Sunny
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 10-26-2018 - by Conor W
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 10-26-2018
Surveyor Name:Conor W
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 10-23-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 10-23-2018
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water!
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 10-14-2018 - by Dan S
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 10-14-2018
Surveyor Name:Dan S
Camp Description:No water at camp or at junction with upper romero trail, plenty of poison oak :)
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 10-13-2018 - by Jonathan Rocque
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 10-13-2018
Surveyor Name:Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:Nice camp with a few good campsite locations.  The creek was completely dry.
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 06-22-2018 - by Camerin Poulson
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 06-22-2018
Surveyor Name:Camerin Poulson
Camp Description:Hiked from Upper Romero Canyon junction to Romero Camuesa Road. Trail is very overgrown and flood damaged. Found it easier to follow the stream bed than the trail. Bushwacking and boulder hopping necessary. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Water flowing at 1' to 2' depth at junction with upper Romero Trail. About a mile upstream changes to trickle and then dry by the time the canyon connects to Romero Camuesa Road
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon

Blue Canyon


Blue Canyon
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-21-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-21-2018
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Took Blue Canyon Trail/Camuesa Trail down...big mistake as trail almost completely washed out by the rains and is really more of a gully down to the creek.  Recommend packing very light as trail is steep and there is a lot of loose gravel.  Vastly underestimated the bugs.  Was just constantly harassed and swarmed, mostly by flies (no mosquitoes thankfully).  Trail can be hard to follow at times; it's not marked and not well worn.  
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:just a few inches deep in most places, steady flow
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 09-11-2017 - by Jared Bresee
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 09-11-2017
Surveyor Name:Jared Bresee
Camp Description:Everything is there, shovel, etc.

No water flow. 
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:Completely Dry
Weather Conditions:Clear & Sunny, 82 degrees
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 01-08-2017 - by Joshua Isaac
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 01-08-2017
Surveyor Name:Joshua Isaac
Camp Description:Watch for ticks!
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Lots of water
Weather Conditions:Low 60s, rainy the day before
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 11-06-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 11-06-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 08-20-2016 - by Erin Carroll
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 08-20-2016
Surveyor Name:Erin Carroll
Camp Description:Blue Canyon is bone dry already.  Pray for rain!  
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-30-2016 - by Matt Swider
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-30-2016
Surveyor Name:Matt Swider
Camp Description:Just a quick overnight, arrived after dark and gone by mid morning.  Cleared a couple of fallen trees from the trail toward Cottam at the side creek, which also had water, a trickle.  Beautiful camp, glad we got down there for a night.  Suspect water will be in blue canyon for at least another month.  

Did a quick hike down to the Santa Ynez river past Cottam, no water to see in the river.  Water in camp at Cottam.  Trail to Cottam a bit over grown, did a bit of trail clearing along the way.  
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Nice flow through the canyon. Could hear the water up in camp during the quiet of the night.
Weather Conditions:high low 60's, low high 30's
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-23-2016 - by James Wapotich
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-23-2016
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:Decent water flowing in the creek
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-13-2016 - by Anonymous Backpacker
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-13-2016
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Backpacker
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:4-5 ft wide stream with 1ft deep. Clear, crisp water for drinking
Weather Conditions:
Images:


Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 02-15-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 02-15-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 05-13-2015 - by Donnie Tognazzini
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 05-13-2015
Surveyor Name:Donnie Tognazzini
Camp Description:Pleasantly wild. Camp is in good shape.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Clear/Warm; some rain 5-6am
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 04-20-2015 - by Valerie Norton
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 04-20-2015
Surveyor Name:Valerie Norton
Camp Description:Table good, a solid stone ring has been built, shovel available. Poison oak is getting thick at the edges and starting to invade, but there is still a clear path to water.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:stream flowing, tributary just downstream was flowing on first pass, mud puddle on second
Weather Conditions:mild to warm
Images:

sign from the trail

camp area overview
Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-20-2015 - by Steve Genest
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-20-2015
Surveyor Name:Steve Genest
Camp Description:This was my first visit to the Dick Smith Wilderness. We started at Cold Spring Trail on E Camino Cielo. No water at Forbush. The tread was great the whole way, just a little spring growth encroachment...but no biggy. As expected, much poison oak. Still  some good wildflowers to see. We had the place to ouselves all day & night. There were signs of a very recent wildlife scuffle at Cottam proper...looked like cat prints and a 10" deep hole dug...something was trying to root out a critter.
Blue Canyon Camp is a great spot...very remote feel to the place which is exactly what we were hoping for. Long, slow hike out on Saturday for these old legs! Tick check revealed none.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Decent flow of good, clear water in the creek though there was a very slight overnight drop in flow.
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 03-14-2015 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 03-14-2015
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Seat added to the old metal toilet. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Blue Canyon Camp Survey - 02-15-2015 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Blue Canyon Camp
Date: 02-15-2015
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Camp is in good condition. 

There are  3 old ice box stoves; two are still intact on their stone pedestals, the middle one is broken and laying in the bushes.  

We cleaned out the toilet and fire ring. 


Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:1 -2 feet of water in pools by campsite
Weather Conditions:Sunny and warm.
Images:

Fire ring before repair

Fire ring after repair

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Last Updated: Friday, January 20, 2023

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