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California
15.0 mi
Distance
1,079 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Los Padres National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Middle Sespe
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Middle Sespe is a moderate 15-mile out-and-back trail in the Sespe Wilderness that follows a scenic creek corridor through chaparral and oak woodland. This trail offers a rewarding combination of riparian habitat, canyon views, and solitude, making it ideal for hikers seeking a longer day hike or backpacking opportunity in Ventura County's backcountry.
Howard Creek
~3 min drive
Moderate 5.69-mile creek trail with 2,241 ft elevation gain.
Wheeler Gorge Nature
~5 min drive
Easy creek-side nature walk through Wheeler Gorge with minimal elevation gain.
Chorro Grande
~10 min drive
Strenuous 10.28-mile mountain hike with 3,381 ft elevation gain.
Cozy Dell
~10 min drive
Steady 3.84-mile climb with 950 ft gain through oak and chaparral woodland.
Rose Valley Falls
~7 min drive
Easy waterfall hike to a scenic cascade in Rose Valley.
Gridley
~10 min drive
Challenging 11.79-mile mountain trail with nearly 4,000 ft elevation gain.
Johnston Ridge
~23 min drive
Scenic 3.75-mile ridge hike with 697 ft elevation gain.
Foothill
~10 min drive
Short, beginner-friendly foothill hike with gentle elevation gain.
Sespe River
~11 min drive
Remote 29-mile river canyon trek through Los Padres wilderness.
Franklin
~29 min drive
Moderately steep 5.47-mile hike with 2,571 ft elevation gain near Franklin.
