Hello Friends,
Lots has happened in the Los Padres over the past month, and we have a ton of GOOD NEWS to share! We have updates on several no-longer-closed roads, Wheeler Gorge Campground, and exciting upcoming projects. But first, it’s Super Bowl Season, and LPFA is hosting a Super Bowl Square Fundraiser for the beloved HikeLosPadres.com.
How does it work? Choose a square on the board and donate $20 for a chance to win one of four Los Padres-themed prize packages. Follow this link to learn more and join the game. How does it affect the Los Padres? All proceeds raised will go directly toward a much needed revamp of HikeLosPadres. If you’ve used this site before, you know it has an extraordinary amount of valuable data on water availability, camp and trail conditions, and intel on planning your next LP adventure. This revamp will update the user experience, trail map feature, and gps & layering data that have become a bit clunky since it was first launched in 2013. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for HLP 2.0. Help us turn this dream to reality!
Team LPFA & HLP
Some rare and coveted LP-themed items are up for grabs in these prize packages. Join the fundraiser for a chance to win!
SAN YSIDRO TRAIL
VOLUNTEER DAY
SUNDAY, FEB 8
LPFA is teaming up with the Backpacking Barista’s and the Montecito Trails Foundation for a Super Bowl Sunday project on the San Ysidro Trail! Join us on Sunday, February 8th from 8am – 12pm. LPFA hosts a Super Bowl project each year, with the goal of getting you out on the trail in the morning and returning in time to still make that Super Bowl party. And this year’s project will be the superest one yet: all volunteers will get to enjoy quality craft coffee on trail, courtesy of the Backpacking Baristas. We’ll also be giving away a few squares for our HLP Super Bowl Fundraiser to those who join…. Don’t miss this one folks. Sign on up and join the party!
AND WHILE WE HAVE YOU….
Agua Blanca Trail Maintenance, Jan 24
Alan Coles will be leading frequent projects on the Agua Blanca Trail starting Saturday, January 24th! This trail near Lake Piru features one of the most scenic creeks the Los Padres has to offer. It’s a great place to be this time of year, and an even better place to work some trail. If you’re interested in joining, email VOLUNTEER@LPForest.org. If you can’t make the 24th, but are interested in more projects on Agua Blanca this spring, sign up below!
Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail, Jan 31
Join LPFA at the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail on Saturday, January 31st from 8:30am to 2:30pm. This lovely local (to the Ojai-area) trail gives first time and returning hikers a nice slice of Los Padres. It’s right on Matilija Creek, shaded by oaks and sycamores, and like many LP trails, could use a little TLC. We’ll be fixing a few steps and filling ruts from the recent storms and we need some help! Sign up below….
The Pothole Trail Reroute is coming along nicely…. More volunteer projects soon!
- Highway 1 through the Big Sur Coast has reopened after 3 years of closure following the January 2023 storms. HURRAH! It is great to see access restored to this iconic stretch of the Los Padres. If you’re planning a trip there sometime soon, make sure to stop by and say “Hi” to LPFA at Big Sur Station on your way….
- A community meeting for the Plaskett Ridge Road Designated Dispersed Camping System Pilot Project will be held at the Pacific Valley School in Big Sur this Thursday, January 22nd from 4 – 6pm. The intent of this pilot project is to address impacts associated with visitor use along Plaskett Ridge Road while maintaining dispersed camping opportunities in a semi-primitive motorized setting. Attend if you’re interested in joining the conversation!
- After being closed for 3 weeks due to damage and debris flow from the storms around New Years, Figueroa Mountain Road and Sunset Valley Road have been cleared and reopened to the public. Get on out there! The Manzana is calling….
- Matilija Road, which has been closed to the public since January 2023, is now expected to be closed at least until the end of 2026. Ventura County is working on a permanent solution to the failing road.
- The Wheeler Gorge Campground has REOPENED! Over the past 6 months, LPNF staff worked with South Coast Habitat Restoration to remove four Arizona crossings in the campground and replace them with two clear span bridges to provide access to 13.3 miles of stream habitat (Cannon, NF Matilija and Bear Creeks) to migrating aquatic biota. Bear and Cannon Creeks in particular, are prime spawning grounds for Southern CA steelhead.
