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

• Little Sur Trail
• Lion Canyon Trail
• Stonehouse Trail
• Jesusita Trail
• Madulce Trail

View All 205 Trails →

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

• Pine Valley Camp
• Buckeye Camp
• Los Prietos Campground
• Rocky Creek Camp
• Manzana Schoolhouse Camp

View All 293 Camps →

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 19 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 54 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 10 OHV…
• Queen Bee OHV Trail
• Ballinger Route 49 OHV…

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206 Dirt Roads

• Lime Canyon - Forest…
• Branch Mtn - Forest…
• Cachuma Mtn - Forest…
• Miller Canyon - Forest…

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111 Peaks

• Puerto Del Suelo Peak
• Pine Ridge
• Little Pine Mountain
• South Ventana Cone
• Whiteacre Peak

View All 111 Peaks →

174 Springs

• Chokecherry Spring
• Cobblestone Spring
• Agua Caliente Spring
• Monjas Spring
• Big Spring - Cuyama

View All 174 Springs →

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:

West Fork Lion Camp Survey - 03-23-2025 - by Andy

Link:	West Fork Lion Camp
Date:	03-23-2025
Surveyor Name:	Andy
Camp Description:	Both primary and secondary sites have tent space. Primary site is a large clearing with plenty of space for multiple tents, plus a good fire ring. Secondary site is more cramped with space for 2 tents, and the stove is hard to access. Creek running between the sites was great, even saw some fish and frogs. Trail from the West/East Fork intersection to the campsite could use some brushing but was manageable. Trail from campsite to the falls is more difficult, and will leave you going through the creek (not a complaint!).
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Creek flow was deep and clear
Weather Conditions:

Middle Camuesa Camp Survey - 03-21-2025 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Middle Camuesa Camp
Date:	03-21-2025
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Got a report that both the creek and spring were dry at Middle Camuesa
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Log Cabin Camp Survey - 03-16-2025 - by Laura Clay

Link:	Log Cabin Camp
Date:	03-16-2025
Surveyor Name:	Laura Clay
Camp Description:	3/15-3/16 Pothole trail to Log Cabin Camp, back to parking via Agua Blanca Trail Pothole trail: fairly steep with no shade, but in good condition. Last portion uphill has lots of bushes to push through but trail is mostly defined. Some spots where "trail" splits from visual/gps trail, but all meets up in the end. Log Cabin camp: lots of flat ground and wood for fires (when permitted). Water is NOT close to camp at all, at least closest we could find was walking down to Agua Blanca creek probably .3 miles and uphill on the way back to camp was annoying. Plenty of water right now. Lots of critters in the metal cabin skittering throughout the night, noisy frogs, and lack of any seating for the campfire ring made this a very average but not great campsite. EDIT: looks like maybe we didn't camp at Log Cabin but another campsite prior to where the pothole and Agua Blanca trail meet Agua Blanca trail: We made our way downhill back to the parking area, almost immediately had to get our feet wet which made the decision to walk through the pools in Devil's Gateway (where the canyon walls are high on both sides) easy. Got wet up to about knees. Rest of trail back fairly simple to follow with orange flagging at creek crossings, obvious recent maintenance helped. Some poison oak, but didn't seem too crazy (yet). HOWEVER, our dog was with us and we brushed off 5 ticks plus pulled 6+ more that had bitten. So beware! Last ~2-2.5 miles on dirt then paved road with no shade, a little demoralizing.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Closest we could find was Agua Blanca Creek, ~.3 miles from camp and uphill to camp
Weather Conditions:

South Fork Camp - Sisquoc Survey - 03-12-2025 - by Paul Costales

Link:	South Fork Camp - Sisquoc
Date:	03-12-2025
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Camp Description:	Had a hard time finding the pit toilet, it is outside the barbed wire area. Head from the cabin/river west towards the trail, take a quick left as if you are gonna head up the Sisquoc trail and it is right there on your right behind some bushes.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing River
Weather Conditions:

Cottam Camp Survey - 03-08-2025 - by Omar Eff

Link:	Cottam Camp
Date:	03-08-2025
Surveyor Name:	Omar Eff
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great flow in both creeks
Weather Conditions:	60s during the day, bit of frost overnight

Piedra Blanca Camp Survey - 03-08-2025 - by Jose Fuentes

Link:	Piedra Blanca Camp
Date:	03-08-2025
Surveyor Name:	Jose Fuentes
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Mono Campground Survey - 03-08-2025 - by Braulio Aguilera

Link:	Mono Campground
Date:	03-08-2025
Surveyor Name:	Braulio Aguilera
Camp Description:	The camp is gone. Completely overgrown and buried. The tables were crushed by a tree, the pit toilets have sunken so that only the roof shows. There are some flat spots at the entrance and near the creek along the sand.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great flow from the debris dam
Weather Conditions:

Rock Campground Survey - 03-08-2025 - by Braulio Aguilera

Link:	Rock Campground
Date:	03-08-2025
Surveyor Name:	Braulio Aguilera
Camp Description:	Camp is looking good, plenty of space. The hotsprings were also looking good and the water was nice and warm.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good amount of water in the creek and at the dam
Weather Conditions:

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

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

Agua Blanca Trail Survey - 03-16-2025 - by Laura Clay

Link:	Agua Blanca Trail
Date:	03-16-2025
Surveyor Name:	Laura Clay
Trail description:	3/15-3/16 Pothole trail to Log Cabin Camp, back to parking via Agua Blanca Trail Pothole trail: fairly steep with no shade, but in good condition. Last portion uphill has lots of bushes to push through but trail is mostly defined. Some spots where "trail" splits from visual/gps trail, but all meets up in the end. Log Cabin camp: lots of flat ground and wood for fires (when permitted). Water is NOT close to camp at all, at least closest we could find was walking down to Agua Blanca creek probably .3 miles and uphill on the way back to camp was annoying. Plenty of water right now. Lots of critters in the metal cabin skittering throughout the night, noisy frogs, and lack of any seating for the campfire ring made this a very average but not great campsite. Agua Blanca trail: We made our way downhill back to the parking area, almost immediately had to get our feet wet which made the decision to walk through the pools in Devil's Gateway (where the canyon walls are high on both sides) easy. Got wet up to about knees. Rest of trail back fairly simple to follow with orange flagging at creek crossings, obvious recent maintenance helped. Some poison oak, but didn't seem too crazy (yet). HOWEVER, our dog was with us and we brushed off 5 ticks plus pulled 6+ more that had bitten. So beware! Last ~2-2.5 miles on dirt then paved road with no shade, a little demoralizing.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Pothole Trail Survey - 03-15-2025 - by Laura Clay

Link:	Pothole Trail
Date:	03-15-2025
Surveyor Name:	Laura Clay
Trail description:	3/15-3/16 Pothole trail to Log Cabin Camp, back to parking via Agua Blanca Trail Pothole trail: fairly steep with no shade, but in good condition. Last portion uphill has lots of bushes to push through but trail is mostly defined. Some spots where "trail" splits from visual/gps trail, but all meets up in the end. Log Cabin camp: lots of flat ground and wood for fires (when permitted). Water is NOT close to camp at all, at least closest we could find was walking down to Agua Blanca creek probably .3 miles and uphill on the way back to camp was annoying. Plenty of water right now. Lots of critters in the metal cabin skittering throughout the night, noisy frogs, and lack of any seating for the campfire ring made this a very average but not great campsite. Agua Blanca trail: We made our way downhill back to the parking area, almost immediately had to get our feet wet which made the decision to walk through the pools in Devil's Gateway (where the canyon walls are high on both sides) easy. Got wet up to about knees. Rest of trail back fairly simple to follow with orange flagging at creek crossings, obvious recent maintenance helped. Some poison oak, but didn't seem too crazy (yet). HOWEVER, our dog was with us and we brushed off 5 ticks plus pulled 6+ more that had bitten. So beware! Last ~2-2.5 miles on dirt then paved road with no shade, a little demoralizing.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Arroyo Burro Trail South Survey - 03-04-2025 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Arroyo Burro Trail South
Date:	03-04-2025
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Trail description:	Starting to get some poison oak encroaching on the single track just as you get off the paved road, but otherwise it is in good shape. I only went up to the meadow and back above the sandstone outcroppings, so can't say how the single track trail looks beyond that.  All Trails indicates that this is a "closed" trail but I didn't see any signage to that effect at the trailhead. Does anyone know if it is now ok to go all the way up to Camino Cielo (is there an easement through the private property as you get back in there)?
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Sisquoc Trail Lower Survey - 03-01-2025 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Sisquoc Trail Lower
Date:	03-01-2025
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Trail description:	Went downstream from Mansfield to South Fork at night (not recommended). When the trail is away from the river it is pretty easy to follow, with the exception of some downed trees to go around or over. When it comes to river crossings it can be difficult to find where the trail picks up. Especially difficult about 0.5mi to 1.0mi above south fork, where we elected to get our feet wet and follow the creek when we got stuck somehow on the south side of the bank (we may have missed a crossing to the north side). Some reflective USFS signs help at river crossings, and sometimes a cairn or flag, but could use some more markings.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Was at night, but downed trees make for some diversions, and creek crossing make finding the other side more difficult

Blue Canyon Trail Survey - 02-28-2025 - by Rob Guzzon

Link:	Blue Canyon Trail
Date:	02-28-2025
Surveyor Name:	Rob Guzzon
Trail description:	Backpacked out to Cottam. Blue Canyon trail from Forbush to Cottam is in pretty good shape, but could use a haircut. One member of the group went for a run east from Cottam and up Romero trail. Section of Blue Canyon trail east of Cottam is more overgrown than west of Cottam, and could use some work.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Tread in decent shape, could use a haircut

Piedra Blanca Trail Survey - 02-24-2025 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Piedra Blanca Trail
Date:	02-24-2025
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA Trail Volunteers just finished up their third multi-day trail maintenance project in the past year to brush the Piedra Blanca Trail from Piedra Blanca Camp to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp. The trail is now brush free until about 200 feet below PML Camp. Thank you volunteers! Check out lpforest.org for volunteer trail maintenance opportunities in the Los Padres....
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Rose Lion Trail Survey - 02-24-2025 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Rose Lion Trail
Date:	02-24-2025
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA volunteers wrapped up 3 days of brushing this trail over the month of February. The connector should be in great shape!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow