Author: Addison Jerlow

LPFA Working Vacation Season Ain’t Over Yet!

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

That quick, cold storm last weekend really brought out all the green across the forest. It’s GO time!

We make sure to emphasize the VACATION on our Working Vacations! From our recent project on the Alder Creek Trail, photo Dave M.

  MATILIJA WORKING

VACATION, MAY 14 – 18  

Working Vacation Season ain’t over yet! Join LPFA for a 5-day Working Vacation on the North Fork Matilija Trail, May 14 – 18! This beautiful canyon is one of the gems of the Los Padres. Steep rock formations, quality swimming holes and epic views are sure to be had. This is an overnight project and we’d love you to stay the entire time, however our work area is close enough to the trailhead that it’s open to folks who can only join one day as well. Details are still taking shape, but sign up below if you’re interested and we’ll work them out over the coming weeks! 

TO MATILIJA!

  SEE YOU AT WHEELER  

 THIS SATURDAY, MAY 3!  

The annual Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center Open House is this Saturday, May 3rd from 10am to 2pm! Come check out the center, learn about Los Padres happenings and achievements from other LP-minded groups, and grab some raffle tickets for a chance to win gear from REI, Patagonia and other outdoor groups! This is a family-friendly event with a climbing wall and various crafts and games for kids as well. Click the link below for more info on the groups, food and activities coming to Wheeler this Saturday! 

OPEN HOUSE INFO!

When you see this sign, you have arrived!

Lots of sun-soaked views to be had high up in the LP….

   SEASONAL GATES TO

OPEN MAY 1ST!  

The day has finally arrived! Many seasonal closure gates across the forest will be opening on May 1st providing access to much of the Los Padres high country, as well as OHV trails. Backpackers, moto riders and car campers rejoice! Here’s a list of the gates set to open tomorrow. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to INFO@LPForest.org or call your local ranger station! 

Ojai Ranger District

  • Pine Mountain Road 
  • Dough Flat Road
  • Cherry Creek Road 

Mount Pinos Ranger District

  • Santa Barbara Canyon Road 
  • Grade Valley Road 
  • Frazier Mountain Road 
  • All seasonal OHV routes (If entering through Hungry Valley State Park, keep in mind that the state park is only open 8:30am-5pm due to damage from the Post Fire)

The Wheeler Gorge Open House is May 3rd!

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

Hi Friends, 

For over 20 years the Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) has hosted annual Open Houses each spring at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. Our Open Houses are family friendly events where we invite the community to explore the Visitor Center and get an opportunity to learn about our beloved Los Padres National Forest. Local organizations, agencies and forest-friends participate in the Open House by setting up booths to share their achievements and knowledge of the forest. It’s a great chance to learn about the trails, camps, critters, plants and creeks of the Los Padres. The Open Houses are also a lot of fun with games, raffles and events designed to entertain forest lovers of all ages. Located just 15 minutes from Ojai, we welcome you to attend our 2025 Open House from 10am – 2pm on Saturday, May 3rd. 

See you at the Open House! 

LPFA 

 Who Will Be at Wheeler on May 3rd? 

Friends of California Condors Wild and Free – The California Condor is the de facto symbol of the Los Padres Forest. The nonprofit Friends of California Condors Wild and Free promotes the recovery of the California Condor and the preservation of associated ecosystems for present and future generations through education, outreach, research and the support of cooperative stewardship. They’ll be sharing information on their work with condors in the Los Padres and beyond. 

Rumor has it the Wheeler Springs Post Office is almost finished and will making an appearance…

Condor Trail Association – Come talk Condor Trail with none other than the author of the book on the matter, Brian Sarvis! The Condor Trail is a 400 mile route the crosses the Los Padres from Lake Piru at its southeastern tip to Botchers Gap at its northwestern corner. He’ll be sharing information on the route, his experiences hiking it, and answering any questions you have about the trail! 

Upper Ojai Search and Rescue – The Upper Ojai Search Search and Rescue team (OJAISAR), is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed in 1951 to provide the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department with a group of highly trained rescuers for the Ojai Valley. If a rescue call comes in from the Ventura County Los Padres, they are ON IT. They’ll demonstrate gear and techniques and talk Los Padres travel safety and preparedness. 

Ventura Gem & Mineral Society – The Los Padres is known internationally for its interesting and specific geology. The VGMS promotes popular interest in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and related subjects, sponsors and provides means and activities that will result in dissemination of information and knowledge within these subjects. They will be your tour guide to the geologic Los Padres! 

Plus So Much More!

  • Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie will be sharing information on Chumash history and the cultural resources of the region 
  • LPFA reps will be talking trails, camps, and ALL THINGS LOS PADRES 
  • Ultralight Backpacking tips by Gossamer Gear ambassador and LPFA Lite-Hike Coordinator Paul “Beeman” Cronshaw 
  • Luzonica, Birds of the World presenting birds from the Los Padres and beyond 
  • Information on climbing in the Los Padres plus a CLIMBING WALL! 
  • Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours offering Los Padres and Central Coast winery tours! 
  • Young LP Adventurers Activities: crafts, knots, first aid, button making, and games. 
  • BBQ burgers, Mister Softee Ice Cream, and other food and drinks 
  • SMOKEY BEAR and Forest Service staff from the Ojai Ranger District 
  • A raffle featuring donations from REI, Patagonia, LPFA and many other local business and outdoor vendors to get you outfitted for your next LP adventure!  

Make a day of it and head up the 33 for a hike before or after the Open House! Views of the Sespe High Country, not far from Wheeler Gorge….

Los Padres Trail Updates, Volunteering and Forest 411

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

Anyone else taking advantage of these unseasonably warm and clear February days? From Arroyo Quemado Trail….

  • This past weekend LPFA volunteers led our 3rd project on the beloved Gene Marshall – Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail in the last year. We’ve been working up from Piedra Blanca Camp clearing the steep and overgrown section of trail to Pine Mountain Lodge. After last weekend we have cleared all but the final 200ft of trail below PML. So close! We’ll be back….
  • Another volunteer group spent the day finishing up clearing the Rose-Lion Connector Trail in support of the upcoming Coyote2Moon Trail Race. Thanks to Runners for Public Lands and all the volunteers who contributed nearly 250hrs towards the trail in February. The connector is looking tip top!
  • On Monday we cut out the dozen or so downed trees on lower Lion Canyon Trail and brushed a bit up towards East / West Lion Camps. The cherry on top of a trail maintenance-packed weekend! 
  • The LPFA Trail Crew recently completed a week-long project to clear brush along the upper 3.5 miles of the Arroyo Quemado Trail thanks to funding and support from the Santa Barbara County Trails Council. Head out and see the freshly worked trail yourself! It’s a seven-mile one-way hike from the trailhead at Baron Ranch to West Camino Cielo that offers extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands!

Volunteer trail maintenance overnights aren’t all about the work! Volunteers recounting LP adventures over a glowing LP sunset, photo Marcus I.

IT’S TRAIL WORKIN’ SEASON!

All smiles while swamping ceanothus on last fall’s Alder Creek Working Vacation, photo Karen O.

ALDER CREEK WORKING VACATION, APRIL 12 – 20

LPFA is headed to the Alder Creek Trail in the Sespe Wilderness this April for a full-scale Working Vacation based out of Alder Creek Camp! We have led not one but TWO Working Vacations on this trail over the past two years and cannot wait to get back out there. If you haven’t joined an LPFA Working Vacation before, they are an absolute blast. Check out this post for a bit more of what to expect from a typical Working Vacation. Details are still taking shape and the exact dates may shift depending on the weather, but sign on up and we’ll work out the details closer to the event!

ALDER CREEK WORKING VACATION!!!

And a few more upcoming projects….

Agua Blanca Trail, Mar 9

Alan Coles has been chipping away at restoring the Agua Blanca Trail over the past year. Following the big storms in early 2023, the trail needed a ton of work. It is looking GREAT out there. Come on out and support this rugged corner of the Los Padres!

Agua Blanca for Me!

Alder Creek Overnight, Mar 11 – 13

Join LPFA on an overnight project at Alder Creek Camp to put the finishing touches on the trail that will make it stock passable for our April Working Vacation! We’ll be leading a small volunteer crew on the Alder Creek Trail.  A great project for those looking for a little wid-week LP action. Email us VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to get more info or sign up!

Alder Creek Overnight Please!

Santa Barbara Canyon, Mar 23 – 30

LPFA has been hard at work on rerouting the dreaded Heartbreak Hill section of the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail. We are so close to wrapping this one up. Join us the last week of March to put on the finishing touches. Dates for this project are still TBD, but sign up if you’re interested and we’ll finalize them over email in the coming weeks.

SB Canyon ALL THE WAY!

Forest 411

  • Fire Restrictions were lifted across the forest on Friday, February 21. This means that backcountry campfires are once again allowed. Hurrah! There are a few places with year round restrictions so make sure to read up on current orders before heading out into the forest. And as always, please make sure to have a valid California Campfire Permit, practice Leave No Trace Principles and don’t be an idiot: drown your fires!
  • The Los Padres National Forest is providing one more OHV public house on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Santa Lucia Ranger Station located at 1616 Carlotti Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454.The goal of this open house is for interested parties to discuss and provide input into the development of the 2026 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) grant applications.
  • The Los Padres National Forest has lost several staff members this month due to the recent federal layoffs. The Forest Service has worked hard to hire new staff over the past 2 years and this is a blow to the already under-resourced forest that is sure to affect everything from project approval timelines to forest access. We are saddened by the loss and our thoughts are with the affected staff and their families. LPFA will continue assisting the forest as much as we can while the Forest Service navigates the effects of these layoffs, as well as continue to seek out project funding and approvals to maintain access to the forest users. Wondering how you can help? Consider supporting our trail care fund or signing up to volunteer!
For the Forest!

It sure is looking like spring out there…. Sun is shinning, near the Ventana

Seasonal Gates and Upcoming LPFA Projects

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

Snow fell lower than usual across many parts of the forest this past weekend. Did you get any sweet snow views? From winter 2024, Michael Blake

Hi Friends, 

We hope you enjoyed the rain, hail and snow this past weekend after a long, dry start to the winter season. This was an exciting, cold storm that saw some localized, heavy rain events and lower elevation snowfall across the forest. It’s great to see some moisture out there, let’s hope it continues. In the short term, temperatures are warming up into what looks like a perfect weekend for a hike or ride. Get out and enjoy. 

One upside to the slow start to the rainy season is that many of the seasonal gates remained open well past their usual closure window. Hopefully you enjoyed the late season access to some of those areas over the past two months. As of today, seasonal gates on the Mount Pinos Ranger District have closed for the season. Although gates are closing, it’s a great time to be out in the forest, and LPFA still has a ton going on. Read on for more info on gates and upcoming LPFA projects. 

SUPER-VOLUNTEER WEEKEND

Overnight trips are a blast. Here, volunteers return from LPFA’s latest Piedra Blanca trip earlier this month, photo Marianne H.

If you’re looking for an activity on Super Bowl Weekend, boy do we have you covered. We have FOUR projects occurring across the Los Padres for you to pick from, both day trips and overnights. Click on the links below for more info on each project and how to sign up. Hope to see you on one (or two?!) of them: 

  • Feb 6 – 9, Piedra Blanca Trail Overnight – Join LPFA for an overnight project at Pine Mountain Lodge Camp as we continue work on the Piedra Blanca Trail! This is a great spot to spend a night or two giving back to the trails. *Note: this trip has been postponed to Feb 20 – 23 due to weather. The signup link has been updated*
  • Feb 8, Matilija Trail – LPFA has been working tirelessly at getting the Matilija Trail reopened. We lead projects most Thursdays and Saturdays (including this week!). Come out and join the fun…. 
  • Feb 9, Rose-Lion Connector Trail – LPFA is partnering with Runners for Public Lands to work several Ojai-area trails in preparation for the Coyote2Moon Race this spring. First up is the Rose-Lion Connector, see you there! 
  • Feb 9, Agua Blanca Trail – Alan Coles has been leading some incredible projects on the Agua Blanca Trail. The next one is Feb 9, come and see what they’re all about! 

Not Super Bowl Weekend but….

LPFA and Los Padres trail legend Mike Smith will be heading back to Santa Barbara Canyon to continue work on the Heartbreak Hill Reroute. Cutting new trail in the wilderness DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN! Don’t miss this opportunity! Click the button below to get more info and sign up…. 

I’LL BE THERE!!!

GATE UPDATES

At this point, the seasonal gates have shut for the season. Knowing the status of gate closures is tricky and it can certainly ruin your weekend outing if you come across a locked gate you expected would be open. Some gates are opened/closed solely on established dates, other gates are opened/closed around storm systems and weather events – open during dry times and closed when rain is forecast. It’s really hard to know for sure if and when a gate will be open/closed. Best advice for any of you heading to the mountains is to do your homework ahead of time. Here are a few resources: 

  • The Forest Service has a page dedicated to road and campground closures. It may not be exactly up to date, especially during shoulder seasons, so give the Ranger Stations a call to confirm. Their phone numbers are also listed on the page.
  • HikeLosPadres.com has a page with status and location of the gates that often provide (or deny) the most access. If you have any updates or would like to see gates added, let us know INFO@LPForest.org.

Newly Closed Gates

  • Grade Valley Road (at Lockwood Valley Road: Grade Valley, Thorn Point, Johnston Ridge access)
  • Santa Barbara Canyon Road (at the Reyes Ranch: SB Canyon, Sierra Madre, Buckhorn Rd access)
  • Frazier Mountain Road (just past Chuchupate Ranger Station)

Smokey stands strong through this past snow event at Chuchupate Station, photo MPRD

It’s not all about snow this time of year. There’s plenty of fun to be had down in the valleys too….

LPFA Trail Days: Piedra Blanca Trail, Jan 17 – 20

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

Nothing quite like a Los Padres January sunset…. Piedra Blanca TH

Happy New Year Friends, 

For better or worse, the Los Padres has seen a dry, dry start to the winter season. While we’re all hoping for wet weather soon, we can’t just sit around and wait. So, we’re taking advantage of this unseasonably warm January to lead an overnight trail maintenance trip on the Piedra Blanca Trail this MLK Weekend, January 17 – 20. 

Join LPFA at Piedra Blanca Camp as we continue some much-needed maintenance on the Piedra Blanca Trail! We spent 5 days here last May and got a TON of trail worked. We only have 1.2 miles left to reach our goal of Pine Mountain Lodge Camp. Come out and help us brush this trail and enjoy some epic views of the Sespe Wilderness on an iconic National Recreation Trail. Click below for more info and to sign up for this project. And scroll down a little further for more upcoming volunteer opportunities! 

Thanks everyone, hope to see you out there….. 

Piedra Blanca, SIGN ME UP!!!

How it started vs. how it’s going. Don’t you love a wilderness highway? Credits from left: Danny T. & Jeff N. on Piedra Blanca Trail, May 2024

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORUNITIES

Agua Blanca Trail, Sunday Jan 12

Meet at 8am at the Temescal Fire Station at Lake Piru to join an Alan Coles Agua Blanca Trail Day. The focus on this trip is to repair some rough sections of the trail that were damaged by the flood in 2023. The hike will be 3 miles round-trip with several stream crossings. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to RSVP or get more info! 

Can’t make Sunday but wish you could? These projects are ongoing, so sign up below to stay on the list for future dates…. 

AGUA BLANCA SIGNUP!!!

Matilija Trail, Ongoing

LPFA is continuing work on the North Fork Matilija Trail. The road to this trail has been closed since January 2023 and we’re working the trail in preparation for a Summer 2025 reopening date. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to join us this Saturday, Jan 11 for our next project. 

These days are ongoing, twice a week. Sign up below to stay on the list for future projects!

We sure have a lot to do…. 

SB Frontcountry, Ongoing

LPFA will be out on the Tunnel Connector Trail at 8am TOMORROW, Jan 10 as part of our ongoing Santa Barbara Frontcountry Trail Projects. These have been a blast. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to sign up and get more details for tomorrow, there are still a few spots left! 

We lead weekly projects on a variety of trails in the SB Frontcountry. Sign up below to stay in the loop for trail projects each week! We take requests too…. 

Matilija Signup!
SB Frontcountry Signup!

LPFA Trail Updates and Opportunities

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

Anyone else catch an epic Los Padres view recently?

Greetings Friends, 

It’s been a busy December here at LPFA. We’ve been all across the forest from Lake Piru to Figueroa Mountain and Santa Barbara Canyon to the Santa Barbara Frontcountry. Hopefully you’ve found some time to join us on a project or take a trip into the forest to enjoy these cooler, shorter days and clear, expansive nights. It’s a great time of year for reflection and a trip to the Los Padres is the perfect way to do just that. 

LPFA volunteers spent 9 days working the Alder Creek Trail in the Sespe Wilderness, including taking slides like this one from disastrous to inviting.

Speaking of reflecting….

Let’s take a look back at the LPFA Working Vacation on the Alder Creek Trail last month! If you’re looking for a recently-worked trail to explore, then the Alder Creek Trail has your name on it. LPFA volunteers spent 9 days clearing this trail as it descends from the Stone Corral to Alder Creek. Some sections were so overgrown that it took 12 people a full day’s work to get one tenth of a mile opened…now that’s some thick brush! Thank you to the volunteers who braved the 19 degree nights and mockingly hot days to help open up the Alder Creek Trail! 

There once was a jungle through which hikers would crawl….

….now thanks to LPFA volunteers, it’s no trouble at all!

If you head out that way, you’ll surely notice where we stopped work. Well that spot is exactly where we’ll start up again in Spring 2025 with an LPFA Working Vacation based at Alder Creek Camp! Dates are still TBD depending on the winter we get, but we’re looking at the second half of March to continue our work. Hope you can make it…. 

Happy Trails, 

LPFA 

 UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

A super-group of volunteers ready to tackle the Agua Blanca Trail, Alan C.

FRIDAY, 12/20: 

TUNNEL CONNECTOR

LPFA is picking our Santa Barbara Frontcountry Projects back up again. Come join us for work on the Tunnel Connector Trail this Friday! We’ll be brushing the trail up from the junction with Rattlesnake Trail. Email us for more info or to sign up! 

SATURDAY, 12/21: 

MATILIJA TRAIL

LPFA has been leading tons of projects on the Matilija Trail over the past year. We’ve heard the road is opening soon and are doing our best to get the trail open too, but we could use some help! Email us for more info or to sign up for Saturday. 

SATURDAY, 12/28: 

AGUA BLANCA TRAIL

Alan Coles has been leading some really awesome projects on the Agua Blanca and Pothole Trails, doing everything from slide-clearing to crosscutting. The next one is December 28th and you won’t want to miss it. Sign on up!

 FOREST 411 

  • Although seasonal-closure gates usually lock around December 1st, the GATES ARE STILL OPEN. Whether that’s a good or bad thing in terms of our winter weather outlook, we leave up to you. What we do know, is that we still have road access to tons of places we usually would not. So don’t wait around, get out there! If any significant precipitation does arrive, be prepared for those seasonal-closures to take effect…. 
  • Fire restrictions remain in effect across the forest. Campfires are only allowed in designated campfire use sites (ie, car campgrounds). Stoves are still allowed while backcountry camping! Make sure you have a valid California Fire Permit before your next adventure. 
  • Interested in sharing your experiences recreating in the Los Padres? What if we said you could get paid to do so? Check out this opportunity hosted by the USFS Pacific Southwest Research Station and researchers at Kansas State University who are studying recreation in Southern California forests. 
  • There are a few 2025 Los Padres Calendars left. Get them before they’re gone! All proceeds go directly toward trail maintenance in the Los Padres, and you get a sweet calendar with awesome shots of the Los Padres for yourself or a friend. Better yet, get one for yourself and give one to a friend…. 

Is that you, Whitney? The Los Padres gets its clearest views this time of year. Pick a peak on that map of yours and see what it can show you….

Call for Photos and November Volunteering with LPFA!

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

2025 Los Padres Calendar:  CALL FOR PHOTOS!

Hi Friends, 

We’re still looking for photos from Forest users to fill the pages of our annual Los Padres-themed Wall Calendar!Last year’s calendar was a smashing success, help us make this year’s even better. We’re looking for photos of scenery, mountains, valleys, canyons, trails, local flora & fauna, waterfalls, all forms of recreation and activities from across the forest (action shots are great) and anything else that would be awesome to see within a Los Padres calendar. So send us your awesome LP shots by November 3rd for a chance to be featured in this year’s calendar! Check out this post for more details on how to submit your photos. 

2025 Calendar PLEASE!

We also have the 2025 Los Padres Calendar available for preorder through our website! If you know you’ll be needing one for the LP-lover in your life, go ahead and click that button above. And remember, all funds raised from calendar sales go directly towards maintaining trails in the Los Padres National Forest! A win for you and a win for the Forest…. 

Team LPFA 

NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER 

 TRAIL PROJECTS

Lunch break with a view. Last December on the Alder Creek Trail….

The LPFA Alder Creek Trail Working Vacation is right around the corner! Join us November 16-25 at Cow Spring Campas we spend 10 days working the Alder Creek Trail in the Sespe Wilderness. This area of the Forest boasts some clear and epic views this time of the year, and is known to be one of the best places to spot Condors in the Los Padres. LPFA provides food, drinks and tools for the project, volunteers need only supply their personal backpacking gear. Click here for more info or to sign up for this sure-to-be epic Working Vacation! 

Santa Cruz Trail Day: Nov 6

Agua Blanca Trail Day: Nov 10

What better way to keep your mind off of November 5th than to have Los Padres plans on November 6th! Come join LPFA for a day project on the Santa Cruz National Recreation Trail. Plan to work from about 8:30am-2pm and spend the day brushing the trail between the trailhead and 19 Oaks Camp. Sign up here to join or get more info!

Alan Coles will be leading a day project on the Agua Blanca Trail on Sunday, November 10th! This is the perfect project for those who like some hike with their trailwork. Plan for about 8 miles round trip to work the trail between Log Cabin Camp and Potholes. And there’s still great water in the creek! Sign up here to join or get more info. 

LPFA Used Gear Sale, D13 and Call for Photos

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

THE LPFA USED GEAR SALE

HAS ARRIVED!

THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH

Greetings Friends, 

The annual LPFA Used Gear Sale is THIS SUNDAY, from 11am to 1pm at Manning Park, site A/2. This year’s sale features ridiculously discounted NEW backpacks and tents from Gossamer Gear, tons of lightly used outdoor gear (tents, sleeping pads, clothing, cookware, you name it), as well as a sweet selection of LPFA swag. You don’t want to miss this one! Come get yourself some new-to-you gear to fill out your next Los Padres adventure, all while supporting the trails you love. All proceeds from this event go directly towards maintaining trails in the Los Padres. 

See you Sunday, 

Team LPFA 

 CALLING ALL LOS PADRES

PHOTOGRAPHERS:  

It’s LPFA Calendar Season!

It’s that time of year again when we ask for submissions to our 2025 Los Padres Wall Calendar! The submissions last year created what many have deemed our best calendar yet….can we do even better this year? Let’s see what you got…. 

  • All photos or art (paintings are good too) must be of or from within the Los Padres National Forest  
  • Preference given to photos from within the past year or two, but historic photos are okay too  
  • We’re looking for photos of scenery, mountains, valleys, canyons, trails, local flora & fauna, waterfalls, all forms of recreation and activities from across the forest (action shots are great) and anything else that would be awesome to see within a Los Padres calendar  
  • Please limit your submissions to 15 photos and send them in by NOVEMBER 3, 2024. Google Photo Album link preferred. Email to INFO@LPForest.org. 
  • If your photo is selected, we’ll credit you for the photo within the calendar and mail you a complimentary 2025 Los Padres calendar sometime in December 

We see so many great photos on Instagram and Facebook, if you have any to share, please do so! 

If you already know you need 1, 2 or more calendars for the LP enthusiasts in your life, you can PREORDER them now. And remember, all proceeds go directly toward the LPFA Trail Care Fund, focused on maintaining trails across the Los Padres. 

ORDER YOUR 2025 CALENDAR!

 D13 Deer Season, and More Volunteer Days: 

D13 Deer Season, Oct 12 – Nov 10

D13 general deer season begins Saturday, October 12th in the southeastern Los Padres and will last through November 10th. This is the second busiest hunting season in the LP. Click here to see a map of Zone D13 but it’s basically the Ventura Backcountry north of Sespe Creek, east of Hwy 33 and west of I5 including most of the Mt Pinos Ranger District. If you are headed into D13 over the next couple weeks, expect to see quite a few hunters and busier trailheads than normal. Stay safe everyone and enjoy the fall colors! 

Schoolhouse Overnight, Oct 18 – 21

There are still a few spots left on our Manzana Schoolhouse Project next weekend, October 19 – 21! LPFA will be spending a few days at Manzana Schoolhouse Camp working on the Hurricane Deck and Sisquoc River Trails. Details are still taking shape but sign on up and we’ll follow up soon! It’s not often we get to CAR CAMP at Manzana Schoolhouse…. 

Agua Blanca Trail, Oct 26

Alan Coles is leading frequent day-long trail projects on the Agua Blanca and Pothole Trails starting SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH! This is an awesome part of the forest, as well as the southern terminus of the Condor Trail. Sign on up if you want to join on 10/26, or if you want to hear about the other weekend projects on these trails throughout the fall/winter season…. 

Alder Creek/Cow Spring

Working Vacation: Nov 16 – 25

Did we mention this is Condor Country?

Join LPFA in the Sespe Wilderness out of Dough Flat as we continue our work on the Alder Creek Trail, November 16th-25th! If you haven’t joined an LPFA Working Vacation yet, they are a TON of fun. We’ll be backcountry camping at Cow Spring Camp and working down towards Alder Creek. Meals, drinks, and tools are provided by LPFA pack support for the entire ten day project. Volunteers only need to carry in their personal gear. If you can’t make the full time, no problem! Sign on up and we’re happy to have you for as long as you can join…..

WORKING VACATION SIGN UP!

Even More LPFA Fall Events!

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

LPFA has a few more awesome projects this month in need of a few more awesome volunteers. From Manzana Schoolhouse to Santa Barbara Canyon and on to Agua Blanca, we’ve got options quite literally across the Los Padres looking for some volunteer support….COME ON OUT!!!

OCT 10-13: SANTA BARBARA CANYON TRAIL

LPFA, under the leadership of LP Legend Mike Smith, will be constructing a reroute of the “Heartbreak Hill” section of the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail. Cutting new trail in the wilderness DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN! DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! If you can’t make these dates, we’ll have another project Oct 24 – Nov 4. Think about how it’ll feel to say, “Oh yeah, I built that trail”…… 

SB CANYON ALL THE WAY!

OCT 18-21: HURRICANE DECK & MANZANA

Our trip to the Schoolhouse this week was postponed due to the extreme heat affecting most of the county. But that won’t stop us from finishing our work on the Deck! Now we just need some help from awesome volunteers like you. Join us for a car-camping trip based out of Manzana Schoolhouse Camp and help us tackle the last bit of trail work on the Western Deck! 

HURRICANE DECK LET’S GO!

OCT 26th & BEYOND: AGUA BLANCA TRAIL

Join the LPFA and local trail steward Alan Coles as we continue our regular trail maintenance along the beloved Agua Blanca and Pothole Trails within the eastern Sespe Wilderness outside of Lake Piru. The first project of the season is Saturday, October 26th. If you can’t make that one, don’t worry! There will be several projects throughout the season as weather allows. Sign up and stay tuned…. 

AGUA BLANCA PLEASE!

OCT 12: SANTA PAULA CANYON CLEANUP

Join LPFA in Santa Paula Canyon on Saturday, October 12th for graffiti removal, litter cleanup and trail maintenance: the trifecta of LP stewardship. We’ve had our eyes on this project for a while and can’t wait to get out there and Clean It Up! Check out the link below for more details….. 

SPC CLEANUP!

And don’t forget the Used Gear Sale…..

The LPFA Used Gear Sale will be at Manning Park in Montecito on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th from 11am to 1pm, Area A/2. And we’re still taking donations…. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to learn how to donate your gear! 

LPFA National Public Lands Day(s)!

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is Saturday, September 28th this year. To celebrate, LPFA is holding not one, not two, but SIX PROJECTS across the Forest to support our Public Lands here in the Los Padres. Check out these awesome volunteer opportunities and sign up for any and all that peak your interest. If you can’t make one, chances are you can make another one. Hope to see you out there over these coming weeks! And don’t forget, the annual LPFA Used Gear Sale (which supports these trail restoration efforts) is right around the corner too…. 

Team LPFA 

SATURDAY, SEP 28: POTRERO JOHN TRAIL

Join LPFA on Potrero John Trail in the Sespe Wilderness on 9/28! We’ll be brushing the trail up towards Potrero John Camp. If you haven’t been to this part of the forest, this is a great excuse to check it out. And if you have…a great excuse to return! 

SUNDAY, SEP 29: MATILIJA CANYON TRAIL

Busy on Saturday? No problem! Join LPFA on Sunday, 9/29 on the Matilija Canyon Trail! LPFA has been working weekly on this trail to bring it up to standards in time for the road reopening. Come help restore this trail and enjoy some time in the forest this weekend…. 

MORE INFO PLEASE!
TAKE ME TO MATILIJA!

SATURDAY, SEP 28: RATTLESNAKE CANYON TRAIL

If the Santa Barbara Frontcountry is more your speed, then come out to Rattlesnake Canyon Trail! LPFA will be joining the City of Santa Barbara for a day project followed by lunch in Skofield Park. Check out more info below…. 

THURSDAY, SEP 26: SANTA CRUZ TRAIL

Join us for an early NPLD celebration this Thursday, 9/26 on the Santa Cruz Trail! LPFA will be hosting several volunteer days here this fall, so if you can’t make this one, there will be more! Sign up to get on the list for weekly projects….. 

RATTLESNAKE SIGN UP!
SANTA CRUZ FOR ME!

OCT 3-6: MANZANA SCHOOLHOUSE OVERNIGHT

Last time we were at the Schoolhouse, we put on a new roof. This time we’ll be putting in some great trail work on the Hurricane Deck, Sisquoc River and Manzana Trails. And in case you missed it, we will be DRIVING into the Manzana Schoolhouse from NIRA. Does it get much better than that….? 

OCT 12: SANTA PAULA CANYON CLEANUP

LPFA will be leading a day project removing graffiti and performing trail maintenance on the Santa Paula Canyon Trail! If you are familiar with this canyon, you are unfortunately likely also familiar with its ongoing issues with graffiti vandalism. It’s getting bad out there again. Come help us clean it up! 

COUNT ME IN!
CLEAN CREEKS PLEASE!

LPFA USED GEAR SALE: 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH

The LPFA Used Gear Sale will be at Manning Park in Montecito on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th from 11am to 1pm, Area A/2. This annual event features a variety of lightly used outdoor gear that is looking for a new home. We’ll have backpacks from Gossamer Gear, tents, sleeping bags and all the odds and ends to set you up for some great upcoming outdoor adventures! 

As always, if you have any lightly-loved gear that you aren’t using anymore, WE’D BE HAPPY TO TAKE IT OFF YOUR HANDS and see if we can find it a new home on October 13th. Email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to learn how to donate your gear! 

Lots and lots of happy folks with great gear finds at last year’s sale…..