Posted: December 22, 2011, 11:27 am
by: toejam

This is a nice trail. You may have to drive past the trailhead a couple of times before you see it, but there is a good-sized parking lot. The trail forks a little way up the ridge - the 'official' trail goes left along a creek, but I prefer the one that follows the crest of the ridge. After climbing out of the lower canyon scrub you hike through oak-dotted potreros. The route gets confused near the top, but it doesn't matter because it doesn't really go anywhere anyway. There is a ranch road along the top of the ridge you can stroll to enjoy the view.

You can take the OHV road down Shaw Ridge on the back side to Alamo Creek where there are some nice places to camp. The Condor Trail follows this route and climbs to the top of a ridge on the other side heading toward Agua Escondido and the Garcia Wilderness.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:09 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:10 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: November 1, 2011, 8:49 am
by: Cowboy Clark

Wow... 20 years of no trail maintenance and the Zaca fire have taken their toll on this trail! Someone has done some work on it lately and there was some flagging, but this trail is not horse friendly anymore. What a shame.

Posted: October 27, 2011, 10:02 am
by: Cowboy Clark

A couple of friends and I are heading from Potrero Seco into the Alamar this weekend. We hope to make it to the Saddle and then come back out. Should be interesting to see how the trail is holding up.

Posted: April 24, 2011, 8:24 am
by: Bryan

April 15, 2011

Update on the trail from Puerto Suello to Alamar Saddle. Probably the easiest way to see the current condition is to read the report on Facebook, see below:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.210695002293593.62918.125271487502612&l=3cc21c84d3

Posted: May 4, 2010, 2:52 am
by: Bryan

April 8, 2010

Worked, lopped and flagged the trail from Alamar Saddle to Puerto Suello and up to Madulce. It was good to see that much of our work from the previous years is doing well. The trail to Dutch Oven should be obvious, although expect to bushwhack a little here and there. The Puerto Suello should be followable as well, but we did not spend as much time on that section as we did on Alamar proper.

NOTE: The Alamar trail is still tougher traveling than almost all the trails in the area. Don't expect it to be a highway, yet!

Posted: July 21, 2009, 4:07 pm
by: Bryan

We spent this past weekend working the top mile of the Alamar Trail down from Alamar Saddle. Myself and three others spent approximately 24 work hours on the trail over Saturday and Sunday mornings. I had led a trip back to Alamar in May and this was a follow-up to tread and rip out all the pines and other plants that were well on their way to growing on the trail. We also established a new trailhead since the last one was destroyed by a fallen tree, and we created a reroute around a washed out gully section. All in all a great trip and we got a lot done. Sort of scary that it took us 24hrs to work one mile of trail – do the math and its overwhelming.

I plan on continuing work on the Alamar and chipping away here and there until its dialed in. As of now the trail should be more or less followable to Dutch Oven and clear to the bottom of the switchbacks.

Posted: June 1, 2009, 10:27 pm
by: Bryan

Alamar Trail
May 23-25, 2009

We hiked and worked on the trail from Alamar Saddle to Dutch Oven and back. Here are some parts of a report sent to the Forest Service.
-----------------------
• The trail is sort of broken up into 3 stages between the saddle and Dutch Oven. The first being the trail down from Alamar Saddle to the bottom of the hill or the first substantial creek drainage. This section was in pretty good shape, comparatively, and is not so bad until you get to the bottom. We cut maybe a dozen or so fallen logs, and brushed the trail down to the bottom. The tread is still there so not much work needs to be done on this first section. I would like to come back sometime later in the summer and root up some of the pines and other brush that is starting to grow on the trail. There is also a short 50 yard section that needs to either be re-routed or cut back into the hillside. Another factor for down the road will be when the dead pines start to fall across the trail. That will no doubt cause a major mess along the trail.

• The second part of the trail goes from the bottom of the hill to Bill Faris Camp. This is by far the worst section. I last hiked this in March 2006 and we literally crawled through this section. Its a lot better than that now, but signs of the old trail are few and far between. We basically took the path of least resistance and tried to tie in as many signs of the old trail as we could. Our approach is to flag the trail for the time being so at least people are going the right direction and along the same path, then come back and work the trail to the point where we can remove the flags, nobody likes to see those things but it certainly helps with the way the trails are right now. We cleared this section of trail pretty well and the next people through should have little problem at least knowing they are heading the right way. There is a section of trail about a 1/4mile above Bill Faris where we could not locate a way through where the old trail went, since we didn’t know where we were we did not flag – this section will need some additional attention. For as few visitors as this canyon gets its crucial that the foot traffic follow the same path. I think we got that established at least for the time being. There is much more brushing that we could have done and tons of tread work. Much of this trail was covered in silt/rock run-off coming off Madulce.

• We got to Bill Faris Camp and it was pretty much gone. There were 3 ice cans, of course the steel sign and some nails in the trees; but the old table burned and the brush had overgrown the entire area. We pulaskied out a few sleeping areas, rebuilt the fire ring, built an ice can table and built a trail down to the water. Unfortunately many of the trees are dead around Bill Faris as the fire burned extremely hot. The large pine in the center of camp is dead. All that being said the camp is really nice even with the burn scars.

• From Bill Faris to Dutch Oven was the part that I worried the most about. The trail goes from Bill Faris up the hillside and gets pretty steep. I figured that this section would be gone, but amazingly its in better shape now than it was immediately post fire. The trail is by no means perfect but the tread is followable and there is not a ton of regrowth impeding this section. We did spend almost an hour clearing out a particularly nasty section of the trail towards the top of this section where the fire did not burn. Still precarious in spots but better than expected. Once over the small hill you start down towards Dutch Oven Camp. The trail here has changed quite dramatically. In 2006 this was a tunnel of brush, now its knee high brush. This section could also use some treadwork. If we could just hack away now before the plants get established that would really help, but its a lot of work. Once through this section the trail takes a eastern jog and goes along another steep hillside. The tread was followable but again will need some serious work in order to get up to standard. Just the trip in and out that we hiked made a huge difference as the tread was much more visible after our journey than it was on our way in.

• Dutch Oven was in poor shape, would be nice to move it closer to the water.

Posted: May 11, 2009, 11:12 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked from Rollins Camp down to the old Tin Shack site on 5/1/09. The trail was pretty much gone, but we did flag and cairn the route pretty thoroughly. The next people should have better luck. Pretty remote area that does not get much human impact.

Posted: March 19, 2007, 11:06 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked Alamar trail from Cox flat over Puerta Suela down to Alamar to Dutch Over March 6,2007.

PUERTA SUELA
Puerta Suela trail from Madulce is pretty overgrown. You can see the tread but the brush is pulling at you from the Don Victor junction to the Puerta Suela saddle. Great views here!!! I cleared this portion of the trail but really just scratched the surface - should help though. Puerta Suela from the saddle down to Dutch Oven is much better. There is brush but the trail drops into the creek area and its basically following cairns down through the occasional brush and poison oak. There is a section about 80% down that is solid bushwhacking for 100 yards or so. Not too bad since its only a short distance. Note that Dutch Oven camp is downstream from the Puerta Suela trail junction with Alamar. Dutch Oven is not near water but head downstream for water access about 3 minutes.

ALAMAR
Cleared Alamar Trail from Dutch Oven downstream to the Don Victor fire road. Trail is not too bad. There are some spots you have to stop and look for the trail but its easy to stay on and not too overgrown, comparatively. There is one washout about 60% down that would cause problems for horses.
Upstream is a different story. From Dutch Oven up is in really bad shape. Bushwhack city! We cleared what we could in three hours from Dutch Oven to Bill Faris. Trail is followable and our lopping will certainly help. BRING LOPPERS to help - help you and the next people too. Once at Bill Faris the trail gets significantly worse. As the trail climbs into the higher elevation oaklands the brush becomes all encompassing to the point where the trail is virtually gone. We got lost multiple times and had to crawl our way out of at least 5 places. I think the occasional snow at the higher elevations caused the oaks to collapse and in some cases collapse over the trail. Expect to go real slow from Dutch Oven to the bottom of the Alamar climb. The climb is nice with some fallen trees but compared to what lies below is a walk in the park. Really be careful here, bring loppers to cut your way through, plan on going 1 mph, and watch for old cuts in the brush.

We did not see one footprint in 3 days along the Alamar.

Posted: March 29, 2005, 10:18 pm
by: Anonymous

Hiked this trail as part of a longer pack route last year. Dutch Oven camp to the Alamar tin shack is a brutal hike (only 3 miles), almost no sign of the trail. Alamar Hill to Loma Pelona is much better, and the trail from Loma pelona to Bluff camp is clear yet difficult. Good Luck

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:11 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:11 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: April 16, 2012, 1:23 pm
by: tepcanfam

Did this loop twice in the last week, before and after storms. Beautiful, mostly easy to follow. Nice vistas of snow on Sierra Madre Ridge. Moderate poisin oak, a few ticks as well. Returned to Colson Saddle via a small trail not shown on the map that followed Rattlesnake Canyon a ways then climbed to meet the road route.

Posted: February 22, 2009, 3:08 pm
by: Bryan

Alejandro Trail is in great shape from start to finish (Colson Saddle to La Brea Creek). I've heard rumors that a Santa Maria based mtn biking club has been keeping it open and it shows. The poison oak was an issue only at the camp. Honestly the camp was quite dismal and by far the worst part of the trail. The FS would be wise to move the camp into a more open area, theres a good candidate about 100 yards up stream. The water was on and off through out the canyon and there was water (albeit blackish and weak) at the camp. Really a nice trail and worth checking out.

February 21, 2009

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:12 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: November 8, 2010, 1:25 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the Aliso Canyon Loop today with my daughter and one of the dogs. Lower (interpretive) trail is in great shape, with a tiny bit of water there at the third crossing with the reeds (stagnant). Otherwise, the entire draw was bone-dry.

Upper trail has one or two very minor slides along the talus ascent, but nothing at all impeding progress. It's in great shape overall and shows signs of recent trailwork.

Weather was great; overcast and tad muggy with no wind to speak of.

NB: At the end of the interpretive trail, the final marker instructs the hiker that "if you choose to take the Loop Trail, go back across the creek to the trail junction." This isn't accurate; you're on the trail at this point and there's no back-tracking necessary. I can only surmise the terminus of the interpretive trail was somewhere across the creek when the brochures were printed in 1993.

Some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157625212980889/


G and Lilly

Posted: September 25, 2009, 4:21 pm
by: douglasdodge

Just to let you know, the sign posts for the nature trail have been updated.

Each of the sign posts has the number from the brochure. Additionally, each of the posts has the appropriate portion of the brochure attached so you do not need to carry a brochure with you.

Enjoy.

Posted: March 2, 2009, 8:29 am
by: Rokrover

The Aliso trail loop is in fine condition (March 2009), except for a rock slide above the switchback on the lower trail leaving the creek. I imagine horses might be spooked there, but perhaps a mule would be OK. The interpretive trail numbers are wearing off and we could find no fliers anyway so this service appears neglected. The trail down into Upper Oso from the 4-way junction is a veritable highway, unlike the more primitive trail heading north up the cliffs. The upper section is in bad shape and quite out of character with the rest of the hike, unless you like a “Jekyll and Hyde” experience. It is eroded with steep, sandy slides and hard to pick out at times. The top of the ridge sees little traffic judging by the heavy brush, although there are rock carvings going back many years.

Posted: March 27, 2006, 9:09 am
by: Anonymous

We just hiked the loop yesterday (3/26). The trail is in great shape. The climb up to the saddle that overlooks Upper Oso campground is in fairly good shape even though you could tell that some horses had gone through. All the streams were flowing from the rain Saturday morning. There were quite a few wildflowers out, but there will probably be alot more out within the next month. The views were great, but the main issue was the ticks. We didn't get any on us but we picked 5 off of our dog. Be careful.

Posted: March 2, 2006, 11:44 am
by: Paolo

Quote:

Does anyone know where to buy an adventure pass in advance? There are sings to buy them in the park, but we couldn't find any either at the ranger stations or at the two other places indicated in the park as places to obtein them.

You can drive all the way to the first water crossing, and usually they sell them there. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they are needed any longer before the checkpoint, only selected areas are still enforced.

Posted: March 2, 2006, 10:54 am
by: Anonymous

We hiked this trail on Saturday and it was beautiful. The trail is in great shape.
Lots of wild flowers already in bloom.
The hike was beautiful but we were worrried all the time because we were afraid we would be getting a $$$ ticket for parking without an adventure pass. We tried to buy one, but it was impossible!

Does anyone know where to buy an adventure pass in advance? There are sings to buy them in the park, but we couldn't find any either at the ranger stations or at the two other places indicated in the park as places to obtein them.

Thanks

Posted: April 30, 2005, 5:28 pm
by: Paolo

The trail is in great condition, just overgrown with flowers, which makes for a really nice hike. Just watch out for the occasional tick. Some water on the upper part of the loop, which is unusual. The only slide has been fixed. Burn area barely visible in all this green. Definitely worth the hike!

Posted: March 23, 2005, 8:28 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:13 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 17, 2013, 1:50 pm
by: FredAkbar

I hiked this trail on Thurs 5/17/13. Took a bit over 6 hours, including some unplanned detours.

Like others have said, the first part of the trail is pretty straightforward and easy to follow, but after you get past the main resting point (the big boulder with people's names carved in it) and make your way across the mountain beyond it, the trail becomes overgrown and hard to follow. Once on the way there and twice on the way back I lost the trail and ended up fighting through random plants trying to find my way back. Luckily I had my smartphone which has a map and GPS (and the Arroyo Burro trail is actually fully shown and labelled on Google Maps), otherwise it would have taken me a lot longer to find the trail again.

Bring at least 2 liters of water and a few Cliff bars or other snacks. I used up all of my 1.5L water bottle (and both energy bars) just before I got back to my car, but it wasn't even hot that day.

Posted: March 26, 2013, 5:04 pm
by: RM

Hiked this trail on 3/15 13. Very overgrown and quite a few trees across the trail between the giant rock and the first creek crossing. The upper section is a little overgrown but very managable.

RM

Posted: December 20, 2012, 2:07 pm
by: TacoWagon

Hiked the front half of the trail yesterday starting from the filtration plant up to the shooting range on East Camino Cielo. The day started off at 7:00 AM and cold (37F), but quickly warmed up after I got a little elevation and out of the canopy of the Live Oaks at the bottom of the canyon. I stuffed my hat and sweat shirt into my pack and started up the ranch/Edison easment road to the (real) trail. Being this was my first time hiking the Arroyo Burro trail, I didn't know exactly what I was getting into. The trail is very over grown and at times difficult to find and it didn't take long for me to be thankful that it was a cold morning, as I was wearing long pants instead of my usual hiking shorts, as my legs would have been torn up from bush whacking the brush for the next few hours. As difficult as it was getting through some stretches of the trail, I did get to my turnaround point for the day at Camino Cielo and the virtual trash dump most call the shooting range just on the other side of the road. I took a couple of minute rest there, watched several people shoot their guns while drinking beer at 11:00AM and just shook my head at what I was seeing, turned around and headed back down the trail. Got back to the car right at 1:00, even with losing the trail several times. I did get in a good workout however, even with the trails' condition not allowing a steady pace on any part of the hike, up or down the hill.

Next hike: Romero Trail to Blue Canyon Trail to upper Cold Springs Trail to Gibraltar Trail to Gibraltar Dam and back.

Posted: May 2, 2011, 9:23 pm
by: jbaysurfer

^ Yeah..those plants sure do like to grow in the springtime. This trail is rarely hiked the top few miles. You're going in a huge rainfall year with plenty of sunshine in between in mid april.

My best advice is to join a local trails organization to do some trail work. The trails give so much to us, it's nice to give back. SBMTV has a trail maintenance volunteer day on May 15th in that area. Go pitch in on and then mention that this trail would be great with a little maintenance!

Posted: April 17, 2011, 8:51 pm
by: djfgregory

I hope the next person who takes the hike has done it before and knows where to go. I also hope they bring a machete and perhaps a couple of signposts.

I say this because it's really easy to lose the trail as vegetation has grown over it; a friend and I lost it several times and ended up having to turn around 5 miles in. It would be a great, tough hike if it didn't require so much bushwhacking and guesswork about where the trail is.

Posted: December 21, 2010, 6:56 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Our plans for a 3-day trek in the Sespe scrapped due to weather and road closures, we grabbed two of the pack for a soggy north-to-south traverse of the Arroyo Burro trail this past Monday morning (12/20/2010).



The gate at First Crossing was closed, so we parked at the day-use area and followed the trail (partially submerged by the Santa Ynez already) those extra two miles to White Oaks, and then followed the service road up to the singletrack. The creek was flowing as I’d never seen, and as cliché as it sounds every notable drainage we spotted was in flow (including a great cascade just below East Camino Cielo on the west side of the drainage). The ascent was super-lush, and the trail is in fantastic condition.
The rain stopped for a bit as we topped out, and so we had a quick break and wrung out some gear under a small pine across the road from the shooting range, and then headed down the southern half of the trail along what I guess is the eastern-most tributary of San Antonio Creek.



The going was steep and slippery, but the ravines were full of water and really impressive. Lots of low branches, and in generally not as clear a trail as the northern half. As we reached the spring in the ravine where the old road bed begins, the rain started again and we waded through the three crossings there. All the debris that’s come down after the fire has made the old road bed an exercise in choosing one’s footing wisely; plenty of opportunities to twist an ankle here.
The stretch where the trail heads left (east) and up away from the road bed is very overgrown, and one could easily lose the route up to the rocky stretch above Barger Canyon. Once at the high point and en route to Autograph Rock, it was smooth sailing. The Edison road was pretty mucky, but all the signage through the ranches and private property made navigating the roads and remaining trail sections down to the intersection there at Ontare Rd a breeze. We waded across San Roque creek (only shin-deep) and there just past the Jesusita split saw the only other hiker of the day. Smooth sailing back to the Jesusita TH.
A few photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157625644132566/

CTW

Posted: December 10, 2010, 7:27 pm
by: Don_P

Beautiful hike and good trail conditions all the way up to E. Camino Cielo. Spectacular wind clouds rolled over Santa Rosa & San Miguel Islands.

Not a hike for wimps.

Many, many ticks along the upper 1/3 of trail.

Posted: September 29, 2010, 2:12 pm
by: stillmovin

I was happy to find this trail available for hiking. I haven't been up this way in many years and the last time I ran into unhappy/unfriendly owners in the valley where the trail no longer goes, which is a good thing! We didn't have a long time so we hiked up past the stone house on the knob. Another hiker told us the trail was too narrow for his liking just past there, but we pushed on and found the trail to be sliding some and to be crowded by old mustard until it returned for a short "fire road" stretch and finally up to some water tanks. That's where we stopped, but the view was fine from there. I'll plan to go back for the whole enchilada now that I see it's possible to avoid the unhappy folks.

Posted: June 28, 2010, 1:45 pm
by: dmarchiando

Took the Arroyo Burro to Camino Cielo Sunday 06-27-10. Beware, in the dirt road, in the lower section of the trail, before you get into the single-track, there is a huge colony of ground-dwelling bees that, that you will want to keep your distance from. There is another large colony about half-way to Camino Cielo, right in the middle of the trail, before you start decending into the next drainage/canyon/creek. Upper trail was fairly over-grown with lots of different thorny weeds, and tall mustard. Upper-most sections of shaded trail has lots of poison oak, much of which hangs vine-like from the trees. I wish I had worn longs pants and gaiters over my socks.

Posted: May 2, 2010, 1:35 pm
by: graytest

I tried to do the Arroyo Burro trail today but had problem finding the trail after the pavement. Was hoping that someone could help me so that I'll find it easier next time!

I reached the two roads. One going from left to right (left leading to a gate, right having a sign that says "private, no trail access") and one road going up the hill. I took the one going up the hill (had sign saying "public trail"). Followed the road and passed a few trail-signs.

Once I reached the top of the hill there was a dirt road to the left that said "Private" (seemed to be fenced in for horse use or something). On the right side of the road there was another Trail-sign that pointed sorta off of the ridge (assumed that it was just misaligned and pointed along the road). I kept following the pavement trying to find the non-paved trail access. After a short walk I passed the gate to San Roque Ranch.

After passing the ranch there was a dirt area to the left. A bit further ahead a dirt road led off the ridge to the left. I first thought this was the trail, but the road had a No Trespassing-sign (and barbed wire across) a few yards down.

Trying to follow the paved road a bit further led me to a locked gate across the road.

Could anyone please let me know where I missed the trail? And give me a more detailed description how to find it next time?

Thanks for the help!

Posted: February 22, 2009, 8:10 am
by: Bryan

The map is wrong, the camp is actually 0.6 miles downstream from the junction of the Bear Trail and Bear Motorcycle Loop. Motorcycles have been riding the entire length of the Bear Trail and as a consequence its very easy to follow. Bear Camp is great, two tables, entire canyon of grassy potreros and oaks. Not much water in February, would guess that there would be no water most of the time. Very pleasant hike.

Posted: August 22, 2005, 1:30 pm
by: Tim

Trail head has been brushed. Easy to follow just watch
close at the creek crossing. We turn around at the camp so no idea how the loop is. Lots of ticks at the
camp.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:15 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: August 21, 2006, 11:03 am
by: trailrider121

Bear canyon loop trail is over grown.Brush has taken over trail.Trail needs grooming before its to late.Very nice hiking trail.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:15 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:16 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: December 29, 2012, 6:01 pm
by: TheBeeman

Hiked this section of trail in November as part of a five trail loop. Recent work by The Masticator and his team has removed most of the downed trees. Nice work! Lots of water in the upper section of the creek.

Bring a saw and loppers to continue the light brushing and help keep this trail open.

Trail up to McKinley Fire Road is steep and still a "wilderness freeway". The best cardio workout on the trip.

Photos posted here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/2012FiveTrailLoop?noredirect=1

Happy Trails!

Posted: June 1, 2012, 5:22 pm
by: Duane

The first mile and a half leading to Big Cone Spruce trail camp from the Manzana Trail are overgrown, but relatively easy to follow; just walk it slow and pay attention. If you find yourself off the trail, walk back to where you were last on it, then walk back another several yards. Walk forward again and look for the faint signs of the trail. This advice helped keep me sane after losing my way multiple times.

The last half mile before the camp is plagued with blowdowns, and it's easy to get off route. Just get through the best you can.

The climb up to McKinley fire road is wide open wilderness freeway, but it can be difficult to locate where the uphill portion begins once you enter the camp. Look to your right and spot the brown ribbon TRAIL sign (just AIL remaining thanks to someone shooting it up). Stay to the RIGHT of the sign; do not take the left fork, which leads you to an upper campsite. Stay right, cross the creek at a very brushy crossing, hang a left, cross a ravine, and follow trail ducks past another TRAIL sign ribbon. You'll then see the uphill portion. Then, THEN the fun begins! That climb takes one hour, minimum.

Posted: October 19, 2011, 10:18 pm
by: kfox527

See the following link for a quick trip post:
http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=4021#4021
-Kfox

Posted: August 21, 2011, 11:32 pm
by: TheBeeman

Took a 3 day trip (8/17-19) from Nira to Big Cone Spruce Camp and back. Met only one hiker who stayed at the Narrows.

With temperatures hovering in the triple digits, we found that Big Cone Spruce Camp is an ideal camp to stay in the summer. The transpiration from the excessive tree canopy creates a nice cool microclimate.

We cleared a number of downed trees blocking the trail. The trail is passable and in great shape thanks to the CCC's work last year.

Lots of water in the creek from the Manzana Trail junction to the camp. There is a nice spring located south of the lower camp up the side hill south. Its flow is similar to the one at Mission Pine Springs. The spring is marked on Bryan Conant's San Rafael Wilderness map.

It appears the upper camp has not been used in some time.

The trail is passable from the lower camp to the start of the "heart attack" hill that goes up to McKinley Road.

I have posted some pics at:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/2011NiraToBigConeSpruce?

Happy Trails.

[/img]

Posted: June 7, 2010, 8:16 am
by: TheBeeman

Returned to this trail to check out the work of a group of CCCs based out of the Narrows for the month of April. I am truly amazed and appreciate all the work they did restoring this trail to the campsite. Easy to follow with some nice erosion control rock work.

They relocated the table away from the bank that is eroding into the creek and cleared a few more camping spots.

If you want to find the upper campsite follow the branch-lined path above the camp and look for the flag and trail to your left before you cross back over the creek.

The 1.2 mile climb to the McKinley road is steep, and belongs in the category of a "heartbreak hill". The brush was cleared last October by another CCC crew.

This trail maintenance now opens up a nice weekend hike to Mckinley Springs and beyond to Mission Pine Springs and Mission Pine Basin Camps.

For pics, click on Nira to Nira loop at http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron

Happy Trails.

Posted: December 30, 2009, 10:46 pm
by: TheBeeman

We hiked the lower BCS section between Manzana Trail junction and BCS campsite Dec 28-30 2009. We used cross cut saws to clear several downed trees and reopen the trail. We flagged the original route with the help of a GPS. It is now passable to hikers but not stock. Hoping a CCC crew will return to complete the work and bring it to the standard of the upper section and Manzana Trails. Highly recommend taking this route to McKinley and San Rafael Peaks, Mission Pine Springs and Basin Camps, and the Santa Barbara "High Route" to Big Pine. Great Wilderness experience.

Posted: July 3, 2009, 10:05 am
by: Bryan

Trail from McKinley Saddle down to BCS was worked in June 2009 and is 8ft wide the entire stretch - wide open. The trail was not worked from BCS to Manzana.

Posted: June 26, 2008, 1:00 am
by: rob.guzzon

Backpacked from Nira to Manzana and then on to San Rafael Mountain on the weekend of June 20th. BCS trail from the Narrows to BCS campsite is nonexistent, though forging your own trail up the valley is certainly possible. The fires / harsh winter have taken their toll, and we found it would take longer to try and find the trail than just head up-valley. Much of the valley is burned out away from the creek, which is running all the way up:

Couldn't find the trail after the BCS campsite, so we hiked up through the burn to the road:

On the way down, we found the BCS trailhead, and suffered the closed-in trail all the way down. I wouldn't recommend it:

Posted: January 20, 2008, 12:31 pm
by: goletasteve

Hiked down to BCS from McKinley/CachumaSaddle. Trail in overall good shape -- a little scratchy at times, but definitely evidence of recent work. I was running out of daylight so did not continue to the Narrows. I am happy to report that BCS survived. The fire reached to within a stones throw, but the two campsites are fine.

There is clear evidence of a high water event from the early January rains. If San Marcos Pass received 8" from the big storm, McKinley must have had at least that. (Still snow up there too.) I estimate at least 8-10 feet of water flowing through at BCS, but did not breach the camp site. I'm now very curious about the flow at the Narrows and how it faired...

Posted: March 31, 2007, 10:55 pm
by: Bryan

Packed from Nira to Big Cone Spruce and up to McKinley Road on March 23rd/24th. The trail from Manzana/Whiteledge Junction to BCS is slightly overgrown but very followable. From BCS to the road the trail is pretty brushy. The trails goes straight up through the chaparral (IMO one of the two hardest climbs in the backcountry) so there is no way to get off the trail but expect to bushwhack. I lopped portions of the entire trail but the upper portion could use work in the next few years before it gets real bad.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:17 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:17 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: February 22, 2009, 1:14 pm
by: Bryan

Feb 21, 2009

I hiked from the Colson Canyon TH up to the ridge. The trail starts out pretty good, but then gradually becomes more and more poison oaky - until finally you are literally crawling through oak. It was awful; I am super bad with oak! The tread is fine, but needs a good brushing. You will eventually get to a small meadow, the trail cuts down to the left at the start of the meadow, look for my cuts. Then the trail dips down into the drainage and across into a larger meadow. From here the trail is at the far top left of the large meadow. Check Google sat maps before attempting so you don't end up bushwhacking like I did, stay away from the creek. There is water at Peach Tree Spring and if you make it that far then you'll be on an old road that will take you to the ridge.

From there you hit private property and access down to Bear would require trespassing. There are supposedly two old trails down from there, both would require trespassing and from I can see on sat maps - both would involve miles of bushwhacking.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:18 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:21 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: November 25, 2006, 5:47 pm
by: george

Hiked the whole thing today in about 6 hours. Didn't see anyone except for out in boats on Lake Cachuma! The first loop appears to get all the (horse) traffic and so the road was like walking on talcum powder. The longer loop over to Santa Cruz Bay was a lot firmer and more enjoyable, with many good views over the lake. I'm not sure you're actually allowed to hike the trail, but it seems discriminatory to only allow a very small percent of people who own horses to use such a fine set of trails (roads, actually). The hike would be awesome in the spring, when the many grassy areas would be green and flowery!

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:22 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 22, 2006, 5:40 pm
by: Anonymous

I biked this trail last month (Feb 06) just after a storm had come through. There were some beautiful views of the Sierra Madre range with snow on it. The trail was well maintained even though it didn't look like it got much use. Some pretty rocky sections with very little mud. There is no water along the trail. The area is pretty baren until you drop into a small area of pine trees. Best to try this trail in the fall or winter since this area can get pretty hot in the summer with no shade. Pretty short trail though with some cool views of the backside of the Sierra Madre range and the Caliente range.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:22 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: July 20, 2011, 11:26 am
by: terediaz

the car road to Red Rock from Lower Oso is closed indefinitively. contact your local ranger for more info.

Posted: January 2, 2007, 12:35 am
by: BSA Troop 42

Hiked the trail from Buckhorn Road on 1 January 2007. Open, beautiful trail. No Water. What does the fenced off area in the upper meadow tell us?

Posted: January 2, 2006, 9:09 pm
by: Anonymous

I rode this trail on my mtn bike back in October or November and it had just been cleared. It very good condition all the way through. Thank you to the trail crew who spent time on it. Fantastic shape now. Watch out for the rattlers sunning themselves though in the cool mornings. I had a nice chat with a 3 footer, and then two other small king snakes later on! Give 'em room and a quite conversation and they will let you on your way.

Posted: June 17, 2005, 8:06 am
by: Anonymous

The trail is badly overgrown. There are places where the brush completely covers the path. If it weren't for the trail users tramping down the foliage, the trail would be lost in places.

The tread is dry and loose in places, especially on the steeper switchback climbs. Let's put this one on our to-do list for trail maintenance.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:23 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:24 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:24 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 21, 2012, 4:44 pm
by: shtinkypuppie

Surprisingly good shape. There are 2 or 3 easily-passable downed trees. Just below the 3-way junction, the Davy Brown trail hops over to the east side of the creek briefly, but it is actually easier to climb onto the west slope (officially the Willow Springs Trail) and follow it for a hundred feet or so up to the junction.

Posted: February 26, 2006, 7:53 pm
by: Diane

The old cabin is probably where the ruins are. Pretty near to a large oak tree with a fire ring beneath it is a little crook in the trail. Off to the west about 10 feet are some old ruins. Just old rusty trash now. Not much to see.

Posted: February 25, 2006, 8:21 pm
by: Anonymous

My friend and I from Santa Ynez High School, hiked from Figueroa Mountain Road to Davy Brown Camp on Wednesday February 22, 2006. The trail was in great shape after the recent storm with only a few trees down in the path. Be careful when the trail comes to one 3 way fork, and very shortly thereafter a second 2 way fork. My friend and I took the correct trail on the first fork, but come the second, we took a left and ended up a bit lost for about 20-30 minutes. Just remember to follow the creek the whole way, and you will make it. Since it had snowed a few days before there was still remnants of this rare event, and my friend and I enjoyed the occasional snowball war!
Davy Brown Trail is a hike I would definetly recommend to anyone who wants to strengthen their climbing legs, because on the way back up, that steep 3 miles downhill that you just descended from, does not look quite as inviting, especially with a 30lb backpack to haul along with you!
I had also read about an old miners cabin somewhere along the trail, but I was never able to locate that? Does anyone know where that supposedly is located?
The trail is in great condition and offers some great views and Davy Brown camp is always clean and accompanied by great Forest Service personel more than willing to talk/help you. Really helps to make you feel more comfortable when a Forest Ranger has such a friendly Dimeanor. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat. Strongly recommend it!

Posted: January 30, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Duane

In surprisingly good shape, although there are several washouts near the bottom, beginning about a half mile from Davy Brown camp. Just follow the creek and you will be ok.

A much steeper trail than I realized. Hiking downhill is very difficult in some places.

There is a trail junction about a mile down from the trailhead at Figueroa Road. The trail on the right is the Willow Springs Connector; the one on the left is the Munch Canyon Spur. Davy Brown Trail continues as the middle trail on the right hand side of the creek.

Posted: January 30, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Duane

My mistake; at the trail junction, the trail on the RIGHT is Munch Canyon Spur, and the trail on the LEFT is Willow Springs Connector. Sorry about that.

Posted: January 1, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

1 January 2005 hike from Figueroa Mountain Road to Davy Brown Camp. Thank you for the great trail work. Creek crossings are rock hoppable. Two trees and two dirt slides across trail.

Posted: July 18, 1973, 5:38 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: October 20, 2005, 10:58 am
by: BSA Troop 42

Camped there 25 / 26 August 2005. Good dirt road / trail to the Spring area. Spring fed creek running below camp. The large camp oak still stands.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 6:26 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:04 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:05 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: November 27, 2012, 6:19 am
by: toejam

Last weekend several of us on foot saw essentially the same thing as Cowboy Clark. Only I never was sure I saw the original tread. There is thick brush below the summit meadow and we beat a path in the direction indicated by the Beeman's gps until the trail reappeared. Best to take this trail with waypoints or someone who's hiked it before.

Posted: May 15, 2012, 10:39 am
by: Cowboy Clark

7 horsemen and 15 head of stock went from Mission Pine Basin down to Mansfield in early May of this year. From the trail junction to the summit meadow was in great shape and easy to follow, but as you make your way down through the meadows it gets dicey. I saw where the old tread of the original trail went but you'd have to crawl there now (not the best for a horse!). So we wandered around looking for flags and sign...
Eventually we found the trail and started pushing through the brush and thorns to the first spring. This was the first time I've been to that spring and not seen water there, but it popped back up 100 yards downstream.
After that spring, the trail is in pretty good shape - a little brushy, but the tread is all there and it's easy to follow - lots of flags and fairly clear sailing all the way to Mansfield. I think the Beeman is one of the main fellas to thank for this. Hats off to you sir!
In summation, if you have the fortitude to whack through that really bad mile or so near the top, it is a great trail.

Posted: November 6, 2011, 5:19 pm
by: Gravityh

I hiked up this trail on October 23rd from Mansfield Camp first thing in the morning and found the trail in great condition... for the first mile or so... There were some route finding issues in the chaparral and then the trail opened up following flags through gullies. Just when I thought it was going to be easy trail it got choked with long spiny thorn bushes. The branches were easily 10 feet long and wrapped around my fully clothed body like a giant squid. I managed to find a large piece of pine bark and strapped it to my chest and powered through the thorns and within a few hundred yards found the trailin a grassy wooded area that hooked up to the Mission Pine Basin trail. Great trail but needs some major cleaning from the top down for about a mile or so. No pics of the bush wacking but here are my pics from the long 2 day loop;https://picasaweb.google.com/gravityhrocks/NiraLostValleyHurricanDeckFallCanyonCachumaSaddleLoop?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKvSiurDkunUvQE&feat=directlink

Garmin Connect Tracks here:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127040428

Posted: May 31, 2011, 9:00 am
by: Cowboy Clark

In early May, 10 riders (including myself) with 20 mules and horses went from Heath to Mansfield then up the FCT to Mission Pine. The trail is still beautiful, but the brush is growing fast and I would guess that within the next 3 years will be impassable.
We cleared out a downed tree just below the lower spring and I expect that to be another issue soon - the trees that died in the fire are starting to fall. Just above the lower spring, the trail is still hard to follow, but some flagging was there (thanks Beeman!)and near the top we lost the trail, but the bush-whacking isn't so bad.
However, all of us agreed that this trail needs help soon or it will fade back into the forest - like it was for 40 years before the fire.

Posted: January 24, 2011, 12:23 am
by: TheBeeman

Over the 3 day MLK weekend, I hiked up the FCT as the day was ending. We lost the trail just above the little creek crossing after the switchbacks.

The flags from previous hikes have disappeared (taken by birds?) in the lower section so we reflagged the original trail. The good news is there is still no signs of ticks, the Zaca fire burned them all up.

The 5.5 mile section is surprisingly easy to hike uphill from Mansfield, I give credit to someone who built this trail back in the 30's.

The slide section above Cooper Springs is intact. We lost the trail near the top but made a good guess on a traverse and came out in the meadow section that leads to the large, snagged pine, the visible landmark from the junction with the Mission Pine Trail.

Pics of this trip are posted at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron/2011NiraToNiraLoopClockwise#

This trail makes for a great 3 day loop with a lightweight pack, or 4 day with traditional weight pack. I have now hiked this loop in both directions. Despite the hard 1.2 mile "heartbreak" section between Big Cone Spruce and McKinley Saddle, I still prefer the counterclockwise direction:

Day 1; Nira to Mission Pine Springs (16 Miles)
Day 2: MPS to SouthFork down the FCT(14 miles)
Day 3: SF to Nira (16 miles)

As Cowboy Clark posted: Hike it or loose it to Mother Nature

Happy Trails

Posted: June 7, 2010, 8:33 am
by: TheBeeman

With 3 day weekend and lightweight packs, we hiked a 45 mile loop that started at Nira and ended at Nira via the Fall Canyon Trail.

There was water off the trail just before the trailhead to Fall Canyon a 1/4 mile past the big pine tree junction. Look for the willows.

I reflagged the upper section where the grass had obliterated the trail. Lets hope the birds don't take the markers.

Wildflowers were in full bloom and marked the middle section of the trail. There is no tread so your ankles get a good workout on the sloping terrain; easy to follow thanks to the hoof prints from the cowboys who rode it last year. Lots of water in the creek marked by a spring on Bryan's map.

The last mile from the small mesa down to the switchbacks above Mansfield was hard to find, a GPS and topo map was helpful in finding the original trail section.

A few pics in the Nira to Nira photo album at: http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron

Happy Trails.

Posted: June 4, 2010, 1:37 pm
by: Cowboy Clark

A few cowboys made the trek up Fall Canyon this year again. Trail was till in good shape, although all of our flags were gone! I can't imagine that anyone would do that, so we think it might be birds who like the bright orange tape! A few more improvements were made, but this trail needs travel!
Please use it or lose it!

Posted: May 13, 2009, 10:24 am
by: Cowboy Clark

So we made our ride. It took us a full 10 hour day of hiking up and clearing trail down but the Fall canyon trail is passable now. We re-routed above the lower spring through the burn to avoid the unburned brush. We also flagged it to where it again joins the original trail. We brushed it out to ~1/4 to 3/8 mile to Mission Pine Basin where we followed the steep meadows. The two remaining problems are: just above the higher spring is a slide we dug tread through unfortunately encountering a rock that the pack animals couldn’t pass. So we had to unpack, carry & repack. The trail should probably be rerouted ~ 50’ higher to avoid more slides; secondly, the last 1/4mile below Mission Pine Basin should be brushed out. Every other place was OK.
It's a beautiful trail - keep traveling it to keep it open!!

Posted: April 24, 2009, 1:40 pm
by: Cowboy Clark

hmmm...
I guess no one has checked this trail out in a while...
Well we will be trying to open it up next week - wish us luck!

Posted: April 15, 2009, 10:53 am
by: Cowboy Clark

Hi there.
Later this month, a few of my friends are going to attempt going up the Fall Canyon trail from Mansfield Camp to Mission Pine. We assume that after the fire, at least the brush will be cleared out.
Has anyone tried to hike it since the Zaca Fire?
Any info. would be greatly appreciated as we will likely be flying by the seat of our pants!

Thanks in advance!

btw, if at all possible, we will be opening the trail up for horses - so we have our work cut out for us!

Posted: April 2, 2009, 4:46 pm
by: Bryan

February 28, 2009

I hiked to the junction of where Hiawatha Camp is supposed to be and did not see any trail heading out towards Roque. If you are brave enough to attempt that trail; good luck and give me a call - would love to check it out somemore.

I hiked from Kerry Canyon out towards Roque in early January 2009. The trail was relatively good. More information here:

http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=619

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:06 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: April 21, 2011, 6:28 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the Gibraltar Trail from Cold Spring Trail out to the gate and the dam at the end of January; the route was in great shape. The fifth-wheel is still there and aging gracefully.

See http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=843 for the complete version.

CTW

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:06 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: May 21, 2013, 3:33 pm
by: Cowboy Clark

10 men and 20 mules and horses traveled this trail from Bluff to Coche this past April. The trail is still in great condition - not brushy. There are 5 trees down across the trail in the canyon bottom, but only one of them poses a serious hindrance. We were unable to remove it and had to bushwhack around it, but other than that the trail is in great shape!

Posted: November 19, 2012, 7:48 am
by: toejam

The trail has been recently worked and is in very good shape. Gets faint above Jackrabbit Flat, but brush is not currently an issue.

Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:23 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked the trail late March 2009. The first mile or so from Bluff had been worked last summer and is in virtual freeway condition. You'll notice the dozens of left over water jugs along the trail. This area was severely scorched during the Zaca. When you round the corner near the old Grapevine the trail gets significantly worse. Lots of waist to shoulder high grasses growing on the trail and some small washouts. Trail is hit or miss the remainder of the way to the Santa Cruz Junction. There is an unburned table at Pelch but also lots of trash. I flagged the difficult sections along the way. Worth checking out Jackrabbit Flat while in the neighborhood, interesting feature.

Posted: November 27, 2005, 7:25 pm
by: Diane

Grapevine trail is a bit brushy the further from Bluff you are. It's easy to take a wrong turn and end up at Pelch. Basically you have to turn north at the post and the tree that has half of the Pelch sign hanging in it.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:07 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:07 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:08 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:08 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 28, 2011, 1:36 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Headed up Aliso Canyon to McPherson via Hog Pen yesterday, trail is in great shape expect for all the cow sh*t (and some hoof-caused ruts). What a mess; it detracted severely from the climb up ... but otherwise awesome.

See the post at http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=3722#3722 and some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157626248748565/

CTW

Posted: June 3, 2010, 12:09 pm
by: Coyote Dave

Trail is in excellent shape. The layout of the switchbacks really makes this steep ascent a walk in the park. The road from Aliso Camp to the trail head however is really overgrown and scratched my truck up pretty bad.

Posted: April 13, 2009, 12:41 pm
by: BernardMines

A spur of the moment overnighter to Painted Rock.

Did this trip with Steve a regular Wed Nighter.

This was our first time out here. We wanted to do an overnighter and had loose plans. Our original destination was changed, and Steve insisted that our destination either had to have a hot spring or an arch site, so the choice was easy. So at about 2 PM Saturday we headed out of town.

Steve was driving his Saab convertible and we originally planned on taking Sierra Madre road the whole way to the gate in the car and then walking the rest of the way. As it turned out the car was not the best of choices. Lots of gizmos on this car and Steve was worried the dirt road would jar loose the electronics. Also we did not have enough fuel as it turned out. The car has an electronic display that give you the miles til you need gas estimate. Well the estimate kept changing, pretty dramatically in the wrong way as we headed up the dirt road. So we were forced to turn around after only driving about 8 miles on the dirt road. We decided that rather then risk running out of fuel we could head out towards Cuyama and fuel up there, and hike one of the trails from there. No gas for sale in Cuyama as it turns out. Because Perkins Rd. is now gated, the most direct route The Rocky Ridge Trail was not so easily available. (A local in Cuyama told us that it would be trespassing to walk up Perkins Rd to the trailhead, past the gate. Does anyone know if this is true?) so we drove up the next road and followed up 6 miles up to Aliso Park.

Aliso Park is a pleasant grove of oaks in a little canyon, its got a toilet a few picnic tables and a few fire rings. I bet this place gets a lot of use from the locals in the summer because its so nicely shaded and a couple of thousand feet higher then the plains. There is a road that goes another 2.5 miles into the canyon with a very gentle rise up to Hogs Pen Springs. This also would be a good place in the summer its pretty out here, with a nice green grassy area. Plenty of water as there are two springs and a trail that goes up to Sierra Madre Rd on the ridge. The trail very closely resembles the hike from Forbush to Camino Cielo. In about a mile and a half it goes up to the top ridge switch backing the entire way, up a little less then a thousand feet. The footing is good and someone recently came thru here and cleared trail (who ever you are thank you) I bet this trail does not get that much use and there is a lot of yucca growing on the slope, but its been cut away so I did not get pricked even once. Up on top we got to the road and drank a beer watching the sunset. It was brisk and a bit windy. The road is in great shape and recently graded. And we hiked into camp at something like 9:30 PM.

Just using dead reckoning I figured we were pretty close, plus I started to see some cow patties in the road evidence of a meadow. Steve thought we still had a couple miles to go, I saw a jackrabbit cross the road. As the moon had not yet come up it was pretty dark and we crossed the last cow crossing and arrived into camp. Looking for a suitable place to camp, so we managed to distress both groups that were there, strangers arriving late at night with headlamps shining around. We ended up camping near the rock had the best spot IMHO. Set up tents ate dinner and climbed into bed. I've never slept so well, it was cold but not freezing cold, and lots of condensation.

Painted rock is gorgeous, a big meadow and interesting rock formations. Looking south we had epic views from on high, of places we often hike, the Manzana and Sisquoc, We could see the entire range running from Big Pine and beyond all the way to Zaca Peak. We could see a bit of snow on the north slope of McKinley, and we got a good view of the North face of Hurricane Deck. There was a bit of water dripping down the face of the rock that cooled our beer and provided us water.

As for the arch site the lower cave was in pretty bad shape just one image, (a humming bird I thought, and later saw a humming bird drink from the air of the water dripping off the rock face adjacent to the image.) The upper cave is in much better shape. The area around it is off limits but you can still get a good gander from below. I found a sliver of a sea shell, and put it back where I found it. Lots and lots of pestles. Obviously lots of people grinding acorns here over the years. Walking over the ridge and down a bit there was an amazing rock formation that was very evocative of a mystical castle. Its interesting because my brother Loren said it reminded him of Disneyland, and that was my thought as well. Really a lot to see out here, and Springtime is the best time to do it. While the grass is green and the temperature is still comfortable. It was a bit chilly hiking in the wind, but that kept us very comfortable as well.

Coming out here made us aware of how much hiking is still out here to explore in our back country. And I'd say its planted some seeds for future trips. I'd be curious to hike the Jackson trail down to the Sisquoc. This would make an excellent way to pass thru on a hike thru from Cuyama back to SB.

But soon enough it was time to pack up and hike back. I’d rate this as another excellent destination for an overnighter and very approachable too. Roughly 5 easy miles from the road. Or if you went our way 10 each way but only a 1.5 of easy ascent. Distance from SB wise, probably not more then an hour more of driving, in comparison to Nira from SB. So when you think about it its not really that far away.

Happy trails,

Bernard

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:09 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: February 1, 2013, 1:37 am
by: toejam

I hiked up Horse Canyon from the Sisquoc as far as Sluice Box 1/20/13. There was good water and the hiking was easy, although the trail sometimes disappears. The creek bed is wide and you can't get lost. The place where Bryan camped in the above report is about 2 miles up. It is a very nice camp. We found two separate camps with steel grated grills while looking for Sluice Box. The upper camp is at the location indicated on Bryan's map about 4 miles up. It is a nice big level spot with lots of grass & shade trees.

Posted: April 2, 2009, 1:52 am
by: Bryan

February 28, 2009

Hiked from Sierra Madre Rd down into Horse Canyon and out to the Sisquoc. If coming from the Sisquoc the trail is followable through the first couple miles then becomes scattered. The canyon is open enough to find a trail here or there and make your way up. You might be on the trail, or you might not - but there are sufficiently easy ways up the canyon. We flagged here or there when we thought we were on the trail. Once the canyon narrows your choices similarly narrow and you are forced onto a more clear trail. The trail is relatively good until you get about halfway up the last side canyon towards Wyndham Gap and Hiawatha. There is a point where it ends completely and you'll be relegated to crawling and serious bushwhacking. There was water almost the entire length of the creek, but I would not expect it to last long. This canyon did not burn. More details here:
http://bryanconant.com/CONDOR/HorseHiawathaSisquoc.htm

Posted: April 6, 2005, 10:45 pm
by: Anonymous

We hiked up the canyon about 1.5 miles in mid-March. The trail was not too hard to follow, and someone had periodically flagged it. It's a scenic canyon with plenty of water and some lovely grassy benches full of goldfields. A very remote feel to the place. It deserves more attention. We turned around before I really wanted to, but we had to get back to our camp on the Sisquoc.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:10 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: April 15, 2013, 12:09 pm
by: android

Weather was actually pretty nice, not too hot.

Skies were clear and the morning light breeze felt great towards the top. I went the Lost Valley access route, so I hit the deck in 3 hours 48 minutes. For an overnighter, this route would be great, but I did it in a dayhike, so my downhill kinda sucked!

I packed super light-- daypack, fleece top, spaceblanket, lightweight filter, mini Swiss Army,2 apples, 2 Slim Jims, and 1 liter of water, that's it.

Chilled out with a huge sleek Fox, it let me get very close and talk to it. Very cool. Saw the assorted reptiles and birds.

Stepped on a rattlesnake! Been hiking for decades, so I guess it was my time, but I felt a "squish" under my left boot heel, and then the snake went nuts rattling and getting out of the way. It happened so fast, but I am pretty sure we collided. It wasn't across the trail, but was probably cruising to cross the trail and we ran into each other. Luckily I wasn't bit. It would have been a long slog back to Nira. Just one of those backcountry things, snakes live there.

Anyway, I figure we have just a few weeks left before weather/water make this hike much more difficult.

Posted: March 19, 2013, 9:56 pm
by: toejam

I hiked the Deck from east to west 3/17/13. It occurred to me early on that this is more of a 'route' than a 'trail.' The only decent trail on this hike is for about 100 yards on either end. The rest is a faint track that involves lots of bushwhacking. I never lost the path for long, but had to keep looking for footprints and old cuts.

Have I mentioned before that the steel signs at the intersections include 7 miles of twilight zone between the Potrero & Lost Valley trails? The entire ridge is about 16 miles, as indicated on Bryan's map, not the 23 miles on the sign at White Ledge. But it's a full, tough day and shouldn't be attempted unless you are confident of your ability to keep a steady pace on mountainous terrain.

The west end of the trail is more overgrown than it's been the last few years. But it's getting used, so follow the footprints & flagging.

https://picasaweb.google.com/toejamhikes/HurricaneDeckLoop?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPzMm-T4rKukWA&feat=directlink

Posted: March 12, 2013, 11:00 am
by: TrailJunky

Hiked this loop on Sunday 3/10-Monday 3/11/13. Camped in the meadow on top of the Hurricane Deck. Thanks to the Lopper for the trail trimming. Definitely made route finding easier in the badly brushy sections. However, we still had to do some crawling and there is still plenty of work to be done before this trail becomes passable without a substantial amount of bushwhacking. The recent work that was done on the Lost Valley Trail to the Hurricane Deck junction is great!
I carried 5 liters of water and would recommend that you bring at least 6 if you plan to camp on the deck. We had perfect weather conditions (relatively cool, clear and not too windy). If it's hot I would not recommend trying this hike unless you are in extremely good condition, have a lot of hiking and route finding experience and are well prepared. Even in ideal conditions you need some trail skills.
Our mileage from the gps was 19.7 for the loop, so it's a bit short of a "marathon" but you get extra bonus points for the difficulty!
Photos here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4417816935373.1073741827.1587371515&type=1

Posted: March 6, 2013, 10:37 am
by: TrailJunky

We hiked up Portrero and crossed the west end of the deck down to the school. Some sections of the trail are a mess, especially the switchbacks on the deck on the far west end. Thank you to those that have done some flagging and brushing into the Sisquoc! It's going to be challenging after some more spring growth this year. Ticks seem to be fewer, but the poison oak is blooming, especially on the north slope into the Sisquoc.

Photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4379484697091.1073741825.1587371515&type=1

Posted: January 20, 2013, 10:40 pm
by: TheLopper

HD eastward to Lost Valley and back down Lost Valley.

Not quite sure how one would need a rope as mentioned previously. Sure, the trail is thin, but if you aren't willing to walk on sketchy trails, then don't go on the deck.

I cut open the overgrown sections from Big Bend to Lost Valley Junction. Still needs some more clean up but there are no sections requiring crawling anymore!

If everyone brought loppers on these trails, we could fix them up! Check out the Friskars Anvil Loppers at Ace Hardware. They weigh less than an iPhone, and do more good than a phone ever could on the deck!

Posted: April 25, 2012, 10:11 am
by: kfox527

Yesterday I went from the School House to Nira via the Hurricane deck and potrero trails.

Potrero is in good shape. No washouts or other issues. Could use a little brushing.

Hurricane deck is pretty rough. I only lost the trail a few times but was able to follow the trend of the ridge and pick it up again. There is a bit of flagging that has been done in key places that was very helpful. It's amazing up there! The views, the setting, everything. I actually liked having to scout around for the trail a bit. Keeps you mentally engaged. Saw a fox, bobcat and a lone matilija poppy growing high up on the ridge.

If you want to check out this section of trail go for it now. The grass is green and the flowers are out.

Posted: March 3, 2012, 6:09 pm
by: brhacker

Left Nira 8 AM, returned 3 PM. Counterclockwise loop: Nira, Potrero, W along deck, schoolhouse, cabin, back to Nira. Trail is in OK shape the entire way. In another year or two some sections of Hurricane Deck trail may be a little hard to find, but going counterclockwise means you go downhill through most of the "worst" sections and can see where to go pretty easily. Poison oak on section before schoolhouse is doing nicely(!)

Posted: January 31, 2012, 6:32 am
by: toejam

Jan 29 I hiked up the Deck using the Potrero Trail. At the top I hiked east to the second-highest point enjoying the views. Then back down the west end and was lucky enough to have Manzana Schoolhouse camp to myself. The trail on top of the Deck is generally a faint but well-trodden path that stays close to the edge of the cliff. Way down the west end it veers to right (north) through the brush and is narrow but easy enough to follow. When it finally leaves the ridge line in the oak trees and grass, it gently switches back down the steep slope and is criss-crossed by game trails.

It's a great overnighter from Nira to the Schoolhouse via the Deck and back up the Manzana. As stated previously, the counter-clockwise loop is advised. It's a tough hike and you'll be thinking of the luxuries of camp when you are still miles away, but don't lose your concentration!

Posted: November 27, 2011, 11:33 am
by: Bernard Mines

Hiked Hurricane Deck yesterday starting at Davy Brown. As a post Thanksgiving adventure with my friends Terry, Henk, and Angie. I told them this was a moderate difficulty for a long day hike.


Since everyone else was taking pictures, I just hauled my butt down to the School House all by myself. Ate an early lunch and took a nap. The others finally met me there. Trail was smooth sailing all the way down to the School House. I usually complain when I'm sold hiking shoes or boots with goretex as I figure its mostly unnecessary around here. Well today for a change I was very glad. I did not count the crossings but there must have been 20, and my feet were dry.

I wonder about that Mr. Wheaton the crazy religious wacko who started this community. Apparently he was the post master for a little while that is until they discovered he was illiterate. Odious enough so that his neighbors closed the road which finally drove him and his clan out of the area. Apparently back in the 19th C. they used to call all these odd religious types under the collective name of Mormon. Thus Mormon camp on the Sisquoc. I wonder if they practiced snake handling and speaking in tongues. Or like the mormons of that era murdering people passing buy that were not armed to the teeth and careful.

Anyhow from School house up was really nice as I remembered it. Its much more overgrown since the last time I hiked it. The ground kind of squishes under your feet as you compress it. Shady green with these amazing views as you get towards the top of the Sisquoc down below.

Eventually we get towards the sun exposed part. And start pushing thru. This time around was much tougher going than I remembered it last year. I think a big part of that was who I was hiking with. Everyone else was much faster than me so I was struggling to keep up. If I'd been by myself I would have set a slightly slower pace and it would not have been as tiring. That upper section is looking less and less like trail. I'm not sure I'd call it a trail exactly anymore. Not with all the growth on it, and the uncompressed tread. It reminds me of those trails like way way back that never get hiked anymore like the one going by Bill Farris. Its not that there is not a trail, but without maintenance it just sort of degenerates into this archaeological relic of a trail. In this case I'd say 80% is easily defined but you have to constantly push thru shrubs and that bushy post fire stuff. The chaparral is starting to grow back now so its tougher going, I got plenty of scrapes on my legs. I think what it is too is I'm in worse shape, so when you're climbing up those steep sections pushing thru the shrubs and branches its much harder than just hiking up a steep trail.

When we made it to the final hill near the intersection with the Potrero trail we took a break feeling really tired. But water and cheese can do amazing things for you. When we got up to do the rest of the trail it was really magic. We had this beautiful pink sunset and the sky turned violet, and as I looked over to that golden grassy hillside crowned in sage green chaparel growing on top, with a violet sky and bright pink contrails, it felt like I was in Marioland.

So we turned the corner and started heading down the Potrero trail eventually making it to the creek. I retreived my can of beer relaxing in the river and it went down very nicely. We made it to the cars at 7 PM. Where I shared pumpkin pie bars with everyone.

I'd say I was glad we had the extra 5 miles or so from the top to the cars, because otherwise it would have felt like a really difficult trail. But after walking out the last 5 miles it seemed easier.

I'd say the next time I hike this I'm going to do it the opposite direction. That way the up hill section is all on a fairly well maintained trail. That way you hike the deck going mostly downhill, so it will be much less tiring.

Posted: February 9, 2011, 8:21 am
by: Gravityh

Here are the tracks from the fastpack. You can download the GPX file from Garmin Connect.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/67415091

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:12 pm
by: george

Hiked this trail a month ago after coming down the Lakes Ridge trail from near Porter Peak. It was a lovely trail, in great shape, with a fine tiny creek and nice grass and flowers. I left it near an old camp and canyon junction to hike another good trail westwards up the ridge back to Davis Cabin. I like this area; it's different.

Posted: May 5, 2005, 9:05 pm
by: Anonymous

Indian trail from Brookshire Campground to the old camp location near the east end is OK for hikers but not to horses due to downed trees, a lot of brush and rocky sections. We crossed 2 snakes yesterday while hiking it. From the old camp to Plowshare canyon is better, accessable to horses from Pine Saddle. A few motorcycles have been on that section, but not many as it is demanding, rough and needs some trimming.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:10 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: July 30, 2012, 3:08 pm
by: hikerheidi

We did a couple of trips down Indian Creek trail, between January and May of 2012. The trail is easy to follow and open to Buckhorn Creek and on to the Meadows campsite. The trail is substantially overgrown from the Meadows to Indian Creek Camp. We did a backpacking trip out to Indian Creek campsite in May and were forced to wade in the water for the last couple of miles due to extremely heavy overgrowth of poison oak, thickets covering the trail at least 5 feet high.

At the time of our last trip, in May, there was substantial water flow throughout the stream up to the 2 stage waterfall above Indian Camp.

It is generally a nice hike, but if you are at all sensitive to poison oak I wouldn't suggest going beyond the meadows campsite.

Buckhorn Trail:

In addition to Indian Creek Trail, we also took one unfortunate hike down Buckhorn Trail. This hike is likely much less popular due to access to the area, however if anyone is considering it, I wouldn't recommend going up to Buckhorn road from the creek.

The trail down from Buckhorn Rd. is extremely overgrown and has several trees down on the path, which are difficult to get around. In addition it is very difficult to follow the trail due to the level of overgrowth.

The trail that follows Buckhorn creek to where it joins Indian Creek, is slightly better. The trail is still difficult to follow in areas and requires wading through large patches of poison oak. The campsite at Lower Buckhorn is a little overgrown, and the picnic table is unfortunately no longer standing. I would recommend using the Meadows campsite instead of Lower Buckhorn if possible.

On a side note, Buckhorn has been dry in its upper reaches at least since April. It is likely dry farther down now, so I would be cautious in using it as a water source if you choose to explore it's upper reaches and tributaries.

Posted: February 26, 2011, 3:50 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer hike in earlier this month (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=847), I hiked Indian Canyon from Bluff Station through to Romero-Camuesa Road.

The stretch from Bluff down past Blue Jay, Poplar and Pens is passable, but there's one especially thick section of downed trees just upstream from Blue Jay (before the creek crossings begin). It's also thick with some treefall in the narrow section downstream from Blue Jay, but improves once en route to Poplar.



It's a rockhop from Pens to Indian Camp: long and -- with the water levels pretty healthy at the moment -- quite wet. Lots of cat and bear prints. Heavy on the PO (ugh).

From Indian Camp, the trail's in great shape. The upper section is well-flagged and the crossings easy spot en route to Meadow. From Meadow on it's great all the way out to the road.

CTW

Posted: June 19, 2010, 1:23 pm
by: Hondo

Did a solo, two-nighter last weekend up to Indian Camp. Trail is fairly wide open, for Indian Creek standards, up to about a half mile or so past Meadow Camp. At that point the brush has started to creep over what is otherwise a wide cut trail. It is still easy to follow, though, just requires a little pushing through branches here and there. After that it's into the creek with sections of decent trail interspersed with creek boulder hopping.

Saw two rattlesnakes so keep your eyes peeled. Found a nice pile of garbage waiting for me at Meadow Camp. I collected it and kept it with me in case I found its owner so I could shove it up their. . .

Plenty of cool water still flowing fast all the way down the canyon. It was about 90-95 degrees, but hiking in the creek water kept me cool and I hardly broke a sweat hiking up from Indian Camp. A lot of wildlife out there and blooming flowers.

--Hondo


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Posted: June 19, 2009, 11:04 am
by: ConiferKevin

Stayed at the meadow for two days memorial day weekend 2008. A late season rain squall occurred in the burned out upper drainage and quickly turned Indian Creek chocolate brown (I'm sure that's why there's no more trout). Had to hike over to buckhorn camp to get clean water.

Took a day hike up to perfect 10 and some extra curricular spelunking...fantastic. The numerous falls were amazing even when chocolate colored. Tons of bear evidence and the humboldt lilies were in full swing.

Posted: July 13, 2008, 4:22 pm
by: Ranger Juan

I hiked the Indian Creek trail as far as Meadow Camp by myself over Father's Day 2008, and have a few things to report.

There's a big black bear whose tracks are all over the trail, and who himself paid me a visit at my campsite just as I was finishing up dinner! I scared him off by banging pots and pans, and didn't see him again the rest of the trip. I definitely encourage hikers up there to keep their campsites scrupulously clean, and carry a bear canister if they've got one.

On my hike out, I saw big, fresh tracks that were unmistakably a mountain lion's. These, coupled with the bear encounter, and a terrifyingly close rattlesnake encounter, make me implore others to hike with a buddy. I love solo-hiking, but this trip, out in a remote part of the SB backcountry, has made me reconsider how prudent soloing is.

Other useful info: There's plenty of water still, although in the baking 95 degree heat, it might not last for much longer. No 10'' trout to report (see doug's post from 8/28/05.) The desolation of the Indian Creek area makes it a pretty special place; but know that from the end of the pavement on E. Camino Cielo, it's a 13 mi, ***50 minute*** drive to the trailhead over some pretty bumpy, dusty, tiring terrain (Diane already said this in her directions, but didn't indicate quite how long a drive this is!). Make sure your car is up to the task. (My VW Rabbit made it but wasn't happy.)

Don't let my report sound too discouraging though: Indian Creek's a great hike that I'll happily do again next spring--but with a buddy!

Happy trails!
-John

Posted: April 30, 2008, 2:49 pm
by: BernardMines

Since my last update a year and a half ago I have since participated in 2 trail maintenance projects put on by the Los Padres Forrest Association, to clear Indian Creek trail...

From Meadow Camp to Indian Camp is almost entirely clear. We have just one small section 100 yards or so left. Late this summer the CCC is slated to clearing the trail from the end of Camusa Road to the Buckhorn trail. So this should be a smooth easy hike the entire way.

Lots of water out there. The fire did not touch the lower part of the Cyn, but the upper part was mostly burned.

Happy trails,

Bernard

Posted: December 4, 2006, 5:08 pm
by: BernardMines

With a few Wednesday nighters we did an overnighter at Indian Camp.

The trail up until about half a mile N of Meadow Camp is in great shape. From there on its tougher going. Lots of P.O and a very overgrown trail. I agree with Diane that as you get further up the Cyn the prettier it gets. Just keep pushing on and eventually you reach the camp. Its very reminiscent of the meadow up Rattlesnake Cyn., accept a whole lot more remote. Its just a very special place with a big creek running thru, located along a meadow. We saw lots of bear scat, Loren said that it tasted no fresher then a couple of days old, I'll take his word on that.

Next day we tried walking further up to the illusive "Perfect 10" on the map. The trail really does not exist from Indian Creek camp on up, accept in an archeological sense. So my advice is just rock hop up the creek. If we'd have had a full day I'd try and make it up to Pens camp, but instead we had to turn around after more or less a mile. Creek hopping is slow going. So I forsee another trip to further explore the area.

Posted: August 28, 2005, 10:57 pm
by: Anonymous

8-25-2005

mountain bike to bluff camp, hiked down indian creek. trail is excellent to poplar camp, lots of running water, 10" trout (aug ?!!)
poplar to pens camp is alittle overgrown but well marked thanks to bear traffic.trail down indian creek dissapears at pens. alamar trail begins at this point to loma pelona,(to east) also in poor shape, dry, thorny, no water.
turned back at pelona, backtracked to overnite at poplar, where do the picknic tables come from??

Lots of bugs, poison oak,spooked bears, falen trees across trail (small but horseproof-2 mi ?)

Posted: March 23, 2005, 8:30 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.

Posted: May 21, 2013, 3:24 pm
by: Cowboy Clark

10 men and 20 mules and horses traveled from Loma Pelona to Bluff on this trail in late April. The trail from LP down to Pens camp is a brushy mess. Hard to push through and if not for the trail flags here and there, I would consider this trail vanished. Under the brush there is still some tread, but this stretch needs a lot of love.
From Pens up to Bluff is a mixed bag - sometimes the trail is hard to find and sometimes it's no problem at all. There was plentiful water in Indian Creek at that time.

Posted: December 12, 2011, 2:05 am
by: Bryan

Upper Mono Camp has been moved slightly upstream from where it used to not be. The camp used to reside on a sandy bank where the trail down from Loma Pelona first hits the Mono. That location has always sucked. The bank was only a few feet wide, was surrounded by poison oak and was washed out each storm - not sustainable. A few years back the camp was moved to the bottom of the Loma Pelona switchbacks. This site was better but still lacked room and flat ground. This past week a few of us decided to take a half day and find a suitable location for the camp. We succeeded. The camp is now located about 1/8 of a mile upstream from where the switchbacks start heading towards the Lomas. Its on the north side of the creek and located under an oak tree and a good distance above the flood levels. Its a great camp and should be there for many years to come. Go check it out.
34.61198 latitude, -119.59189 longitude

Posted: February 26, 2011, 4:15 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer hike in earlier this month (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=847), I hiked Indian Canyon from Bluff Station through to Romero-Camuesa Road.
As for the upper portion, the stretch from Bluff down past Blue Jay, Poplar and Pens is passable, but there's one especially thick section of downed trees just upstream from Blue Jay (before the creek crossings begin). It's also thick with some treefall in the narrow section downstream from Blue Jay, but improves once en route to Poplar.



CTW

Posted: October 13, 2009, 6:26 pm
by: Bryan

10/10/09

VWR and LPFA work trip removed fallen trees and light brushing down from Bluff to the where the trail narrows before Poplar Camp.

Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:33 pm
by: Bryan

3/30/09

If you've made it in this deep, then you know what to expect. Trail here, not trail there. Trail was flagged in March so you should have something to follow.

Posted: April 20, 2007, 2:19 pm
by: Bryan

4/14/07

Myself and 4 others cleared the trail from Bluff Cabin down to Pens Camp. Tons of Poison Oak but the trail is easy to follow and one of the most beautiful in the backcountry. From Pens up to Loma Pelona the trail gets significantly worse. The tread is easy to follow, but between the abundance of California Rose and the lack of bush clearing the trail pushes back more than most would like.

NOTE: The turnoff for Poplar Camp is REALLY easy to miss. If coming from downstream look for a spur/fork trail that takes a hard left off the main trail after two consecutive creek crossings. Its harder to find from the downstream side. The camp (with table) is there, its about 300 yards off the main trail in an oak filled clearing. Its hard to find so until the Forest Service marks it with a sign bring a map and take your time. Poplar is better than Pens IMO.

Posted: November 27, 2006, 8:48 pm
by: Bryan

11/24/06

Went from the Mono/Indian TH up to the Alamar Tin Shack. Trail was passable but hard to follow at times. Pay special attention at the Mono Creek crossings as the signs of the trail are difficult to see across the expansive creek bed.

Once at Upper Mono camp the trail was easy to follow up to the Alamar Hill trail. Some brush but the trail is there.

The trail over Alamar is a tough haul but followable. Be prepared for moderate bush-whacking. I brushed the trail from Upper Mono to the Tin Chack, and then from the Tin Shack up Alamar to within 1 mile of Dutch Over. After that the trail gets brutal.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:11 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: June 24, 2011, 4:05 pm
by: CJDGO

My group headed down the Jackson Trail on April 14, 2011 en route from Painted Rock to Sycamore. It starts inauspiciously -- as a faint cattle trail that leads WEST up to a shallow saddle above the old homestead just below the hairpin in the road; we had to resist the temptation to look for the trail below (south of) the cabin. But the trail gradually improves and widens as you leave cow country behind, and all that's left are improving views of the Sisquoc below. Amazing wildflowers and views distracted us from the knee-punishing descent, for which I was mighty glad I had my trekking poles. Sycamore was an easy left (a few hundred feet) as soon as we hit the Sisquoc. The camp has a nice table and new commode, but the camp is evidently heavily used by an outfitter, judging from all the gear left hanging in the trees.

Posted: August 21, 2010, 12:02 am
by: TheBeeman

Over the weekend of Aug 13-15, Rik and I joined USFS personnel to check on groups of hunters camping along the Sierra Madre Ridge. We also hiked down the Jackson Trail to Sycamore Camp to check on the trail condition and new throne.

We met two hunters staying at the campsite. We joined them for two nights.

Trail is in great condition, including 2 miles up the river. We flagged the trail 2 miles down to near Cliff camp. Nice water in the Sisquoc River. No flies and few mosquitoes.

I have posted pictures of my trip at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron

Note: This trail is very steep over the last two miles down to the river. I would recommend going lightweight (Total pack weight <20 lbs) on this trail. The hunters reported carrying over 60 pound packs down the trail to Sycamore; they reported not being happy campers, and certainly did not look forward to hiking out.

Happy Trails

Posted: July 8, 2009, 9:10 am
by: mstiles

I hiked down Jackson in October of '08. The trail has been recently worked by the CCC and is very wide and easy to follow. The bottom mile or so is still steep and without many switchbacks, but that's another matter.

Mike

Posted: April 10, 2006, 10:52 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Hiked down The Jackson Trail on 2 April. The Trail is in reasonable shape.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:12 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 31, 2011, 9:08 am
by: Cowboy Clark

Rode horseback down the Judell in early May with several friends. The trail was in beautiful shape and had obviously been worked on in the past month - I saw fresh cuts in several places. Much thanks to whomever did that - we had ridden from Bluff Camp that day and were too tired to clear trail!!
By the way, we camped at Heath for a couple of days and it has really recovered from the fire - plenty of grass is growing and the trees look good!

Posted: April 3, 2011, 7:08 pm
by: goletasteve

Hiked down Judell trail on march 30th, and then back up again on April 2nd. Trail is in mostly great shape. On the way down the creek was running high and difficult to cross without getting wet. On the way up no problem. There's a tree covering the trail on one of the steeper sections -- only way through was on hands and knees under it. Picked a few ticks off on the way down, and walked right past a good sized rattler a few inches off the trail back up.

Posted: February 14, 2011, 12:11 pm
by: darshar

I just found this site, so this posting is alittle out of date perhaps, but hiked down Judell May 2010, and it would all good, gradual. Trail was a tad hard to see because it is obscured by tall grass, but just let the trail find me, and walked down. Got a few ticks on the socks, so keep checking.

Posted: June 3, 2010, 12:21 pm
by: Coyote Dave

I hiked up Judell Trail from Heath Camp over Memorial Day Weekend (2010) and was impressed by its gradual ascent. The tread was in good shape and the route was flagged pretty well.

Posted: July 8, 2009, 9:15 am
by: mstiles

I hiked up Judell in October of '08 as part of a Montgomery Potrero/Sisquoc River/Judell expedition for Los Padres Forestwatch, GPSing tamarisk along the river.

The bottom portion was burned badly and extremely hard to follow because of gullies and washouts. Once a mile or so up, the trail is completely undamaged from the fire and very wide and shady.

Mike

Posted: April 19, 2007, 9:22 pm
by: goletasteve

Hiked the Judell trail March 21 (Spring Equinox) on the first day of shuttle trip from SB Canyon to Nyra. The trail is in overall good shape. Suprising, since I didn't think this trail gets that much use. A few ticks and some poison oak, which BTW hadn't bloomed yet. (I guess because of the cold freeze we had?) Unfortunately I didn't figure out the oak was in its winter stick form until day two on the sisquoc. The five miles up from the gate on Sierra Madre just to get to the trail head will definitely warm your legs up!

Posted: June 1, 2006, 5:56 am
by: BSA Troop 42

We worked on this trail on 27 May 2006 as part of a trail maintenance activity. A great trail is getting more opened up; near flowing water much of the way to Heath Camp. The Sisquoc River is crossable on rocks between Heath Camp and Rattlesnake Canyon. A big Thank You to Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Mike Smith, his support team, and the loveable backpacking goats for keeping the Upper Sisquoc trails open! See pictures of Diane’s trip on this trail one year ago: http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=174.

Posted: March 28, 2006, 8:00 pm
by: Bryan

Some brush along the middle section, may want to wear long pants. Very few ticks. Cleared a section where a pine tree dropped a large widow-maker branch across the trail. If you haven't hiked this trail you are missing out. Great views, never a person in sight, and the trail covers so much of the beauty that makes the San Raf so special.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:13 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 5, 2005, 9:09 pm
by: Anonymous

Kerry Canyon from Pine Saddle to Indian trail is OK for hikers, needs some trimming for horses but is passable. Some erosion on the steep section near the start and the poison oak is doing well. Lots of ticks out. Crossed path with one rattlesnake.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:13 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 1, 2005, 9:59 am
by: Anonymous

Drove Colson Canyon, La Brea, Smith up to Miranda and out to 166 to check access. Road is all in good shape and the gates are all open.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:14 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: February 16, 2009, 10:02 am
by: Bryan

Trail down to Ballard (NEW) Camp was exceptional. A crew had been in recently and the trail is wide open down into the canyon. Really beautiful trail. From the new camp to the old camp the trail gets progressively worse until you are crawling in some places and scrambling in others. I searched for the trail up to La Jolla Springs and Zaca Ridge and could not find any signs once off the main creek. Lots of bear shit, ladybugs, freshly cut firewood, and no people.

Posted: June 11, 2005, 1:31 am
by: Anonymous

Hiked down to Ballard camp on 6/8/05. A few sections where you'll need to push through some bushes but all in all the trail is in good shape. There is one section about 75% down that is a small slide. Not a factor for the pedestrian but could be for the equestrian. Lots of ticks.

Posted: January 16, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

15 / 16 January 2005. Camped at Upper Ballard Camp. Good trail to Camp from Figueroa Mountain Road. Cleared several branches. More Lady Bugs in canyon than Davy Brown Trail on 1 January. Nice gurgling stream through Camp.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:28 am
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: April 8, 2013, 11:19 am
by: bkraushaar

I believe the trail is closer to 12.3 miles round trip to Little Pine Mountain from Upper Oso. Beautiful day yesterday! My lovely girlfriend and I had a wonderful time. Wildflowers are starting to bloom; the view from the top is definitely worth the steep climb up to Little Pine!

Posted: July 26, 2012, 12:55 pm
by: sblax2000

My backpacking partner and looking to hike to Little Pine Mtn from Upper Oso and stay at Little Pine Spring.

We did this hike about two years ago and searched around for Little Pine Spring camp and never found it. We saw what looked like a bench on the slope leading up to Little Pine, across from the meadow area. Unfortunately, nightfall came and we ended up camping just off-trail below the saddle.

Could someone provide the GPS coordinates for us? Don't want to make another temporary site (we try to do leave no trace). If you don't want to post it, please e-mail to sblax2000 at yahoo.

Posted: May 31, 2012, 11:28 am
by: toejam

I hiked this trail to Santa Cruz Sta May 21 on my way to a trail-working vacation. Great to Alexander Saddle. The connector trail from Happy Hollow to Little Pine Spring could not be found. Down the north slope from the saddle it gets much rougher. At the old intersection with the HH connector and Little Pine Spring I was lost. Couldn't find any trails so bushwhacked towards where I could see the trail on the "40 Mile Wall."

After getting an education about where this trail went, another guy & I came back and flagged it. It follows the faintest of treads across the meadow and a very overgrown path across the back side of the mountain to the 40 Mile Wall.

So at the fallen sign at the old intersection, head left (west) to the "Little Pine Spring 1/4 Mile" sign. From there the trail goes straight across the sloping meadow maintaining roughly the same elevation. It curves around the hillside to the right and, if you stayed on the tread, enters the trees and heads northeast on very overgrown tread.

Several parties trampled this tread on Memorial Day Weekend. Hopefully we have permission to clear it soon. Do us all a favor and leave some flagging if you hike it.

Posted: April 23, 2012, 3:41 pm
by: jonrbell

Upper Oso to Alexander saddle was in good shape, shade and water condition are consistent with all the previous posts. We had planned on camping at Happy Hollow but were low on water when we reached Alexander saddle so we decided to hike towards Santa Cruz and camp at Little Pine Spring Campground instead. The 1 mile descent to the Little Pine Spring junction was fairly easy to follow, there were some slide areas but were easy enough to pass. Once we reached the trail sign for Little Pine Sping 1/4 Mile the trail(s) became almost unrecognizable. We kept straight as that seemed to be the only real trail, after about a quarter mile we were able to look to our left and see the picnic table and fire ring across about 100-200 yards across a small ravine. We hiked back to the trail sign and followed what could have been the trail down to the left. We hiked parallel to the upper trail for about a 1/4 mile along the ravine then made a sharp left and had to bushwhack through very dense overgrowth to get to the site. The trough was almost empty but the spring was dripping pretty well (It had rained 2 weeks prior) it took less than 10 minutes to fill a liter. The water tasted OK but we filtered it anyway. For a site that looks to get little use, it was in good condition once we found it. We saw 3 Rattlesnakes towards the saddle and there were plenty of ticks.

Posted: February 9, 2012, 11:27 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

For those interested in a brief bit of history re: the old Happy Hollow Guard Station atop Little Pine Mountain, see http://www.craigrcarey.net/2012/02/station-to-station-no-2-happy-hollow/.

CTW

Posted: December 13, 2011, 1:35 pm
by: android

Hiked Oso to Little Pine on 11 Dec. 2011-
Started in the morning wearing a light fleece, removed the fleece right before coming out of the creek past 19 Oaks. Hiked to Little Pine in shirt sleeves. The weather was incredibly nice.
Got to the top, cooked up some mashed potatoes and enjoyed the blue skies. Balmy, perfect weather!

Put the light fleece on for the journey back down.

Got back right at dusk, and just missed the neccesity of a headlamp/flashlight. Trail conditions were superb, and the "Super Secret" stock tank was full of cold clear water.

Wildlife- Quail, Hawks, assorted songbirds, and the tracks of either a very, very large Bobcat or perhaps a smaller Mountain Lion (right past 19 Oaks). Great solo hike!

Posted: December 3, 2011, 10:48 am
by: dwm

Our first visit to Santa Cruz since 1999 though we had been up to Little Pine several times over the past few years. The trail up to Anderson Saddle was generally in good shape, but there are areas of brush overgrowth. Once we started down the backside, we were pleased to see that the trail crews had recently worked the slide areas and had done a good job of clearing. However, by the time we arrived at the Happy Hollow/Little Pine Spring spurs, we were bushwacking our way. The spur to LP Spring appears to be completely overgrown. The trail down to the beginning of the 40 Mile Stretch was in a sorry state of disrepair. The 40-mile was as dull as ever, but in decent shape. The switchbacks down to Santa Cruz were fine. Santa Cruz itself was a bit depressing. Many of the campsites were overgrown and neglected, not from lack of effort by the trail crews, but more by lack of visitors. I never thought I would say it, but I am now wishing for MORE hikers and backpackers to use these trails and campsites. The Santa Barbara backcountry has so much to offer, but nobody appears to be enjoying it. The trail logs at Upper Oso and at Santa Cruz indicate that maybe one hiker per month passes thru Santa Cruz. Kind of sad, really. The result, unfortunately, seems to be a slow deterioration of facilities and trails. I sure hope this trend reverses soon, before some of these trails disappear completely.

Posted: August 1, 2011, 11:38 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer trip (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=884&sid=b56ca68812c70a19e9420f5d0e7e7a13), ZK and I hiked the length of the Santa Cruz Trail week before last.

From Little Pine down to Upper Oso, the trail's in pretty good shape, though grassy for that first mile from Alexander Saddle to the stock trough. The trough was full and still trickling.

Still a fair amount of water in Oso Creek; the crossing just above 19 Oaks was running and we grabbed some water there and cooled off a bit. Everything from 19 Oaks down is in great shape.

CTW

Posted: July 12, 2011, 11:01 pm
by: lugee

Hiked this trail with my girlfriend and a good buddy of mine. Started at Upper Oso and ended at Happy Hollow Campground. The crossing is flooded and was about ankle to knee deep (2 ft max).

The beginning of the trail was an easy hike towards 19 oaks. The hike gets more difficult as you head up towards the top. There seems to be some trail work, but recent rains have caused parts of the trail to collapse with loose gravel covering the trail. Crossing is easy if you stay light footed, be careful, and move fast. the last 3-4 miles towards Happy Hollow were especially difficult. The trail has not been maintained and gophers have destroyed the trail. There is quite a bit of bushwhacking till the last 1/2 mile to Happy Hollow. Watch for ticks!

Unfortunately, Happy Hollow recently burned down and is quite overgrown. There is no water in the camp site so filter some at the last crossing (just passed 19 oaks).

Tons of wildlife out there, we were visited by quite a few critters at night (as evidence on our bear canister).

While trail conditions weren't the best, this was definitely worth it:

Posted: June 30, 2011, 11:57 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Picked around Lower Oso Cyn, Upper Oso Camp, and the Camuesa Road up to the Connector trailhead Saturday before last (6/18/2011). Warm, but great weather and still nice to have it mostly to ourselves with First Crossing closed. Have never seen the day use areas so crammed full of people, litter, and loud music. Can't imagine what this Independence weekend will hold.

Plenty of water in Oso Creek; sat in the ravine beneath the sandstone formations and had lunch with my old reliable uber-hund. Good times.







CTW

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:16 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: February 16, 2009, 10:44 am
by: Bryan

Hiked from Little Pine Spring up to Little Pine Mtn mid January 2009. The trail is in pretty bad shape between the fire and the snows from 2007-2008. I marked the trail with flags so one should be able to find their way, but be prepared for route searching and the occasional climb over a fallen branch or limb. Scenically the trail is great, that one large rock outcrop is really neat. Bring loppers.....

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:16 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:17 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 6, 2013, 10:44 am
by: TrailJunky

Hiked up to Twin Oaks and camped, then hiked further up the trail and checked out the recent brushing toward the Hurricane Deck. This trail has been worked some more since our hike which is great news.
No water at the camp so fill up from the ponds in the creek on the way up if there is still water. Otherwise be prepared to hump some extra H2O from the Manzana.
Great views from above the camp across the valley to Condor Cave and Pool Rock! Probably not a great summer hike, but perfect for this time of year (late winter, early spring.)

Posted: January 20, 2013, 4:16 pm
by: kirby805

Took Lost Valley Trail back to Twin Oaks and a few of the usual spots. Trail is in good condition all the way back. Water was very sparse and sketchy looking. Didn't make it up to check the spring though. Beautiful weekend to be back there.

Posted: December 29, 2012, 1:12 am
by: TheBeeman

I completed a day hike to Twin Oaks Camp. The trail is passable and easy to follow. Some water about half way to Twin Oaks Camp. There are 7 downed trees that can be bypassed or stepped over.

I have posted some pictures here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/LostValleyTrailDayHike?noredirect=1

Footprints keep trails open, so get out and hike.

Happy Trails.

Posted: November 6, 2012, 12:44 pm
by: Rokrover

To answer brhacker, the original Castle Rock is indeed the larger series of formations above the Manzana - Sisquoc junction. These have somehow acquired the common name of The Pinnacles.

I just added many previously unpublished pictures from November 2006 archives to my (Lost Valley) Castle Rock album here for those aficionados of San Rafael stone. So this is not a trail update so much as a comprehensive picture update. This was before the Zaca fire of course and I often wonder if the distinctive summit pine has survived.

https://picasaweb.google.com/101661947338276298498/CastleRock#

Posted: March 4, 2012, 8:39 am
by: brhacker

This is indeed a pleasant hike. It's possible, however, that the "Castle Rock" of Manzana Creek is actually the rather more imposing edifice north of Dabney Cabin at 34* 48.42 119* 59.83. See http://www.lpfw.org/docs/HistoricalOverview/Chapter2B.pdf

Posted: February 21, 2012, 6:17 am
by: toejam

It was great to see you on the trail, Diane. I didn't realize at the time you were Diane from this site. I hope I hear the piper again soon.

https://picasaweb.google.com/toejamhikes/LostValleyTrailMaintenanceFebruary18202012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKLpm5zGoabHsAE&feat=directlink

Posted: February 20, 2012, 2:59 pm
by: Diane

Beeman and a bunch of other volunteer wilderness rangers did some great trail work on Lost Valley through the switchbacks this weekend. The trail is in amazing shape now between the oak tree and Vulture spring. They got rid of the large trees blocking the trail and fixed some of the washouts and rockslides. You can easily hike with just a little brushiness above the spring all the way to the junction with Hurricane Deck. The report that came in this weekend from a backpacker who looked totally wiped out is that Hurricane Deck between Whiteledge and Lost Valley is awful.

Posted: December 23, 2011, 2:54 pm
by: Gravityh

For the last post some Pics and Tracks:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127040428

Pics
https://picasaweb.google.com/114919677198486830680/NiraLostValleyHurricanDeckFallCanyonCachumaSaddleLoop

Posted: December 23, 2011, 2:46 pm
by: Gravityh

Started hiking from Nira at 7:00AM and found the to Lost Valley trail.. continued to hike up and was surprised on the number of ticks that were sticking to my pants. Did a major tick check and got moving again. Came to the camp site near the big tree before the switchbacks and checked the map to ensure I was going the right way..The trail here needs some brushing but is was passable. Some big deadfall farther up, that will require significant effort to clear, is on the upper section of the LV trail near the spring I drank from. I just filled up one bottle here without filtering or treatment but should have filled up two bottles.. Continued to Hurricane Deck on a well defined trail except for a serious washout after the "marbles" I found on the LV trail. I arrived at The Hurricane Deck Junction at 10:45AM and had a snack and took some pictures.

Hurricane Deck down to White ledge was still a bit of a bush wack with a few route finding issues as I dropped down into the steep drainage hoping to find water at White Ledge. Disappointed there was no water at White Ledge, I was really parched so continued on to South Fork at a slow pace as the increased temperature had me sweating way too much for a running pace. Finally got to South Fork about 2PM, pulled out my Esbit stove, timed the water boil at 9 minutes and enjoyed some Ramen for lunch. I expected people at SF Camp but I was alone. Continued upstream on the Sisquoc noting some nice camp sites a few hundred yards past the South Fork Cabin... These are some good places to stay without the "crowds" at SF.. I lost the trail a few hundred yards past the last camp site. I should have been on the north side of the creek instead of the south. I bush wacked instead of retracing my steps...(that's just me....) and found the trail. Finally I found the trail on the north side of the river higher up that I imagined before Skunk Camp. Skunk Camp is a poor camping location with lots of deadfall in the area and not a place for much flat camping. I continued to Mansfield Camp as planned and stopped at 4:50 PM. Set up my Tarp tent at the campsite next to the river while making dinner and settled in for the night..

I started hiking in the morning at 7:30 AM.. There is a sign - in register at the junction of Fall Canyon trail.. I noted that some boy scout troop have hiked down from the Mission Pine. Not clear if they took the Fall Canyon trail or took the long way around.
The trail was in great shape...recently worked on.. Wow, I thought I would be at the top in a couple of hours... Well after the first mile the trail work that was done clearly ended and it was route finding time with the GPS. Picked up the trail again and found a long switch back that took me over a saddle in to another drainage at about the 4100 foot level... Trail was fine until it traversed at the 5400 foot level........Just when I thought it was going to be easy trail it got choked with long spiny thorn bushes. The branches were easily 10 feet long and wrapped around my fully clothed body like a giant squid. I managed to find a large piece of pine bark and strapped it to my chest and powered through the thorns and within a few hundred yards found the trail in a grassy wooded area that hooked up to the Mission Pine Basin trail. Great trail but needs some major cleaning from the top down for about a mile or so.
Once at Mission Pine Basin I was on familiar ground and ready make up some time from the slow slog up Fall Canyon. I needed water and found a great spring below Mission Pine Camp. Good thing because the water at the camp is just a seep and fouled by horses. I had plenty of water now and moved past this camp quickly. I topped out on San Rafael Peak at 1:50PM and started running down the trail to the road to McKinley Spring. Stopped at the spring, got some water and then contemplated my return trip to the car... It was 2:50 at the decision point at the junction of Big Cone Spruce trail ....Do I take the trail down to Big Cone Spruce or take the road to Cachuma Saddle and the road to Nira. My last encounter with Big Cone Spruce was a serious bush wack and looking at the clock I had a little over 2 hours of day light...

The Big Cone Spruce route was shorter by a couple of miles but I expected it to be much slower....I needed some running as I was hiking most of this trip so decided to take the road.. I was on my last energy gel so popped it and started running. I had forgot my Clif Bars and cashews in the car the day before only to realize this 5 miles into the hike. I was at a point where I would be paying for that error. About an hour later I was ready to bonk. I was hungry and low on energy... I had saved a third of a freeze dried food packet I had the night before and decided to stop. Not wanting to fire up a stove and waste more time, I rehydrated it in cold water and consumed it in a few seconds.. Minutes later I could feel the energy come back into my legs, then my whole body and I started running again. Finally I saw the long switch backs I remembered running up when I joined a few of the Santa Barbara runners on Sandy's 40th Birthday 40 mile run.

I hit the road at Cachuma Saddle at 4:50 with 5 plus pavement miles to the car. Kept running the flats and down hills but the up hills were walked. Again I was on fumes. A van approached in the distance and then stopped midway up a long hill....I stopped my downhill run when I reach him and said hello... I had another 3.8 miles to go. After chatting a while he offered me a ride back to my car.... I thought about it and figured I had accomplished enough for the day and I would save at least another 45 minutes.. So I opted for the ride at 5:15 . The guy was a bit on the edge as he was looking for rocks with a metal detector and talked to me about prospecting and photographing wild life. As I exited the car I realized he had a massive dog in the back sleeping when I first got in the car and woke up to say goodbye to me.. Finally got to my car 5:30 PM. Overall a great loop. 46 miles (without the car ride) in two days with some seriously challenging bush wacking and route finding. Well worth the trip.

Posted: November 10, 2011, 3:30 pm
by: kfox527

Good work with the huge 2 day route! Very impressive.
FYI Big Cone spruce trail is in pretty good shape right now.

-Kfox

Posted: April 30, 2013, 9:26 pm
by: toejam

A small group of volunteers worked several days on this trail last week. All logs cut out of the upper part, but a few big ones remain low. It's still kinda rough, but you won't get lost.

Posted: May 15, 2012, 10:58 am
by: Cowboy Clark

We rode our horses from Madulce Camp to the Buckhorn Road in early May and it was in fairly good shape. Just out of camp, it is a bit hard to follow with lots of downed trees and a little brush, but if we could make it on horseback - I know hikers can do it!! Once you get out of the creek bottom, the trail is in fine shape with gorgeous views. Spectacular!

Posted: February 26, 2011, 4:12 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer hike in earlier this month (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=847), hiked the Madulce Trail from the upper camp out to Buckhorn/Big Pine Road.

Lots (and I mean LOTS!) of downed trees. A few there in the lower portion, but most were the massive sugar pines or bigcone Douglas-firs along the upper stretch before the junction with the Madulce Peak Trail.



All passable, but it did slow things a bit. Past the junction and to the road, everything's in great shape. Super-clear views out to the islands.



CTW

Posted: April 26, 2010, 7:53 am
by: toejam

I cleared a little brush near Malduce camp. The trail is a little hard to follow for the first quarter mile or so out of camp, but good most of the way up. The trail to Malduce Peak gets lost at the bottom of the switchbacks where it heads up to the ridge - I lost it on the way up and couldn't follow it on the way down. The view from the top is incredible.

Posted: November 16, 2009, 11:32 pm
by: Bryan

IF YOU ARE WONDERING ABOUT DON VICTOR VALLEY:
As part of a VWR trip on November 7, 2009, we worked the DVV trail up from DVV to approx 1.5 miles short of the Madulce Ridge connector. Its no freeway but should keep you on the right track. Now connecting the top to where we left off, you are on your own - please post if you make it.

Posted: October 13, 2009, 6:25 pm
by: Bryan

We worked the Madulce Trail from Buckhorn Rd down to Madulce Camp on Saturday October 10. This was a working trip coordinated by the LPFA and VWR. There were about 20 of us working and the trail is in excellent shape to within 1/4 mile of the camp. At that point there is some slumping that has covered the trail and some heavy brushing that needs to be done. Many trees were removed and miles of tread work completed. Trail should be in good shape for the next few years just watch out for that last 1/4 mile or so.

Posted: March 19, 2007, 11:10 pm
by: Bryan

March 6, 2007

Snow covering upper third of trail. Madulce Trail is in great shape still, other than a few large trees that have fallen over the trail.

Posted: June 28, 2006, 10:21 pm
by: george

Great shape except for one tree to climb over. Horses could probably do a bypass. Steep trail, but really pretty in the pine/fir forest and good views to the north.

Posted: August 14, 2005, 11:14 pm
by: Duane

My report below is actually for the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail, not the Madulce Trail. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Posted: August 14, 2005, 6:48 pm
by: Duane

I hiked the Madulce Trail yesterday from Santa Barbara Canyon up to Madulce cabin and back.

If the trail was well brushed back in April, then it desperately needs it again. The brush is extremely thick starting about three miles up from SB Canyon all the way up to Madulce Cabin. In fact, in several places, the trail completely disappears underneath a carpet of waist high brush.

It was an extremely difficult trip: Almost 5 hours to hike the seven miles up to Madulce Cabin, and 3.5 to walk back. I lost the trail numerous times along the way. If not for the horse traffic pushing through the worst of the brush, I wouldn't have been able to finish the hike.

That last mile long ascent didn't help matters much, either .

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:18 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: April 8, 2013, 9:58 am
by: lugee

4/7/13 - Just did this as a short overnighter this past weekend from Nira to the School House. Water is about ankle deep, making easy water crossings throughout the trail. Plenty of water for drinking throughout the trail and at all major camp sites. There are sections on the jeep trail that the water got above ankle deep, but there were clear and defined detours around the crossings. Some turkey hunters were out and a handful of cars traveling through the Jeep trail.

With the current conditions, this makes a great beginner-moderate backpacking trail.

Posted: March 23, 2013, 12:35 pm
by: Beerman

3/18/13 Went for a day hike towards hurricane deck on the Potrero trail, ran into "Toejam" at Potrero camp. It was finally nice to me a VWR on the trail, we appreciate all the work they do. Manzana creek is very low for March, we need rain! PS. We are looking for creeks that are waist deep. ~Beerman and Beerwoman

Posted: March 19, 2013, 9:29 pm
by: toejam

Currently water at Weeping Falls, Happy Hunting Ground, and White Ledge. Get it while it lasts!

Posted: March 9, 2013, 10:03 am
by: dwm

Posted to the wrong section. Sorry

Posted: December 29, 2012, 6:14 pm
by: TheBeeman

Hiked this section of trail between SouthFork Station and Big Cone Spruce Junction in November as part of a five trail loop. CCCs have worked to produce a high standard wilderness trail from SF to White Ledge Camp.

No water was present at White Ledge or Happy Hunting Ground Camps. Water present at Weeping Falls near Alcove Camp. Recent storms will change all that.

Some downed trees can be bypassed with a climb over or detour around.

Photos posted here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/2012FiveTrailLoop?n oredirect=1

Happy Trails!
_________________

Posted: December 21, 2012, 5:31 pm
by: Chris Chirgwin

I left Nira at 7am this morning, with the thermometer showing 26 degrees. The trail to Happy Hunting Ground is easy to follow. There are several small pools of water from Nira to a mile or two past Fish Camp. From there to just past Manzana Narrows, there is a decent amount of flowing water. Up on the plateau and to Happy Hunting Ground, there are some small pools of water in several areas. It was a great day and I didn't see another person the entire hike.

Posted: October 4, 2012, 10:34 pm
by: toejam

If you get to White Ledge thirsty, push on to South Fork.

Posted: October 4, 2012, 10:33 pm
by: toejam

If you get to White Ledge thirsty, push on to South Fork.

Posted: October 4, 2012, 6:04 pm
by: Bryan

Boots - It's sporadic above and below but there is always water at the Narrows. Have fun!

Posted: October 4, 2012, 5:08 pm
by: boots

i'm doing a roundtrip backpack hike soon, nira to white ledge. anyone out there know if there's filterable water still available in the manzana narrows area? i know the creek is pretty dry, but i'm hoping there may still be some water there...

Posted: April 15, 2013, 6:54 pm
by: kirby805

Camped at the schoolhouse Saturday night. The Manzana Creek runs dry at the schoolhouse and I saw the water level drop noticeably overnight.

Looped up Hurricane Deck Trail and down Potrero Trail on Sunday, on the way home. The Hurricane Deck Trail is in really bad shape. I hiked the Eastern section about a month ago and posted a report on that. The Western section is not as bad, simply because you're not crawling through oakscrub the whole way, but the trail is still in really poor condition. Saw some amazing views though. Pics at the link:

http://imgur.com/a/OFrWL#0

Posted: March 13, 2013, 6:31 pm
by: Beachley

Thank you all who have created and contributed to this forum. It helped me to pick the right hike and right weekend to get my daughter started backpacking.

We hiked to Cold Water camp for Saturday night - it was perfect! I shared some photos here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2933401150928.1073741825.1738042400&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.2933401150928.1073741825.1738042400&type=1


Again thanks!

Posted: March 11, 2013, 10:17 am
by: dwm

Thank you, toejam. Mystery solved.

Posted: March 11, 2013, 7:00 am
by: toejam

Horseshoe Bend is about 4 miles from the Nira trailhead (never gps'd it). It is where the trail leaves the creek and crosses a small rise because the creek makes a horseshoe bend to the north. Heading west, you come down a hill to a meadow and then head for the creek. In the meadow there is a carsonite trail sign and some small logs bordering the trail to keep you from wandering down a use trail headed north. The use trail goes to the campsite.

Posted: March 9, 2013, 10:23 am
by: dwm

Perfect weather for a two-nighter down to the schoolhouse, and on to Water Canyon Camp for a day hike. Water levels on Manzana creek and on the Sisquoc were low for this time of year, but both were flowing. All crossings were fairly easy. We were alone at Manzana and there was plenty of firewood.

The day hike to Water Canyon Camp was magnificent. The trail is in good shape up until about 1/4 mile west of Water. The camp itself (if we indeed were at the right place) had one stove and a fire ring, along with an old stock pen. It appears that this camp has not seen any visitors in quite some time.

By the way, my GPS indicated 8.2 miles from the Nira trailhead to the schoolhouse and 4.0 from there to Water. Bryan Conant's map is spot-on for trail depiction, alignment and mileage. One slight confusion is that we never saw Horseshoe Bend camp, which I am guessing is downriver from Coldwater. It is not depicted on my map. Could we have been so dense as to have walked right past it without noticing? Where is it exactly?

Posted: February 16, 2013, 1:08 pm
by: Rex

Hiked to schoolhouse and back in two days one night. With breaks for the dog and I, it took about 4 1/2 hours for each direction. Forest was very green and there was a lot of water. I'd guess I crossed the creek/river about 36 times in total. Water levels were low enough it was possible to stay dry by making careful steps. On the way back I had a mistep and soaked my boots.

It was pretty cold at night, but I was comfortable in my 15 degree bag.

The ticks were out and about. I knocked three ticks off my shirt and one off of my dogs nose. I saw a bobcat from about 100 yards away, saw three Mules (not wild) and two fish.

For first timers, like me, a quick tip. When you enter the "Private Property" part of the trail, keep following the road, you're going the right way. I got concerned after about a mile I was going the wrong way.

Great hike! 8.5/10 review from me. Here are some pictures.

Posted: October 4, 2010, 3:26 am
by: BSA Troop 42

On Saturday, 2 October 2010, we hiked to Horseshoe Bend from NIRA west parking. No water flowing; dry Creek crossings, but some surface water along the way. The trail is in great shape. New Horseshoe Bend sign, two new benches, and two new camping sites. Thank You, Eagle Scout Wesley, and Troop 103. Water was available about one football field length up the Manzana Creek bed from camp. On Sunday, we got up to the sound of flowing water; the swimming hole was full of brown water and the Creek flowing; the up Creek thundershowers had done their work. The hike out included rock hopping the eight, now wet, Creek crossings. Davy Brown Creek was not flowing into the Manzana.

Posted: June 1, 2010, 11:28 am
by: carp_nb

My girlfriend, our dog and I completed a quick overnighter to the Schoolhouse over Memorial Day weekend. The weather was beautiful: sunny and clear, upper 80s or low 90s and a slight breeze. Plenty of water in Manzana Creek, about knee deep at most crossings, which felt great to cool off in every few minutes, since there's always another creek crossing just around the corner on this hike.

Most of the trail was in great shape and easy to follow. Once you get onto the private in-holding just past Dabney Cabin and you leave the road for a little bit, the trail gets a little overgrown in places but all in all, it's easy enough to follow along.

Was fearing mass crowds at the Schoolhouse based on the number of cars at the trailhead, so we were pleasantly surprised when we found ourselves alone with the entire campground. All the campsites were in excellent shape with tables, firerings, shovels, etc.

Typical for spring, it was pretty buggy with swarms of lady bugs and flys all over the place and lots of skeeters around camp in the late afternoon/early evening. Picked a few ticks off the dog, but not bad and only came across one small garter snake.

One word of caution, on the road sections of the hike, there are a TON of sand spurs, thistles, fox tail and similar prickly, sticky brush that wreaks havoc on the poor dog's paws. Some of those little doggie booties might not be a bad idea. Hiking sandals probably wouldn't be too pleasant to hike in through this stuff even though they'd be nice for all the creek crossings. A pair of low gaiters saved my socks/feet from any abuse from all of the stickers.

Oh yeah, lots of wild turkey roaming around the Schoolhouse camp too. Saw about 4 or 5, including one huge one that almost looked by a small ostrich! Could hear them into the night and early the next morning and follow their tracks along the road.

All in all, it was a perfect late spring/early summer trip.

Posted: March 22, 2009, 1:02 am
by: cowboy curry

Left the trailhead on Thursday. Set up camp at the little no name site next to creek past Cold Water (I call it HorseShoe Bend). The creeks are still high and be prepared to get your feet wet. When we got to camp we set up and took a dip in the creek. Water is high and felt great.
On Friday we set out from camp on a day hike to the Shoolhouse up the Manzana trail. CCC crew has been working on the Manzana trail and has done some good work to fix the really bad spots. The creek crossings take up alot of time to either find a route on the rocks or take you boots off. Road gets bad by Cody's cabin. Its almost been washed away. you can still make out the trail and there are a few ducks set up in the bad spots. Got to the Schoolhouse in time for lunch. The river is flowing good and looks to have a few good swimming holes. after a few hours exploring the area we headed back to camp on the Manzana trail. Got to camp and took another dip in the creek before dinner. It got pretty cold that night and wild picked up a bit.
Saturday we hiked back to the trail head on the Manzana. Saw some bear scat along the way. Also I noticed some big cat tracks at several of the creek crossings. It was a good trip and we are already planning on hiking to the schoolhouse over the Deck and spending a few nights there.

Posted: July 5, 2008, 3:58 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked down to the Schoolhouse from Nira on 4th of July weekend. Water is still flowing along Manzana all the way to the Schoolhouse. Its pretty slimy towards the bottom and I wouldn't expect water to be flowing at the Schoolhouse for long. Sisquoc was dry. There's lot of water along the other sections of the trail. The trail is in great shape, maybe the best I've ever seen it. Crossings are easy. Did not see a single person, sort of weird for a holiday weekend. Did I miss the memo or something?

Posted: January 10, 2011, 12:11 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Did the Matias Trail as part of a longer loop yesterday (1/9/2011); the ticks were thick. Trail's in great shape, though.



Check out the write-up over at http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=835

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:19 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 6, 2013, 11:05 am
by: TrailJunky

We hiked up the fire road to McKinley Spring dropped our packs at the snow covered campsite and then hiked to San Rafael on fresh snow. McKinley Spring camp in great shape with plenty of fresh water in the spring boxes.
Hiked the next day down the Search and Rescue Trail through Big Cone Spruce to Manzana Narrows. The Search and Rescue Trail has been recently brushed and looks good. Just happy I was going down and not up!
Big Cone Spruce and down to the narrows is a bit of a mess still with lots of tree falls and brush. Thank you to whoever did the flagging and enough work to make it passable! More work to be done here, but you can find the trail.

Posted: October 1, 2012, 1:11 am
by: toejam

Did an overnight to Mission Pine Spring last night. It was warm but a breeze made it bearable. Speaking of bears, it was kinda freaky how many bear tracks were on the road, but never saw one in the fur. Good water & shade at both McKinley Spring & Mission Pine Spring.

Posted: December 6, 2011, 5:18 pm
by: carp_nb

Yep, that's the spot. You can park on that upper plateau with what looks like a puddle on your last image and then start your walk (or mtn bike ride) at the locked gate. You'll walk the dirt road for the full ~8 miles or so to the McKinley Springs camp. A couple of miles into the walk, you'll pass a water tank and hitching posts, then Hell's Half Acre.

The camp will be on your left hand side, just below the road. There's a steady spring there with reliable water. You'll be pretty shaded in there (it's more or less north-facing), so plan for chilly temps. Short (uphill) hike from camp to summit McKinley and San Rafael Peaks.

Posted: December 6, 2011, 4:50 pm
by: tablepost998

Thanks for the tips!

One more question:

I scouted out Cachuma Saddle last week to make sure I knew where to start out the trek. I found the sign saying Cachuma saddle, and the dirt road off to the east as described in hiking guides to Mckinley Mountain.

The only thing that was missing was the abandoned ranger station everyone described. I saw something that resembled a small abandoned hut (ranger station?) a little bit back at Cachuma campground, but not here near the saddle sign.

Just wanted to make sure I have the right spot. here are some pictures I took of where I am going to begin the hike, tell me if I got it right:



I assume you follow the windy road around the bends, not straight up this hill on the fire trail:



and here's a photo looking back at the road/parking lot area:


Thanks!

Posted: December 6, 2011, 3:31 pm
by: toejam

The biggest bear I've seen in the backcountry was at McKinley Spring scratching his back on the water tank beside the road. I shouted, "Hey bear!" He looked at me startled and went crashing down the mountainside as fast as he could.

San Rafael bears are the good kind - the ones that run away. I heard a story of an aggressive bear that roamed the upper Sisquoc years ago, but haven't heard of any others being aggressive or bothersome.

Don't make big messes or leave stuff laying around, and hang everything at night. I'd be a lot more worried about the cold than the bears.

Posted: December 6, 2011, 10:43 am
by: carp_nb

Hi there Tablepost998,

In my personal opinion, I wouldn't worry too much about bears, just take some basic precautions and use common sense. While I've seen lots of bear activity in parts of the San Rafael (including around Mission Pine Springs), the bears in the LPNF are still pretty afraid of humans and tend not to want to have interactions with us (as opposed to Sierra bears that know humans = easy food pickings from messy camps). If they know you're around, they'll stay clear of the area.

Here's what I do for my trips: All food, food wrappers, and anything with a scent (toothpaste, soap, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc.) all goes into an odor proof sack (OP Sack, I think it's called) and then gets put into a stuff sack and hung from a tree limb a little away from camp (~100-150'). Look up the PCT bear bag hang method for proper bear hang technique. You want a branch that's at least 20' high, and strong enough to hold your food bag, but not strong enough for a bear to climb out on it and swipe your food bag.

Pots, bowls, cups, etc. get washed and left out in camp, a little off away from the sleeping area. I don't bring lots of extra clothes, but if my clothes smelled like food (like I spilled on them or something), I'd probably leave them outside, and away from my tent.

Hope that helps. Have fun up there, plan for it to be cold!

Posted: December 5, 2011, 10:39 pm
by: tablepost998

Hello everyone,

I'm going on two night backpacking trip up to the Mckinley mountain area with some friends this month. We will be camping out at Mckinley cold springs. This will be my first time overnight up in this area. I was wondering what the appropriate bear countermeasures would be for this area during this time of year, and figured there would be no better place to ask than here.

My concern is mostly in dealing with when we camp for the night, dealing with food and scented hygiene items.

So far, I have told everyone not to bring any scented deodorant, chap stick, or lotion. I plan on stringing all of our food up at night in a bear bag up in a tree away from our camp site.

For this camping location this time of year, should I take it any further than that? Such as stringing up in the tree along with the food clothing that was worn during cooking of food, along with toothpaste and pots and pans? Separating our packs from where we sleep, etc, as if we were in Yosemite?

I want to be safe while at the same time not spending tons of time and labor going overboard if its not necessary. Any insight from people familiar with the area would great! Thank you.

Posted: October 19, 2011, 10:21 pm
by: kfox527

See the following link for a brief report of this trail
http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=4021#4021

-Kfox

Posted: August 1, 2011, 11:25 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer trip (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=884&sid=b56ca68812c70a19e9420f5d0e7e7a13), ZK and I hiked the road from Cachuma Saddle to McKinley Saddle week before last. Road's in great shape; still plenty of water at McKinley Spring camp.



Took a side hike up to McKinley Mountain and the old AWS cabin ruins; see http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/07/lookout-mckinley-mountain/

CTW

Posted: June 22, 2011, 8:50 pm
by: TheBeeman

Link to trip pictures of our recon up McKinley Road to MPS:

https://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron/2011McKinleyFireRoadToMissionPineSpringsCamp

Happy Trails

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:19 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 1, 2013, 8:03 am
by: Brad Young

And actually, as I re-read my first post, I noticed that the date was off. We must have hiked the Mission Pine Trail on the 24th; it was the day after we saw you. Kinda cool to lose track of time at least a little.

The night after the Sisquoc hike we stayed in Big Pine Camp. We were hiking up to Buckhorn Road when at least three of your vehicles came by. We'd wanted to say good morning, but were just below you and barely out of your sight.

Posted: May 1, 2013, 7:50 am
by: Brad Young

Yeah, Tricia is one heck of a hiker. My older daughter is too, but she couldn't afford a week off school to join us.

Toejam, I was serious in the note I left for you. I'd like to try to get down there and join some of the volunteer trail efforts. Even if I got down there once every year or so, every little bit helps. and who knows, I've got at least two strong climbing friends that might be up for a new public service adventure.

Could you post up or P.M. me about how to join your group of volunteers?

Posted: April 30, 2013, 9:10 pm
by: toejam

I was worried about you guys - most of the adults I hike with I wouldn't take on that hike. I'm glad you made it o.k. Tricia is a hardy little adventurer.

Someday soon somebody will get serious about clearing that trail. It's just so remote.

Posted: April 29, 2013, 10:59 pm
by: Brad Young

My 11 year old daughter and I just hiked this section of trail on April 25th as part of a loop from Nira, out to and up the Sisquoc and around.

From Windy Gap the trail is in mostly good condition until the start of the drop down to "Rattlesnake Saddle." The switchbacks and the trail down to this saddle are in poor to bad shape. Climbing back out, west-bound, is horrific right where Conant's map shows. Here's a photo of Tricia taken at a relatively open part of that section (as she fights through heavy, thick brush):



From that point to Mission Pine Basin, the trail is in OK shape.

Then, from Mission Pine Basin to Mission PIne Spring the trail tread in in fairly good shape, but, as expected, there are large numbers of burned/blown down trees that require walk arounds or climb overs. Here's Tricia on one of these:



The trail from there to San Rafael Peak is in great shape.

Posted: March 28, 2013, 12:37 pm
by: toejam

Thanks so much for posting the pictures - it is as bad as I feared. Hopefully some of us get a chance to do a little work on that rough section soon.

Posted: March 28, 2013, 9:50 am
by: dlliteras

It appears I screwed up that link. That's what I get for trying to be fancy. One more try.

Album and Comments

Posted: March 28, 2013, 9:45 am
by: dlliteras

Just hiked this trail as part of a large loop hike. I took more pictures then usual for a couple that wanted some info after hearing a bad trip report. Most of the details are contained in the photo album, but to sum it up trail was in pretty good shape except for about a 1 mile stretch that was in terrible shape, located about in the area that Conant's map indicates. Water along trail in the Basin, but not much and little of it looks appetizing. Great water along trail near Mission Pine Springs and at the campground.

Album and further comments

Posted: December 29, 2012, 6:30 pm
by: TheBeeman

I hiked this section of trail (AKA "The High Route" between McKinley Saddle and Mission Pine Basin Camp (MPB) in November as part of a five trail loop. Since there is no water at MPB at this time of the year, we stocked up with water at the Mission Pine Springs (MPS).

A big thanks to Mike Smith and his group for clearing the large number of downed trees in the coulter pine section. We made a dry camp at MPB. The Zaca fire has destroyed the pines at this camp and created a shadless campsite except for one living pine.

Photos posted here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/2012FiveTrailLoop?n oredirect=1

Happy Trails!

Posted: May 15, 2012, 10:52 am
by: Cowboy Clark

7 horsemen and 15 head of stock went from Big Pine to Mission Pine Basin in early May along this beautiful trail. It had been nearly 20 years since I had been on this particular stretch of heaven and the views do not disappoint.
From the Buckhorn on Big Pine past Windy Gap, the trail is in fine shape and easy to follow. It starts to get a little brushy after that and then after the Rattlesnake canyon switchbacks, we ran into a thick wall of brush... no trail at all. We started looking for the 'old cuts' on the brush and were able to make our way through about 100 yards of tangled mess until it lightened up. There were 2 more stretches like that, which we cut back enough to push through with our pack animals. Then there was a small section of trail that had slid out, which we fixed with Pulaski and shovel - though I can't guarantee it will hold up with no support. I imagine that hikers can scramble across where a horse can not. After that the trail got easy again right into Mission Pine Basin - which had plenty of water and grass.
I highly recommend this trail - tons of bear and lion sign all over it!

Posted: October 17, 2011, 7:46 am
by: toejam

Lots of fallen trees just west of Mission Pine Basin make the going rough there. Between MPB and West Big Pine Mtn. is the real challenge. The trail follows an arid ridge with thick chaparral. The route is easy to lose in several places. You've got to roll down your sleeves and push through the brush.



When you get to the saddle at the top of Rattlesnake Canyon, the climb up West Big Pine has been recently lopped and flagged.

If you hike this, bring flagging tape and leave some more markers.

Posted: May 17, 2009, 10:41 pm
by: Bryan

3/28/09

Hiked from Mono TH up and over to Indian Creek. Trail is okay to Ogilvy, then gets worse once in the burn zone. You can see the tread but expect to walk through brush and grasses while following the bits and pieces that are left. Look for cairns and flags.

The old camp at Upper Mono was washed away, its gone. But there is a new and improved camp (IMO) just on the other side of the Loma Pelona drainage about 100' above Mono Creek.

From Upper Mono Camp to Indian is more of the same. Washouts, some tread, lots of overgrowth, downed trees - essentially not much of a trail. But if you've gone this far you'll know what to expect - lots of time looking for the trail, some time just walking not knowing where the trail is, and some time hopefully improving what you think is the trail.

I would expect the same on the junction to the Tin Shack. No sign whatsoever of the Caracole Trail.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:21 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: January 2, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

1 January 2005 hike from Sunset Valley to White Rock Trail. Thank you for the recent great trail work. Is there a story about the large trash area above the last stream crossing?

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:34 am
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: December 31, 2007, 12:54 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Perkins Road is still gated closed south of the Burger Barn in New Cuyama. The old parking area for Rocky Ridge Trail and Newsome Trail south of gas processing Plant 10 is now signed private property, no parking.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:22 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: December 31, 2007, 1:03 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Perkins Road is still gated closed south of the Burger Barn in New Cuyama. The old parking area for Rocky Ridge Trail and Newsome Trail south of gas processing Plant 10 is now signed private property, no parking.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:22 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:38 pm
by: george

This is a pleasant up-and-down hike along a little used ridgetop jeep trail. I hiked it 2 months ago after finding access from the west. I heard motorcycles as I hiked from its west end Forest boundary east over to the Bear Canyon trail, but I never saw any the entire day. Looped around the somewhat overgrown Bear canyon trails and returned to my car via this trail. A long day, actually, but I enjoyed it.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:24 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: July 20, 2011, 11:01 am
by: terediaz

Sadly, I tried to access the Camuesa Road by car from Upper Oso and its closed to all vehicles except recreational ones. Call the National Forest Rangers first.

Posted: June 14, 2010, 4:31 pm
by: Bryan

Buckhorn Road was graded and cleared this week from Upper Oso to Santa Barbara Potrero.

Posted: March 28, 2006, 8:01 pm
by: Bryan

Its a fire road. Steep and long. But the views are spectacular. Snow covering the road on 3/26/06

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:24 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:25 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:26 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: February 21, 2006, 2:58 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

We hiked to the Nature Trail area on 19 February 2006. The gate off of Figueroa Mountain Road to Pino Alto and Figueroa Peak was closed; probably due to the recent snow; about 6” on and near Figueroa Peak. An Adventure Pass was required for camping at Figueroa Camp; no water. The outer gate post / concrete footing had been pulled free to open the gate just west of Ranger Peak on Figueroa Mountain Road.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:26 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 6, 2013, 10:49 am
by: TrailJunky

Hiked this trail to the Hurricane Deck and overall it's in great shape! The bush poppies are starting to pop and some of the smaller wildflowers are starting to show. Should be great hiking until it gets too hot!

Posted: February 16, 2013, 7:20 pm
by: kirby805

Took a quick hike from Manzana Trail, up Potrero Trail to Hurricane Deck today. Perfect weather. The trail is in good condition, overall. I saw evidence of fairly recent trimming, but there are still a few spots towards the top that could use some work. Saw a boy scout troop of about 15 at the cave as I was heading out at noon.

The hike was great, but I found a tick in me when I got home. Still worth it! Pics at the link (none of the tick):

http://imgur.com/a/JRdfR#0

@SiteAdmin: The link to this trail on the side bar reads "Potrero," but the heading on the trail description page itself reads "Portrero." Just a heads up.

Posted: April 25, 2012, 10:13 am
by: kfox527

Yesterday I went from the School House to Nira via the Hurricane deck and potrero trails.

Potrero is in good shape. No washouts or other issues. Could use a little brushing.

If you want to check out this section of trail go for it now. The grass is green and the flowers are out.

Posted: November 16, 2011, 12:20 pm
by: carp_nb

Hiked up the Potrero Trail for a quick 1/2 day hike over the weekend. Manzana and Potrero trails are in excellent shape.

Some kind folks have created a log bridge across the Manzana at the Potrero Camp crossing, so no wet feet required at the moment.

No running water in any of the creeklets coming off the Deck at the moment. Just a little standing water in the some of the deeper depressions (tenajas) in the sandstone formations.

Lots of trash and evidence of use at some of the "secret" camps off the trail up near the Deck. If you pack it in, pack it out. Don't desecrate these special areas with your garbage. Despicable.

Posted: June 30, 2011, 6:01 pm
by: shoefly4

Just hiked the poterero trail to Hurricane deck. I noticed there has not been any updates recently.

Trail is still in great shape. As you get to the upper meadow, it is over grown but still easy to follow.

Lots of water still in the Potereo camp. Bring plenty of water if you do the climb. Its getting hot this time of year back there.

Awesome views of Castle rock.

Posted: December 31, 2009, 1:22 pm
by: carp_nb

Just hiked Potrero Trail yesterday in the light rain. Perfect temps for the uphill climb towards the deck.

The trail was still in great shape all the way to the meadow near the top... can't say what it was like any farther up since this was our turn-around.

Manzana trail was in excellent shape too. The creek had plenty of water and was looking good.

Posted: January 5, 2009, 11:13 pm
by: Bryan

December 22, 2008

Potrero trail is in great shape, best I've seen it. Thanks go out to the Forest Service for organizing the troops.

Posted: March 31, 2008, 2:37 pm
by: Diane

We hiked the Potrero trail from Hurricane Deck down to Potrero camp. The lower half of Potrero trail is untouched by the fire. The upper half is almost completely devastated with the exception of the Oak meadow which is as pretty as ever. By devastated I mean that the trail where it traverses laterally is scary going and much of the area burned so hot that nothing survived, not even spring flowers. The little reliable water source near the Oak meadow is silted in. No water was available there.

Posted: April 1, 2007, 8:24 pm
by: badoix

Hiked the Potrero trail from the Manzana trailhead to Hurricane deck yesterday. The Potrero trail (from the Potrero back-country camp near the Manzana creek) is completely sun-exposed and there's absolutely no shade except for the little grassy patch just after 3 mi. from the start. So if you must do it on a sunny day - carry lots of water! The trail is quite overgrown at several locations, but can still be followed. The end-point is indistinct; the trail joins Hurricane Deck trail at about 4.6 miles, but to get really awesome 360 degree views of the back-country you have to continue past one or two crests to get to an exposed spot on a narrow ridge at around 6 miles. It's a really long day hike, but the wild, remote back-country experience and the oasis-in-the-desert grass meadow (the potrero) halfway there are what make this trail worth it. We saw a couple of rattlesnakes (one gave a loud rattle every time we went past it) and deer near Davy Brown campground on the return. I'd have liked to spend some more time on the meadow exploring the caves nearby but we couldn't.

Posted: November 26, 2006, 2:04 pm
by: BernardMines

Yesterday we, some of the Wednesday night crowd, hiked the Potrero trail in the backcountry. This is one of those kind of locals only trails. Its on the map but only a few intrepid hikers ever go on it. Just a quarter mile before you hit Nira camp there is a turn off parking area. This is where you'd park if you were going to hike down to the Manzana School house. So you hike down the Manzana trail about a mile until you reach Potrero Camp. If you continue down the river you'd reach Manzana School house in 5 miles or so. There is also the Hurricane Deck trail that runs parallel to the Manzana Trail but due north a couple miles. Hurricane Deck is this mountain range that lies between the Sisqoc River and the Manzana River. The Hurricane Deck trail runs for about 20 miles or so, along the ridge of hurricane deck. The ridgeline is at an elevation of 4-5000 feet, and the rivers are closer to 1000, so it is a fairly high mountain. This is one of those stunningly beautiful areas. One can access Hurricane Deck from several points. The Hidden Valley trail is one of them. The Potrero trail is another one of the access points.



From the Manzana river the trail rises steeply up the flank of a tributary creek. The trail eventually rises up to a ridge line and follows the ridge on up with a gain of about 3000 feet or so over about 3 miles, to eventually hit the top of the deck. We are not going quite that far. Instead we are heading to the rocks that are maybe 4-5ths of the way there.



The landscape is sort of hard to define. In general it has this sort of sun blasted Southern California look. By the creek are pines and small meadows intermixed with arctostpholis and chemise. Medusa grass seems to grow right along the trail. You have to watch your fingers or it will pierce the skin and the needle thin thorn will break off. As you rise up above the river the landscape turns into the sort of standard chaparral scrub. So you hike steeply up this trail, eventually you reach a few interesting large rocks near the top.



There is a sort of hidden meadow up here and oak trees. This is I think a continuation of the same strata of rock that forms Castle rock and the Condor Caves, only about 6 miles or so due West. And like the Condor Caves there are a few well known Chumash cave paintings out here.


So as we reach the meadow area the trail descends slightly and the area changes from that sort of sun blasted chaparral to a more sun dappled meadow with oaks and rocks. We go maybe 100 yards further before we have to hit a sort of hidden trail. Look sharp to your right. The hidden trail runs along this small dry drainage. You can look out a half-mile or so and see all these large rocks. The largest are the size of a small house. Watch the trail it goes up and down. It’s easy to get a little lost as the trail crosses several drainages, and the trail is also sort of overgrown. The first drainage crossing had us a little lost, as I followed the drainage down to what could not possibly be the correct way, it took us merely a minute or so before I turned around and headed back up the creek. The trail in fact crosses back over the creek but its sort of hard to spot. There are several small drainages that we cross as the trail meanders towards the rocks. Our real destination is not yet visible from the trail. We come over another low rise and from there you can see where we are going its a large flatish rock about 20 feet high or so and about the size of a large house. You know you're at the right place when you see the metal log box on a pole. So we have our lunch in the mouth of a small cave on this large rock. There are numerous caves to explore. Some of the best are little tiny caves.


I think Steve was a bit pleasantly surprised at our destination. Steve wanted to go to the backcountry and having not done too much hiking back here is more liable to choose a destination based on the images conjured up by the name. liked the lilt of the sound of "Fish Camp" on his lips. Having been there I find this camp site maybe one of the least desirable places to camp. (I remember one time a boy scout, wishing me an unenthusiastic good luck crossing the creek there are fish camp, this sort of heavy overloaded pack, like unenthusiasm will always remind me of fish camp) The caves are in fact where I wanted to go, but I sort of had to convince Steve that it was worth seeing. Steve sort of reluctantly agreed. But was more than pleasently surprised at the destination.

At about 3:15 or so we started back. The hike down was very peaceful and quiet. The bright sunlight losing some of its intensity, and the chill sort of nipping in the air as the shadows started to grow. We make it to Potrero camp at the intersection of the Potrero trail and the Manzana trail at about 4:40. The sunlight is rapidly fading, so I wish the rest of the crew a pleasant evening, they are camping but I've got dogs to feed and walk at home so I can not spend the night out here.



The walk along the trail above the river is just exactly perfect. As is very often the case when I walk this way I feel like my soul has been cleansed and I feel happy, alive and centered. I make it to the trailhead at exactly 5:04pm. This is perfect timing as the sun has already fallen behind the hills and it is dusk.



The drive back takes only an hour and ten minutes. The dogs are joyous at my return. I prepare a dinner of roast chicken with onions, mashed potatoes and corn. I have a couple beers, walk the dogs and eat an enjoyable dinner all by myself in the house. The smells of the roasting onions, and chicken combined with the chilly temperatures outside make it seem particularly cozy. I think of the boys out there at Potrero camp rolling around on the hard ground in their sleeping bags for warmth as I sit on the couch eating a delicious dinner, the dogs unsuccessfully begging at my feet. But I know too that if I was out there none of it would seem like hardship. Instead the challange to find comfort would seem like adventure. And the morning coffee out in the wilderness, even if its instant, is better then the best blue Mt. beans in town. As you sit warming youselves in the morning sunlight.

Posted: November 12, 2009, 8:37 pm
by: Diane

Went on a work trip with Bryan to clear the Don Victor trail. We headed in from the road from Potrero Seco. The trail is indistinct at the south end. There is orange tape to show you the way. Once you get going, the trail appears and is very clear up to a junction with two canyons. We added ducks and tape to try to make it clear you head up the left canyon.

After this the trail follows the creek. Sometimes the trail is easy to find above the creek and sometimes the trail is not visible and it's easier to walk in the creek. We added orange tape and cut the brush to make it easier to find the trail.

We were only able to get about 4 miles up the canyon before we ran out of daylight. Hopefully we can work the upper portion of this trail. Some people working on the Condor Trail are hoping the Don Victor trail can serve as one of the connectors.

Posted: March 20, 2007, 3:27 pm
by: Duane

Helped Ray Ford's group clear out the first third of a mile or so from an intersection (the one a half mile from Madulce) to the point where the trail disappears down into a canyon. I think they were planning on doing some more work in the area, but I'm not 100% sure.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:26 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: December 31, 2007, 12:40 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Perkins Road is still gated closed south of the Burger Barn in New Cuyama. The old parking area for Rocky Ridge Trail and Newsome Trail south of gas processing Plant 10 is now signed private property, no parking.

Posted: March 18, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

Rocky Ridge trail still in pretty good shape. A small waterfall running off painted rock. Lion Canyon stream flowing. Called F.S. proposed connection is dead at the moment, ,not enough demand I guess.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:40 am
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:28 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:28 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: May 15, 2012, 11:12 am
by: Cowboy Clark

6 horsemen and 12 head of stock went from Willow TH to Madulce in early May up this beautiful trail. The first half of it was fairly clear - a couple of downed trees, but easy enough to get around. But the farther upstream we went, it got very brushy and full of thorns in some spots. Heartbreak Hill has one section that has erosion problems, but someone has cut a way around it. Once you crest the top, the trail is nice and easy into Madulce. Lots of water the whole way and a ton at the old cabin site.

Posted: December 1, 2011, 1:27 pm
by: carp_nb

+1. That was a great pairing of stories on the old Maldulce Station. Awesome job both Craig and Eldon. Wish I could've seen it in its early 80s post-remodel/restoration prime!

Posted: December 1, 2011, 10:18 am
by: Cowboy Clark

Wow - great write-ups by both of you! How sad this landmark was lost - at least it lives on in memory.

Posted: November 30, 2011, 10:52 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Just a head's up to a recent flurry of Santa Barbara Canyon/Madulce-related web activity.

DH has posted some fine photos at https://picasaweb.google.com/sharingtrippics/LosPadresMadulce1111?feat=content_notification from his recent trip, and the Los Padres Expat and I recently endeavored upon a two-part discussion about Madulce Cabin, which can be viewed at

http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/11/station-to-station-no-1-madulce/

and

http://www.emwalker.net/wordpress/2011/12/01/madulce-station-revisited/

CTW

Posted: August 25, 2011, 10:15 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

As a historical sidenote, check out this gallery recently posted showing Madulce Cabin in all its restored glory. Breaks the heart to know it's not there any longer.

http://www.ewalkerphotography.com/EMW/MadulceStation/18720978_9mzvP8



CTW

Posted: February 26, 2011, 4:07 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer hike in earlier this month (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=847), ZK and I returned to Santa Barbara Canyon.

I don't know if anybody's been up there clearing trail, but it did feel a bit clearer than last time. But a LOT more water, and wet feet were had pretty early on. Heartbreak Hill was an easier climb this time around because it wasn't so mucky.

Great trip.



CTW

Posted: November 22, 2010, 3:05 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

We did the Santa Barbara Canyon trail to Madulce this past weekend (Sat/Sun Nov 20/21, 2010). We got off to a late start and it was an afternoon hike in from Willow Flat. Trail's in great shape from Willow to about mile 3 or so (a few deadfalls, but nothing impassable), and then starts to become a bit overgrown ... the stretch from Chokecherry Canyon to the turn out of Santa Barbara Canyon is hemmed in with willow, rose, coffee berry and others, but not as bad or blood-letting as it could have been (e.g., Upper Rancho Nuevo last year).



Once heading up the side canyon, there are a few spots where the trail is failing, one spot especially at a bend in the creek where you've just about a foot's width left, and even that's beginning to be a maybe. Lots of water bottles and other debris in the streambed directly below, which indicates to me a few people have taken a spill here (we almost did as well).

The ascent of "Heartbreak Hill" was very, very slow. It had rained the night before, and everything was a mess. We followed the flagging and switchbacks along the lower portion as best we could, but afterward (as previous posts have mentioned) there is absolutely no point. Some of the flagging we saw was so far off the rut and in such thick brush we were half-convinced somebody helicoptered over there just to mess with us.

We got to Madulce Camp just as the sun was setting and the temperature took a drastic plunge. Everything was soaked, the site was very muddy, and so we set up camp, got in our bags, and started the stoves. A few hours later it sounded like a freight train was coming in over the ridge, and the wind and ice kept us in our tents for nearly 12 hours. There was some genuine concern the tents might not survive the night, it was so strong. Finally around 0600 the wind let off, and we got out to poke around. While the storm had only left ~4 inches of snow, everything was coated in a beautiful wind-blast of rime. We had perhaps 10 minutes of sun before it started again, and so we bundled back into our bags to catch up on the sleep we didn't get all night. Finally around 0900 the sun broke out, and things stayed clear enough for us to put the kettles on again.

We headed out the same way through the snow (Heartbreak Hill now was a bit of a glissade/skirun). The snow petered out at about 4250', and was thawing quickly. A great weekend out; all the gear is on the line drying and the dog's still asleep.

Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157625448417318/

Posted: April 26, 2010, 8:07 am
by: toejam

This trail is currently doable, but will need some attention before the summer is over. Lots of brush on the upper half. The last steep mile before the top has had someone make an attempt at re-routing. The proposed route tries to maintain an ADA grade and switches back nonsensically all over the mountain. It's too frustrating to follow and will be unmaintainable when the brush starts growing in earnest. The ditch in the old road bed is still the way to go.

Posted: March 20, 2007, 3:38 pm
by: Duane

I went out with Ray Ford's group and helped clear the trail up to the base of the hill. The trail is in much better shape up to that point. We did a little work on the hill portion, and I believe more was done for that portion after I left.

Posted: March 19, 2007, 10:47 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked Santa Barbara Canyon the weekend of March 6, 2007. The trail was slightly overgrown but really not that bad, I expected worse. There is some brush and it gets worse the further up the trail you go. Starting at Chokecherry Canyon the trail begins to deteriorate until you reach the Half Mile of Hell, at which point the trail gets more overgrown with the at times waste deep ruts. Waterbars sure would be nice. The trail stays brushy until you drop down to the old guard station. There was not much water in the creek but a lot of snow. 2007 is shaping up to be one of the driest years - the spring was not looking too appetizing either.

I heard a rumor that a group was going to clear this trail by late March 2007 so it most likely will be in better shape now than it was 2 weeks ago.

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:38 pm
by: george

This is a pleasant up-and-down hike along a little used ridgetop jeep trail. I hiked it 2 months ago after finding access from the west. I heard motorcycles as I hiked from its west end Forest boundary east over to the Bear Canyon trail, but I never saw any the entire day. Looped around the somewhat overgrown Bear canyon trails and returned to my car via this trail. A long day, actually, but I enjoyed it.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:24 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: January 15, 2008, 1:58 am
by: Bryan

September Update

The jeepway route to Santa Cruz station was drivable. Once the trails reopen in early summer this may be the only passable option for hiking into Santa Cruz Station as the trail down from Little Pine has endured serious damage.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:29 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:30 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: October 20, 2011, 10:12 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

and, finally, Part 3: http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/08/the-2011-potreros-tour-part-iii/

Posted: July 28, 2011, 9:03 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Two slightly more descriptive posts over at my site chronicling our traverse of the Sierra Madre:

http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/07/the-2011-potreros-tour-part-i/

and

http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/07/the-2011-potreros-tour-part-ii/

CTW

Posted: July 14, 2011, 2:40 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

Drove the Sierra Madre Road from 166 to the McPherson Corral this past Sunday (7/10/2011). Rutted and rocky in spots; 4WD not necessary but higher clearance than a passenger vehicle recommended. Poodle dog bush in *full* bloom.



Hiked from McPherson Corral out to Santa Barbara Cyn; hot but a great traverse of the range. Water at McPherson No. 1 Spring and Oak Spring good; Pine Corral barely a trickle. All befouled by cow sh*t, so pre-filter thoroughly before filtering.

Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157627191658806/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/50184896@N00/sets/72157627187123876/with/5934117127/

CTW

Posted: April 10, 2006, 11:31 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Drove the Sierra Madre Road to McPherson Peak on 1 April 2006. Low clearance - two wheel drive vehicle made it. Some small rocks needed to be moved off of the road The hike on the dirt road to Painted Rock Camp was easy.

Posted: November 10, 2005, 12:02 am
by: woodman40

The first part up from Hwy 166 is ok until you are past Miranda Pine on to about Timber Peak. Rutted but not bad. After that it is 4WD, low range rock crawling because there is no road surface left.It's 4WD becuse you need to pull the front wheels up one rock and down another. If you just have to get into McPhearson Peak come in by way of Bates Canyon past the old White Oak Ranger Station. Make sure the USFS gate is open above Bates Camp.

Do not apptempt this road past say Miranda Pine with anything other than a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Anybody planning a trip that includes a pick up at McPhearson should just plan to go on through to Aliso Park for pickup.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:31 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: March 29, 2013, 10:01 am
by: dlliteras

I traveled through this section of trail on my big loop hike this past week. It is one of two sections of trail that stand out as needing the most work (the other was a section of the Mission Pine Trail, I've already posted my comments on that one). My experience was pretty similar to the last poster.

The trail (coming from the schoolhouse) was pretty good up until the river crossing right before Water Canyon. Trail got worse from there, and I'd estimate that I spent around 80% of my time on trail and making good progress between Mormon and Sycamore. My time off trail was variable, it went from fast and easy plodding up grassy valleys to crashing through brush and falling down river banks. Granted, some of that was likely my fault; more then once I was trudging along only to stumble upon a really nice, established section of trail. Like the last poster, I also found where the trail passed through the river and its floodplain to be the worst. Cairns and flagging were sometimes helpful, sometimes not. Past Sycamore the trail improves significantly, although it does get thin along some of the steeper sections. After Sweetwater Trail conditions are awesome.

Definitely a cool stretch of the river; rich in beauty, wildlife, and history. Worth exploring. Pictures from this section. Not much in the way of trail conditions.

Posted: April 2, 2012, 8:52 am
by: CJDGO

My group of six (all experienced backpackers in good shape, 30s-50s) navigated the stretch from Water Canyon to Sycamore in about nine hours on March 30, as part of a four-day clockwise loop from NIRA with camps at Water Canyon, Sycamore and Manzana Camp. I think we were on the trail about 95% of the time, but without the helpful flagging and cairns, we would have been lucky to claim 50%. We would invariably lose the trail at every crossing (there are exactly 50 between Water and Sycamore), but with the team's sharp eyes, someone was usually able to spot a ribbon or cairn or stretch of trail in the distance. Though faint, the tread was surprisingly clear; only for about a 1/4 mile section just east of Abel Camp was there any deadfall to speak of. The stretch between Abel and Cliff was definitely the worst, but by persevering, bushwhacking and creek-walking where necessary -- always plodding up-canyon -- it really wasn't all that bad. We didn't even really have to glance at a map or GPS. As for the camps, which were all easily stumbled upon:

WATER CANYON: nice, lightly-used camp under a sentinel oak. Handy workspace table.

LORNA: What a lovely surprise! The best camp on the loop, evidently lovingly maintained, with a beautiful table and stone hearth.

MORMON: lightly used, on an exposed, slightly sloping bench overlooking a bend in the river with a big beaver dam. (The beaver had felled a rather large cottonwood recently).

MILLER CANYON BASE: grassy, shady and flat, under large oaks, with a series of makeshift benches, but no table.

ABEL CANYON: shady, amid brushy oaks, with a badly decaying picnic table. A pleasant rest stop. Probably used rarely.

CLIFF: gorgeous views of a Grand Canyon-like cliff towering above and a wildflower-filled meadow. No table. Probably used rarely, which is a shame.

We had Water Canyon and Sycamore camps to ourselves, and we passed only one other party, coincidentally making the same loop in the counter-clockwise direction, which was fortuitous, given how deprived of peace and quiet we were on our last night through the jam-packed Manzana Creek camps, which were all full thanks to Spring Break. It's rather a shame this beautiful trail doesn't get more attention, but it's still definitely only for strong, well-prepared hikers. Opportunities for turned ankles abound.

Posted: October 17, 2011, 8:07 am
by: toejam

This trail is in good shape where ever it stays out of the river bed. Unfortunately it crosses the river every couple hundred yards. I lost the trail at most river crossings, then after a little while I'd find it again. At several places there are parallel routes created by boneheads like me. The persistent growth at the waters edge and high water in the rainy season are going to keep it that way.

As mentioned before, Sycamore to Water Canyon is a good, long day. Actually, neither I nor the the other guy on the trail made it that far - he stopped near Miller Canyon and I stopped at the Lorna camp a mile before Water Canyon.

Water was flowing in the river until very close to Manzana Schoolhouse.

Posted: April 5, 2009, 5:31 pm
by: Diane

I think you may have gotten off the trail a bit, Duane. I just hiked that area and the trail from South Fork to Cliff was mostly in great shape.

The trail leaves the water past the first creek crossing after you pass the sign at South Fork. It goes up high and has been freshly worked. When it drops low to the water it's obscure again, but mostly it's easy enough to follow most of the way to Sycamore.

If you are diligent, you may be able to find where the trail goes up high again below Cain, the prominent red montain. Along this section the trail has been freshly worked and is spectacular. Then it drops down again and from then on, it's pretty bad until you can find your way up to the mesa just before Manzana.

We followed blue tape and huge ducks at first. Duckman soon fell down on the job and blue tape man pretty much gave up before Cliff camp. Then there was nothing. It's especially bad around Abel and beyond. We put up some orange tape after Abel, but we may have put some bad markers up in a couple of spots.

Posted: April 1, 2009, 1:52 pm
by: Duane

Hiked the Sisquoc Loop this past weekend (Saturday, 03/28/2009 through Tuesday, 03/31/2009). Trail bed from South Fork to Sycamore is overgrown, but followable if you pay attention. There are two washouts above the river; be very careful. I had no problem navigating them, but it would be difficult to get stock up and over them.

The trail bed is almost nonexistent from Sycamore to Water Camps. There were some ducks and flags, and occasional human footprints, to lead the way, but very little in actual trail. I found that the best way to navigate this section was to make my way to the flattest surface I could find and walk as far as I was able to.

A big thank you, by the way, to those who ducked and flagged the trail. Trail conditions were far worse than I expected, and I was expecting difficult conditions.

Expect to take a full day to hike from Sycamore to Water.

There is a maintained, mile long upper trail near Abel (or Cliff) camp on the left hand side of the river. It was a nice break.

Posted: May 9, 2007, 11:35 am
by: Duane

I cut and pasted the below update from the Manzana section. It was written by dgoodner, not me. I meant to enter that in the last entry. Credit where credit is due!!

Posted: May 9, 2007, 11:27 am
by: Duane

Hiked east out of Nira last weekend (April 28th) headed for west Nira the long way around.

First couple days it was very hot, and of course that figures as we had the heaviest packs. Fortunately it cooled off over the next few days, and we hiked in the early morning hours.

Water was plentiful along the Manzana Creek.

There was water at Happy Hunting -- won’t last long though.
White Ledge also had water, as you might expect if Happy Hunting had it.

Water was good at Lonnie Davis, as well as South Fork. Not as high as I would like to see it this time of year, but plenty to drink and cook.

Water was present all along the Sisquoc, but I suspect that this will be a short-lived water year at the lower ends of the river.

Water was also good all along the Sisquoc until about a mile and half before Schoolhouse. Again, day by day, I expect the river will recede.

Water was also present at the east entrance of Schoolhouse on the Manzana creek.

Ticks weren’t to bad -- I’ve seen so much worst.

Lots of beaver activity. Actually sat an watched a beaver do its thing one afternoon. Pretty awesome.

One note: the trail is washed out somewhere near Forester’s Leap. Headed west (out of South Fork) it is treacherous... but we made it. Coming the other way, it would be much more difficult. It may not even be doable. I suggest taking the river through this portion of the trail.

Second note: trail is negligible between Miller and Sycamore. (Nothing new.) Although we made a dent in the thickets, and tried to replace ducks as we went.

Third note: Wizard cave painting seems to be showing its age. It wasn’t due to vandalism -- thankfully -- it’s just been ravaged by the elements.

We have such a spectacular refuge here in the San Rafael and Dick Smith, and I wish I could get out there more often for longer periods.

Posted: August 21, 2006, 2:22 pm
by: Adam

We used this trail as part of the Manzana-Sisquoc-Manzana loop. For the first couple miles, it is easy to follow, but is soon lost. We ended up just following near the river until we regained it at Water Canyon. The trail then disappeared again sometime after Mormon Camp. This basic pattern continued all the way to Sycamore. Over half the time, we weren't on the trail at all. The rest of the time, we weren't really sure that we were on it, because it wasn't really that much better than most of the game trails. One good thing is that the camps were all pretty easy to find, being near the river. It was very remote and we only saw two other people the whole time we were back there. It took us two days to cover the ~14 miles to Sycamore from Schoolhouse, mainly because of losing the trail and having to bushwhack through parts around a bend near the middle (took us 2 hours to go a mile and a half). It turns out there's a good reason for all this: this part of the wilderness is actually closed right now. People have cut up/taken down signs, but on our way out, a ranger told us that because of fires, it has been closed since July. It might have been easier to hike the opposite direction, since it seemed like the cairns were strategically placed for coming from the other direction. They didn't do us much good, though.
In any case, it was beautiful and remote and a good challenging hike. Bring maps, and check for ticks frequently.

Posted: April 10, 2006, 11:04 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Backpacked from Sycamore Camp to School House during 3 – 9 April 2006. Much hill climbing to get around fast / high Sisquoc River crossings. After two days and nights of rain, the River was brown with silt for two days and it dropped about one foot per day during the rest of our trip. Many ducks and Willow ribbons to help find the trail a lot of the way.

Posted: April 6, 2005, 10:40 pm
by: Anonymous

Hiked from the Schoolhouse downstream to a bit beyond Horse Canyon in mid-March. The trail does not exist for the first .75 miles or so, and the Sisquoc was running impressively high with long,fast moving, knee-deep crossings required. We camped on the beach on an island not to far from Horse.
The trail up Horse is not too hard to follow. It's a lovely canyon with some spectacular meadows a mile or so up full of goldfields. It had a fine flow of water as well. It would be interesting to follow the Sisquoc all the way down to Tepusquet road. I wonder if it would be legal?

Posted: April 30, 2013, 9:18 pm
by: toejam

The upper few miles of this trail were worked last week. We took care of things that had been problems since the Zaca Fire. It is a wilderness freeway.

Posted: April 29, 2013, 10:46 pm
by: Brad Young

My daughter and I hiked this going up river on April 23rd. As we were finishing the last quarter mile from Heath Camp to Lower Bear Camp we encountered a volunteer trail crew (several of whom post on this site).

They were doing absolutely stellar work. The section of trail they had finished as of the time we passed through (that above Upper Bear Camp) was in excellent, A+ condition.

Thanks again volunteers.

Posted: December 29, 2012, 6:08 pm
by: TheBeeman

Hiked this section of trail between Mansfield Camp and SouthFork Station in November as part of a five trail loop. Recent work by the CCCs has created a high standard wilderness trail with erosion control structures and river crossings. Still plenty of water in the river.

Photos posted here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/2012FiveTrailLoop?n oredirect=1

Happy Trails!
_________________

Posted: November 27, 2012, 6:22 am
by: toejam

The trail is in even better shape this year. Get out there and enjoy!

Posted: October 17, 2011, 7:33 am
by: toejam

The trail along the upper Sisquoc is currently in good - great shape with just a few issues. Grassy areas are well-trodden between the bear camps. The switchbacks by the waterfalls are loose but obvious. A couple of nasty blowdown areas below the falls must be negotiated, but you should find the trail on the other side. You have to push through the weeds in places high in the canyon, but you can hike from the last river crossing 1.5 miles above Heath to South Fork in shorts.

Posted: April 21, 2011, 8:46 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Sounds like a great trip; any photos? Hoping to get back up to Painted Rock in the next few months or so.

CTW

CJDGO wrote:

Did a 3-night semiloop from Aliso Park (Sycamore-Cottonwood-Painted Rock) 04/14-04-17. River crossings were still waist-high but manageable. Occasionally tricky route-finding between South Fork and Mansfield, but much of the trail had been well flagged recently.

Posted: April 21, 2011, 8:30 pm
by: CJDGO

Did a 3-night semiloop from Aliso Park (Sycamore-Cottonwood-Painted Rock) 04/14-04-17. River crossings were still waist-high but manageable. Occasionally tricky route-finding between South Fork and Mansfield, but much of the trail had been well flagged recently.

Posted: April 3, 2011, 7:41 pm
by: goletasteve

Unsuccessfully attempted to venture down the Sisquoc from Heath to either Southfork (plan A), or Mansfield/Fall Canyon (plan B). Was able to get to Rattlesnake falls, but was unable to navigate the crossing downstream from there. The river was still running way too fast and deep to safely cross, especially with dogs. We were well aware of the storms two weeks before that stranded the boy scouts and couple at Southfork, but figured that water would have runoff enough for a wet excursion. We didn't account for all the snow melting and swelling the river. (And there is a lot of snow on Big Pine, San Rafael, etc.) So we just spent a few mellow days on the upper sisquoc as a consolation prize. The trail is looking good in this middle section.

Posted: February 26, 2011, 4:19 am
by: Cross Tie Walker

As part of a longer hike in earlier this month (see http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/community/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=847), dropped into to Upper Bear from Alamar Saddle for the night. Lots of treefall at Upper Bear site proper and the camp around the old stove is pretty grown-in, but still useable.

Trail was in great shape.



CTW

Posted: February 15, 2011, 2:41 am
by: toejam

I was there last weekend and the trail has had maintenance. Not a freeway but it wasn't hard to follow. Lots of wet crossings between Mansfield & South Fork.

Posted: April 12, 2011, 4:00 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the Snyder Trail from Paradise Rd up to the power lines last week (Monday, 4/4/2011) with the posse and one of the pack. Trail's in great shape, only one tick found, and a few flowers beginning to pop. Great day.



CTW

Posted: November 24, 2010, 7:19 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the Snyder Trail from Santa Ynez up-and-back yesterday (Tues, 11/23/2010). Weather was great with just a few drizzles; trail/road is in fine shape (aside from some clowns from the fat tire community cutting across the route and tearing up the curves).



As has been reported, there is some work being done up at Knapp's Castle, but nothing preventing hikers from visitors. There was a phone number posted for information with regard to the property, and it's a movie location/location scouting company. So I suspect the day laborers who were clearing some brush and doing some refitting on the chimney are there preparing the site for a film set. (Conjecture at this point.)

A few photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/umotamba/sets/72157625457569628/

Posted: November 20, 2010, 3:31 pm
by: lstamatis

Just hiked up Snyder yesterday and when we got to Knapps castle we were surprised to see a no trespassing sign. People are living up there now or renting out the property or something. There is construction on the site and it was sad to see. This used to be my favorite hike because of the reward at the top.

-Leon

Posted: March 19, 2009, 12:24 am
by: JenPB

The wildflowers are beginning to pop. Some are already spent. The bay groves are wonderfully cool and the views from the top are as spectacular as ever. The castle could use a cleanup - partiers and others have left loads of trash up there. Anyone up for a cleanup effort?

Today, our girls, now ages 6 and 8, and I had a wonderful trek from bottom to top and back again. The girls have each been carried up this trail as infants and toddlers, but this was the first time they tackled the trek under their own power. We took three breaks on the way up, two to watch mountain bikers pass, bells ringing, one just for the shaded rest and a snack.

It was EASILY 80 degrees today, making for miserable ascents on the sunny slopes where we were protected from the wind. BE SURE TO BRING LOTS OF HYDRATION! Three pairs of mountain bikers came upon us on their way downhill today. All were friendly, polite, slowed (nearly stopped) for us and were having a great time sharing the trail which shows signs of heavy use not ONLY by cyclists, but horses, hikers and at least one bear of considerable size - FANTASTIC tracks today!

FYI - I'm also the JB who posted here July 16, 2005. TIME FLIES!

Posted: January 2, 2009, 7:41 am
by: sue

I did the Snyder trail on New Year's day and was shocked to see the amount of damage to the trail by bikes. I am not against mountain bikes on trails but what I am opposed to are bikers making new trails off of existing trails, creating jumps, and turning banks. This is the worst trail damage I have seen in the past 20 years of hiking.

Posted: December 18, 2005, 3:10 pm
by: Anonymous

This was one of the best-maintained back country trails I've been on. Everything looked fairly freshly groomed. And there were more than a dozen mountain bikers taking advantage of it.
Not much signage, though. You sort of have to know where you're going or just hope you don't wander too far in the wrong direction.

Posted: July 17, 2005, 12:13 am
by: Anonymous

Hiked up this trail from its lower trailhead with my 2 year old and 5 year old. Two year old lasted about 100 feet before she asked to be loaded into the carrier. Five year old HAD to see the "castle," so even after the first (relatively...to a 5-year-old) grueling mile, she was rarin' to go. Trail was in good condition, rutted in some areas, loose rocks and occassional marble-like gravel added to the challenge. The castle is clearly a party place that's getting trashed. LOTS of broken glass, casings, random trash. Too bad.

Posted: March 23, 2005, 8:31 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.

Posted: June 1, 2010, 9:49 am
by: santiar

Tried to hike Sulpher Springs trail from the southern trailhead north to Manzana Schoolhouse on May 10th, 2010. The trail is severely overgrown and nearly impossible to follow unless you are already familiar. The rains of this past winter have also washed three parts of the southern trail out. It is passable, but a bit on the dangerous side with a heavy pack on your back. I had a late start and only made it to the first intersection of the jeep trail. I could not see where the trail continued once reaching the jeep trail. I could have just followed the jeep trail but was nervous with the extra miles and the lack of daylight left. I had no gps and it was my first time hiking that trail. I was very behind schedule with sunlight so I decided to turn around and go back up the hill and try another day....most likely with a machete.

Posted: April 10, 2006, 11:16 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Hiked up Sulphur Spring Trail on 9 April 2006. The Trail has been beautifully cleared and groomed. Thank you to those who worked on the Trail. Flowing water near the trail for most of the bottom three sections.

Posted: April 6, 2005, 10:26 pm
by: Anonymous

We hiked down the trail from Cedros Saddle in mid-March. The frist leg to the road junction is fine, but the trail gets worse and worse as you descend. Very washed out after the 3rd (?) road crossing to the point of being unhikable. The trail had become a flood drainage, and was a deep gully full of tree roots! In fact, we decided it would be easier to hike down the road the rest of the way to Manzana, which it was.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:32 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Posted: February 20, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

Nice, 500' elevation change trail, only 3.1 miles round trip, and not too steep. The middle of the trail has a slide remnant that was a little slippery, but overall the trail was very wide and easy to see, for San Rafael. I'd recommend it.

Posted: January 2, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

1 January 2005 hike from Davy Brown Camp to Sunset Valley. Brush near Munch Creek crossing.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:46 am
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:33 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: December 16, 2007, 7:00 pm
by: BSA Troop 42

Hiked from Bradbury Dam Overlook. Very good trail; leafless Poison Oak stalks are not a problem. Cachuma Burgers still great.

Posted: April 5, 2005, 7:55 am
by: Anonymous

Took a group of 11 through Sweetwater...still nice and clear. Only saw one eagle this time.

Greg and Quynh

Posted: March 6, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

Nice hike, though our GPS marked the hike at 3.25 miles one way. The trail starts at the Cove and winds around the lake inlets among lots of lizards and flowers. Halfway through the hike is Sweetwater campground, a primative camp site. With water in the lake, makes for a pretty 2 hr round trip hike.

- Greg

Posted: February 7, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

A 6 February 2005 hike found the trail in great shape; cleared wide with no Poison Oak problems. The Oak Canyon and Mohawk Mesa Loop Trails are also green and flowered. The Nature Center was a great stop during our hike.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:47 am
by: Diane

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Posted: September 5, 2011, 8:48 am
by: TheBeeman

As part of a VWR trail survey, Rik and I hiked this trail from the Sierra Madre Road to SouthFork Cabin. With no water resources and shade, and hot weather, we planned our hiking time in the early morning.

The trail is in great condition and passable, helped by cows and stock trips to support the CCCs who worked the trail out of SouthFork at the beginning of summer.

There are wonderful views of the north slopes of the Mission Pine Ridge, Hurricane Deck, and Sierra Madre range.

Photos of our trip can be seen at:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112425444439835043013/SweetwaterTrail#

Happy trails.

Posted: June 3, 2010, 12:15 pm
by: Coyote Dave

There is nothing sweet about this trail nor is there any water. Trail should be renamed to the High-Dry Steep Trail. Hiked this trail down from Pine Corral Portrero over Memorial Day Weekend. Tread is in good shape and the views were pretty spectacular. With a heavy pack this trail will do a number on your joints. You couldn't pay me to hike up this trail.

Posted: May 13, 2009, 10:30 am
by: Cowboy Clark

Sweet Water trail is in great shape - we just took horses down it on 4/28/09. good tread, brush is burned out - and the wild flowers were amazing!

Posted: June 2, 2008, 8:51 am
by: Bryan

May 24, 2008

Sweetwater is wide open and ready to be hiked, horsed, or moonwalked. I strongly recommend hiking down this trail only. Its a solid 7miles of uphill along a south facing slope.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:35 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: February 22, 2012, 6:40 pm
by: Cross Tie Walker

Hiked the upper stretch of the Tequepis Trail with my 6-year-old on Sunday. Fantastic conditions, but some OHV riders had just been riding their bikes along the trail (where's a shotgun-toting Ranger when you really want one?), tearing things up.



Lots of the barriers along the ridge line have been pulled down ... I continue to lose respect for the OHV crowd. Sorry clowns, but when/if you lose your rights you'll just have your brethren to blame, and I won't feel a d*mned bit sorry for you.

The vegetation along West Camino Cielo's firebreak has recently been cleared; from Refugio Road all the way to Winchester Gun Club the chippers have been busy!



CTW

Posted: November 19, 2010, 11:16 am
by: shunsick

Here are some photos from the hike.
http://web.me.com/shunsick/Site_2/Tequepis_Trail.html

Posted: July 11, 2010, 8:08 am
by: sbdolphin62

Great trail, great hike! Nice and wide trail very clean. I would recommmend doing it in the early morning lots of trail in sun but there is shady spots too.And once at the top an awesome view both ways! Enjoy the trail I would do it again too!

Posted: June 1, 2009, 12:01 pm
by: water

Trail is open, We went yesterday, no kidding about the uphill hike, but definitely worth every inch. We started late in the afternoon, go a very clear view throughout, but would recommend an earlier start.

Posted: May 26, 2009, 12:45 pm
by: train

does anyone have any idea if this trail is open right now? how can I get there from Santa Ynez. new to the area, and am looking for good back country hiking trails.
thanks,

Train

Posted: July 5, 2008, 8:19 pm
by: eric_h

We were cut short today on this hike. The winds shifted a bit and caused Gap Fire smoke to head up and over the ridge and we turned back at about 1 mile from the top, bummed to not get the view from the top, although views of Cachuma were great.

It's worth noting that not far from the camp, the road bends uphill to the right and goes through a gate, but the trail actually goes left. My wife and I got lost at this point on our first trip up Tequepis last year.

Also, not to scare anyone, but we saw a mama black bear and her little cub today. They were definitely more scared of us than we were of them, but worth noting for sure.

Posted: April 13, 2008, 8:08 pm
by: rar

I found the length, from the parking lot at St V camp, to the moment you can see Goleta from the top of the ridge to actually be 4.1 miles as measured by my GPS. Which would make the total length 8.2 instead of the 6 miles listed. Quite a difficult hike at my fitness level!

Here is a picture of the trail from Google Earth: Tequepis Trail

Posted: October 8, 2007, 12:19 am
by: elisabeth

Trail in great shape (perhaps the best condition of any I've seen in SB); also about two hours up, 1.5 down -- didn't leave enough light to make it out to the car, and if it weren't for a small flashlight, we would have been stranded (saw only one other person as he was hiking out)... it gets very, very dark back there. All in all, a very nice hike, an excellent trail, lovely weather (and plenty of shade), and one lesson learned.

Posted: December 3, 2006, 10:43 pm
by: dsandrs

My first hike in SB. 2:06 on the way up. Trails were clear, weather beautiful, views unbelievable.

1:30 on the way down.

Recommend this trail.

Posted: November 12, 2006, 11:12 pm
by: Anonymous

Hiked this on Nov. 12. There was a pile of wood blocking the trail with an arrow pointing off to the left about .75 miles from the boy scout camp. That is definitely the WRONG WAY. We encountered many trucks and decided to turn around when we were heading very north (trail should go south) and heard weird techno music being blasted from a grove of trees up ahead. All the private property signs kind of gave us a clue too.

So, early on when you reach a junction where there are some rusted metal tanks to your left and some piles of wood and scrap metal on your right, take the right-veering path. Even if the pile of wood with the left-pointing arrow is still there, just step over it. You know you're on the correct trail if it's too small for a car to drive on.

Posted: July 20, 2011, 11:01 am
by: terediaz

Sadly, I tried to access the Camuesa Road by car from Upper Oso and its closed to all vehicles except recreational ones. Call the National Forest Rangers first.

Posted: June 14, 2010, 4:31 pm
by: Bryan

Buckhorn Road was graded and cleared this week from Upper Oso to Santa Barbara Potrero.

Posted: March 28, 2006, 8:01 pm
by: Bryan

Its a fire road. Steep and long. But the views are spectacular. Snow covering the road on 3/26/06

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:24 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:36 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: February 16, 2009, 10:40 am
by: Bryan

The trail takes a hard left turn up about 1/4 mile into the hike. It seems that the trail would continue straight up the creek and there is a "trail" continuing straight, but the real trail goes hard to the left up the canyon wall. I was out there early January 2009 and marked the fork with flags. Once on the correct trail and out of the creek, there is very little chance of getting lost. This trail is slightly overgrown but mostly by small sage bushes. Its a tough climb up to the mine, actually one of the harder pushes for such a short hike. Once at the mine there are multiple caves and holes to check out. BE CAREFUL, a misstep here or there and you're falling a long way from help. I saw more ticks on this trail than anywhere else EVER. No water once away from the creek, don't let the short distance fool you - its a tough hike.

Posted: July 6, 2008, 12:23 pm
by: thornslegacy2001

I don't believe I am an idiot or anything similar, but I for one lost this trail. It started off fine near Wagon Flat camp, and we began the hike excited, to be on such an easy trail. But less than a mile into it, the whole trail just disappeared! *poof!* gone! It is overgrown, by my best guess, or we lost it. But I'm betting overgrown.

I don't want that mine to be lost to civilization for ever, would someone more experienced be willing to check it out?

That'd be cool.

-Nick Skaggs

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:24 pm
by: george

We hiked one hot January day a few years ago. It was in pretty good shape- only a little bit brushy- with a surprising number of ticks. The ridgetop mine was interesting and there were fine views.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:36 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: January 1, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

1 January 2005 hike from Munch Canyon Trail junction to East Pinery. Another great trail with recent trailwork; Thank you. Snow on the north side of San Rafael Mountain.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:50 am
by: Diane

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Posted: July 28, 2006, 1:32 pm
by: Bryan

Hiked Willow Spring on 7/26/06 from the Catway across to Davy Brown, up to Fig Rd then back around to the start. Trail is slowly becoming overgrown again, Mostly with Poison Oak. The trail is very findable BUT the PO is creeping, and in some places is unavoidable. Lots of summer flies, awesome views, and still plenty of water flowing down Davy Brown.

Posted: April 17, 2005, 8:19 am
by: BSA Troop 42

16 April 2005 - First switchback off of Catway Road cuts through the largest flower field. Great cleared trail. Little Poison Oak; eaisily gotten around. Major tree fall on Davy Brown Trail just downstream of the Ranger Monument.

Posted: February 21, 2005, 1:01 am
by: Anonymous

Feb 20, 2005 - Hiked the Willows Springs trail to the connector with Dave Brown Trail. The trail has been cleared and is easy to follow. LOTS of water in the creek at the junction.

Posted: January 24, 2002, 9:51 am
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Please note this trail is not the same as the Willow Spring Trail. This trail is near Davy Brown. Willow Spring (without an 's') trail is near Pine Canyon Ranger Station and Highway 166.

Posted: December 22, 2011, 11:03 am
by: toejam

This trail is getting some use lately, so you shouldn't have trouble following it up to the meadows on top of the mountain. There are some great views from the top and easy hiking along the pipeline. Good water at Willow Spring mid-December.

If you want to continue and follow this trail to Brookshire Camp, you'll be bushwhacking and routefinding, but it's doable. The old trail is very faint. Check USGS topos and satellite images and count the ridges to keep from getting lost.

Posted: April 14, 2007, 4:02 pm
by: george

Oops! I meant go EAST from the shooting area. You'll see a trail from the shooting area heading up the grassy swale. The flagged section begins shortly past the saddle, as the slowly trail contours upwards.

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:21 pm
by: george

This is a lovely trail to hike in late winter and spring. It takes some careful topo study to find the trailhead. You park by a closed shooting range on 166 that is a tiny piece of Forest adjacent to the highway. Heading west to an obvious saddle up a cow trail, you then can begin to find a decent little flagged trail through the fine grasslands and deciduous oak forest, taking you all the way to the top of a high ridge where a big portrero awaits, along with interesting explorations in any of three directions (albeit some on private ranchland). Great views the whole way up this trail. Not too far after Willow Spring itself, the trail disappears down a brushy ridge.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:38 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here or from Bryan's Interactive Backcountry Map.

Please note this trail is not the same as the Willow Springs Trail. The Willow Springs trail is near Davy Brown. This trail is near Pine Canyon Ranger Station and Highway 166.

Posted: April 13, 2007, 9:31 pm
by: george

Some one has recently clipped the first half mile or so of this trail, a section which used to have some heavy ceanothus and manzanita encroaching. It doesn't go up the peak, but it's not too hard to find a good route up the peak along the west ridge or from the northeast side. A worthy objective. The trail continues in quite good shape overall down to Zaca Lake. One can continue west along interesting Zaca Ridge out to Lookout Mountain, but it's a bit challenging at times. With a bit of map study, one can make at least two different pleasant loop hikes out of this trail.

Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:38 pm
by: Diane

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Posted: March 26, 2005, 7:39 pm
by: Diane

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