Category: Uncategorized

LPFA x National Trails Day

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

It’s that time of year to starting taking your LP adventures to higher elevations. Cooler temps and panoramic views abound….

National Trails Day is June 7th this year, and LPFA has 3 projects going on to celebrate. This day is about getting outside, connecting with the Los Padres community, and giving back to the trails. We have you covered from Ojai to Santa Barbara, frontcountry to backcountry. Our busy spring trail work schedule slows down a bit as summer sets in. However, we’ll still be leading projects at the higher elevations of the Los Padres between the heatwaves, so look out for announcements for our Summer 2025 Trail Work Series in the coming weeks. Until then, we hope to see you at one of our National Trails Day celebrations! 

LPFA 

 Join LPFA for National Trails Day! 

Epic sunsets on our last overnight Piedra Blanca Trail project in February 2025. Photo, Jeri H.

Piedra Blanca Trail Overnight: June 6 – 8

Join LPFA as we continue maintenance on the Piedra Blanca Trail! We will be leading a 3 day backcountry trail maintenance project June 6 – 8 to finish brushing the final quarter mile of trail before Pine Mountain Lodge Camp. Come out and help us brush this trail, enjoy some epic views of the Sespe Wilderness, and take advantage of the cooler temps at higher elevations this time of year. Click the button below to sign up or get more info! 

Piedra Blanca Overnight!

LPFA Trail Crew admiring the great volunteer work on the North Fork Matilija Working Vacation. Photo, Andrew J.

Matilija Trail: June 7

Join LPFA for a day project to continue our work on the North Fork Matilija Trail! LPFA recently completed a 5-day Working Vacation on this trail, not to mention a year of work leading up to that trip. We are now closing in on getting the trail open to Middle Matilija Camp. RSVP to VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org to get more details and come join the party! 

North Fork Matilija!

Hot Springs Trail: June 7

Join LPFA and our partners at the City of Santa Barbara Parks Department’s annual National Trails Day event! Volunteers of all experience levels are invited to learn about trail restoration while working on the historic Hot Springs Trail. Tools, instruction, and lunch will be provided! These events are always a blast. See you there…. 

Hot Springs Trail Day!

Forest 411 

After two wet winters, we finally hit a dry streak. Most of the water sources across the forest are still flowing, but they’re looking a lot lower now than they were at this point in 2023 and 2024. Make sure to check in on HikeLosPadres.combefore your next backpacking trip to estimate water likelihood, and don’t forget to leave a report for others when you get back!

LPFA’s Recently Worked Trails and Upcoming Events

Posted on by Addison Jerlow

And beneath the brush we found a trail! Before and after on the Alder Creek Trail, looking the best it has in 20 years….

ALDER CREEK TRAIL UPDATE

On April 20th, LPFA wrapped up its third Volunteer Working Vacation on the Sespe Wilderness’ Alder Creek Trail in the past 2 years. Prior to this effort, this trail hadn’t seen maintenance since before the 2006 Day Fire and was turning back even seasoned Los Padres backpackers. 8.5 miles of trail from the Dough Flat Trailhead to Sespe Saddle have now been worked to standard thanks to over 2,600 LPFA volunteer hours, as well as three separate hitches by LPFA’s professional Trail Crew. If you want to learn more about the Alder Creek Project and the history of this trail, check out this post! While we don’t believe trail maintenance is ever finished, we are definitely nearing the light on the other side of the brush tunnel; the worst of the overgrowth is behind us and the Alder Creek Trail is once again open for footprints. 

This project has been supported by individual donations to LPFA, as well as grant funding from Southern California Edison and the U.S. Forest Service. The larger goal of the Alder Creek Project is to continue work on the eastern Sespe River Trail and up the Johnston Ridge Trail to connect to its trailhead at Mutau Flat. 8.5 miles down, 11.5 miles left to go! It’s a lofty goal, but incredibly achievable with continued support from our donors and volunteers. Let’s make it happen. 

Team LPFA 

DONATE!
VOLUNTEER!

Clockwise from top left: These Working Vacations cannot happen without our volunteer packstock support! Interested in packing for a trip? Let us know! VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org; Nothing better than a warm fire and new friends after a full day of workin’ trail. Volunteers relaxing at Alder Creek Camp; Sespe Saddle, and the crew that finished the job! photo, Chris F.; Fillmore-based brewery Red Engine Brewing Company supported LPFA volunteers with an assortment of post-work beverages. Check them out after your next trip on the Alder Creek Trail!; Sure feels good to walk back to camp on your freshly worked trail….

WHEELER GORGE OPEN HOUSE,

TOMORROW!

The annual Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center Open House has arrived! Join us tomorrow (Saturday, May 3rd) from 10am to 2pm at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, just 15 minutes up Highway 33 from Ojai. Explore the center, learn what other local non profits are doing for the forest, enjoy some lunch, climb the climbing wall, and enter the raffle to win gear from REI, Patagonia, LPFA and more! No RSVP required. See you Saturday…. 

FOREST HAPPENINGS

  • In case you missed it, many seasonal closure gates are now OPEN FOR THE SEASON! Popular roads that have opened up include: Grade Valley Rd, Frazier Mountain Rd, Santa Barbara Canyon Rd, Pine Mountain Rd, Cherry Creek Rd, Dough Flat Rd, and most of the OHV routes on the Mount Pinos Ranger District. Get it while the gettin’ is good! And reach out to INFO@LPForest.org if you have any questions…we’re here to help! 
  • The public comment period for the Los Padres National Forest’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Project is open from May 2 – June 2. The Forest Service states he project is designed to increase community/infrastructure protection and wildfire containment opportunities by establishing fuelbreaks, defense zones, and improve vegetation resilience and the health of forested areas from environmental stressors. The project documents and public comment portal can be found here. 
  • The LPFA will be holding a Volunteer Working Vacation on the North Fork Matilija Trail, May 14 – 18! Check out the details here and sign on up! 
  • National Trails Day is right around the corner! Stay tuned in the coming weeks from project announcements to celebrate our Los Padres trails. In the meantime, check out what we did last year for National Trails Day…. 

LPFA Working Vacations get you deep in the wilderness where you can enjoy panoramic views of our Los Padres Forest. It doesn’t get much better than this…. Photo, Brandy L.

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….

The Smallest Los Padres Email

Posted on by Bryan Conant

The Smallest Post Office – as seen along Highway 33 for many decades

The Smallest Post Office

Many of you may remember passing a really small Post Office while heading out from Ojai along Highway 33. That was no ordinary small Post Office, it was the Smallest Post Office. Built in the 1930’s, the Smallest Post Office served as the Post Office for residents living along Maricopa Highway. The PO was decommissioned in 1962 but the structure remained at Wheeler Springs as a beloved and frequently photographed point of interest and continued reminder of times passed. Unfortunately, the Smallest Post Office was consumed and destroyed during the December 2017 Thomas Fire. Gone forever. 

Not so fast…. The LPFA manages the Visitor Center at Wheeler Gorge just a shorts ways above where the Smallest Post Office used to be. Ever since the Thomas Fire we’ve been dreaming of rebuilding the Smallest Post Office and thanks to the help of many Ojai historians, community supporters and friends, we are in the process of rebuilding the Smallest Post Office and it will reside at the Visitor Center for people to visit and enjoy! #FantasticNews

While work has begun on the Smallest Post Office, we could use help paying for the materials and supplies. All labor is being donated. If you’re interested in helping, please click here or the button below. Our goal is to have the Smallest Post Office completed in time for our May 3rd Open House. Thank you all for your help and next time you’re heading along Hwy 33, please be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center and say hello! 

Donate for the Smallest Post Office

It’s definitely HikeLosPadres season! – check in before you go & share when you get back – photo CHorgan

Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

You may remember that back in 2022 the Forest Service announced a proposal called the Ecological Restoration Project (ERP) which would implement fire protective vegetation treatments on over 230,000 acres across the Los Padres National Forest. After additional research and public comments, the FS has issued a revised proposal of vegetation treatment called the Wildfire Risk Reduction Project (WRRP). While the intent of the WRRP proposal is similar to the ERP, there are some changes between the two. The most obvious change is that the treatment area has been reduced to 90,796 acres. 

There’s no shortage of information available online and across social media discussing the pros and cons of fire protective vegetation treatments. In addition to what you can find online, the FS will be hosting 3 in-person Open Houses and 1 on-line virtual meeting to discuss the project. More information is shared at the links below. 

If interested, we strongly suggest that you educate yourself on the WRRP and share your comments with the Forest Service. The public comment period runs from May 2 – June 2, 2025.  

Wheeler Gorge Open House: May 3

Put this on your calendar immediately: Saturday May 3 @ the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center outside of Ojai. The Los Padres Open House will be super fun. There’ll be folks talking LP trails, Condor Trail, SAR, crosscut trail work, critters, rocks, Chumash and more. Food. A climbing wall. Arts & crafts. We even heard that Smokey might be there too! Bring the family or come alone! Sure to be fun. See you there….. 

Day 1 on the northbound Condor Trail – photo Addison

Trailwork Update

The LPFA is busy this week wrapping up our first 12-day Working Vacation along the Alder Creek Trail in the Sespe Wilderness. More on that to come. Below are a few upcoming volunteer opportunities to check out: 

LOS PADRES: Sunny Skies Ahead with Strong Chance of TRAIL WORK in the Forecast

Posted on by Bryan Conant

Sespe Wilderness Roaring – photo Mark H.

Hello Friends, 

Tis the season for Trail Work and we’ve got a lot of upcoming trail projects in the queue including two 10-day Working Vacations and an assortment of other fun volunteer opportunities. Take a look, hope you can join the fun and as always feel free to reach out with any questions you might have: VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org

Santa Barbara Canyon, Mar 21 – 30

The LPFA has been hard at work over the past year 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 – sign up here!

SBC – Here I Come!

Alder Creek, Sespe, Apr 12 – 20

We’re headed back once again to the Alder Creek Trail for a full-scale Working Vacation based out of Alder Creek Camp in the Sespe! If you haven’t joined a 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!!!

Ojai Trail Work, Ongoing

The LPFA continues our regular weekly trail projects across Ojai. We’ve recently worked Rose-Lion, Lion Cyn, Cozy Dell, Gene Marshall – Piedra Blanca, Potrero John and of course we’ve been mostly working Matilija so that the trail is ready once the road reopens. Dates and times vary but click below if you’d like to get on the sign-up list. Thanks….. 

Oh Yeah Ojai!

Wheeler Gorge Open House, May 3

The LPFA will be hosting our annual Open House at Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center on May 3. Gonna be fun! We are currently looking for volunteers who might like to help with the event or get involved at the Visitor Center. Let us know if that sounds fun. We’ll be promoting the Open House lots more in the coming months, stay tuned and put it on your calendar…… 

A Sweet Before & After 

Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees, especially when restoring a very overgrown backcountry trail. Sit on your butt, cut brush, swamp – Scooch. Sit on your butt, cut brush, swamp – Scooch. Repeat, repeat…. Fortunately, nowadays we have access to really cool satellite imagery that is updated frequently enough to help show the progress we’re making along the trails. The image on the left is of the Sweetwater Trail in 2023 (no trail) and the image on the right is from fall 2024 (yes trail). The LPFA Trail Crew has spent many weeks cutting back the brush along this San Rafael Wilderness Trail and we’re getting really close to finishing it up. It’s a long backpack just to get to the Sweetwater but the rewards and views are amazing, and now the trail is too ~ at least for now….. Go check it out! 

Nine Trails Santa Barbara

For any of you folks running Nine Trails this weekend, we’ve got you! Among other SB Frontcountry trail projects, we just spent three days clearing brush, drains and removing sharp metal objects along the Rattlesnake and Tunnel Connector Trails. If you know that sharp metal object, it’s no longer there ~ yee haw! 

Good luck this weekend ~ have fun! 

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….