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Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca
National Recreation Trail (22W03)
WILDERNESS
Length: 17.9 miles
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Drive to Piedra Blanca Trailhead at the end of Rose Valley Road. Cross the wide streambed of Sespe Creek and take the trail to the left. After .4 miles turn right at the junction. This will bring you through the impressive white rocks and to Piedra Blanca Camp after 2.1 miles. A half-mile further will bring you to Twin Forks Camp, located across the creek from the trail.
Continue 3.3 miles to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp; the trail is very steep in places but well worth the visit. This camp is nestled in the conifers and has a year-round spring close by. From the junction at Pine Mountain Lodge Camp, the Piedra Blanca Trail continues northwest to Three Mile, Haddock, Bear Trap, and Reyes Creek Camps.
The Cedar Creek Trail (21w10) proceeds northeast from Pine Mountain Lodge to Fishbowls and Cedar Creek Camps in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.
The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca Trail is a National Recreation Trail, The trail can be accessed from four locations: The Piedra Blanca Trailhead at the end of Rose Valley Road, Reyes Creek Campground, Cedar Creek Trail / Fishbowls Trail and the Reyes Peak Trail from Pine Mountain.
Accessed from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead in Rose Valley, first cross the wide stream-bed of Sespe Creek and take the trail to the left. After .4 miles turn right at the junction. This will bring you through the impressive white rocks and to Piedra Blanca Camp after 2.1 miles. A half-mile further will bring you to Twin Forks Camp, located across the creek from the trail. Continue 3.3 miles to Pine Mountain Lodge Camp; the trail is very steep in places but well worth the visit. This camp is nestled in the conifers and has a year round spring close by. From the junction at Pine Mountain Lodge Camp, the Piedra Blanca Trail continues northwest to Three Mile Camp. The trail passes through Haddock Camp then to Bear Trap Camp , and Upper Reyes Creek Camp and finally the trail ends at the Reyes Creek Campground.The Cedar Creek Trail (21W10) proceeds northeast from Pine Mountain Lodge to Fishbowls and Cedar Creek Camps in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | No reservations. All trail access and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis. |
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| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Adventure Passes are sold at all Southern CA Big 5 Sporting Goods stores or at the Ojai Ranger Station, Thurs - Saturday from 9:00am - 2:00pm. They are also sold at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am - 3:00pm. |
| Permit Info: | The Los Padres National Forest does not issue backcountry wilderness permits. All trail access and trail camps are on a first-come, first-serve basis. California Campfire Permit is needed to operate a camp stove. https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ |
| Best Season: | spring, fall |
| Busiest Season: | spring |
| Closest Towns: | Ojai, CA |
| Water: | No water |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead |
| Passes: | An Adventre Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Ojai Ranger District: (805) 646-4348 |
General Information
Directions:From Highway 33/150 junction in Ojai, turn north on Highway 33 and continue 15 miles. Turn right into Rose Valley Recreation Area on Forest Road 6N31. This is also known as the Sespe River Road or Rose Valley Road. Continue ahead for 6 miles to the trailhead.