Piru Creek Trail

Below Pyramid Lake reservoir along southern California's I-15 corridor flows Piru Creek. Beginning at Frenchman's Gulch Campground, sometimes called Frenchman's Flat (this campground is currently limited to three sites and available on a 'hike in/bike in' basis just a short walk from the closed gate), is the short but scenic Piru Creek Trail.The path is a short, trail that feels far removed from the urban southern California landscape not far away. From the campground, an unsigned but clearly visible use path parallels the creek as it heads downstream and into the the mountainous landscape. At only 1.3 miles roundtrip, the trail comes to an end before it gets too deep into the landscape, but instead is a nice meander along the creek and through several small meadows as the walls of the stream channel narrow in. The creek tends to be surrounded by thick brush, so the trail keeps its distance and treads a route where hikers won't need to be pushing brambles out of their way as they walk, but the stream flowing does drown out of the noise of the interstate that sits just beyond the mountains from the trailhead.At just over half a mile in, the stream enters a narrows where steep stone walls create a natural turnaround point. Trail conditions will vary based on the season and recent waterflow in the area. This shady area may provide the best spot along the hike to dip your toes and get out of the sun from the mostly exposed trail. From here, retrace your route back to the trailhead.The campground and is seasonal, and does not have running water in it. Parking is available along the shoulder of the old Golden State Highway section that is now the main access road to the hikes in the area. During the winter months, a gate along the road may prevent any further travel upstream.There are also picnic tables located in the campground.Visitors must have a National Forest Adventure Pass. This pass must be purchased beforehand, as they are not available from the campground.