Loading trail…
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
California
29.0 mi
Distance
2,111 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
3 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
Sespe River
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.
The Sespe River trail is a challenging backcountry journey through one of Los Padres National Forest's most remote and pristine river canyons. This nearly 30-mile route follows the scenic Sespe River, offering hikers access to wilderness solitude, swimming holes, and diverse riparian ecosystems. The trail features multiple river crossings and canyon hiking that rewards experienced backpackers with exceptional natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rose Valley Falls
~6 min drive
Easy waterfall hike to a scenic cascade in Rose Valley.
Lion Canyon
~8 min drive
13.71-mile moderate canyon hike with steady elevation gain through scenic terrain.
Howard Creek
~10 min drive
Moderate 5.69-mile creek trail with 2,241 ft elevation gain.
Horn Canyon
~8 min drive
Easy 2-mile desert canyon hike with minimal elevation gain.
Thorn Point
~8 min drive
Moderate 6.77-mile alpine climb with 2,190 ft elevation gain.
Johnston Ridge
~13 min drive
Scenic 3.75-mile ridge hike with 697 ft elevation gain.
Last Chance
~8 min drive
Brief 1.27-mile climb with 261 ft gain—perfect for a quick desert or foothill hike.
Red Reef
~8 min drive
Challenging 20.64-mile backcountry trail with 1,599 ft elevation gain.
Cozy Dell
~19 min drive
Steady 3.84-mile climb with 950 ft gain through oak and chaparral woodland.
Cedar Creek
~9 min drive
Easy creek-side walk through Cedar Creek's riparian corridor.
