Manzana Schoolhouse and Dabney Cabin

Manzana Schoolhouse is an old schoolhouse last used around 1901 when there was a community of religious people living in the area. They once farmed along the Sisquoc River but several years of drought caused them to sell their land to the US Forest Service. The schoolhouse has been abandoned since then and ruins of their old homesteads can be found along the Sisquoc River. Dabney Cabin is an old hunting lodge from near the turn of the century and is a county historical landmark. The Manzana Schoolhouse makes a nice backpacking destination. There is a primitive campground there with picnic tables and a privy.

The trail is strenuous only because it is long and involves many river crossings that will get your feet wet. But the trail itself is quite level.

You hike in the San Rafael Wilderness area where the terrain is remote and wild. The vegetation is sparse, but in the creekbed it is riparian and relatively lush and cool. In spring there are many wildflowers.

It is 14 miles round trip to Dabney Cabin.

It is 17 miles round trip to the schoolhouse.

You will need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.

Manzana Narrows/Whiteledge Updates

Update trail conditions

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...