Bates Canyon

Total Miles
7.6

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Show in App
Bates Canyon
6

Trail Overview

Surrounded by chaparral in the Los Padres National Forest. This trail can be closed due to weather. Please check the LPNF website. The best time to go is in the spring to see the flowers and green hills. There is a first come first serve campground at the base of the mountains.

Photos of Bates Canyon

Bates Canyon
Bates Canyon

Difficulty

Due to the weather/storms, it can be very rutted, including potholes. The majority of the trail is going up an incline.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Jake Scott
Sep 20, 2025
2021 Jeep Gladiator
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Gate closed right past the campground due to recent fires.
Juju Trump
Jan 18, 2025
4x4
Open
Normal

Bates Canyon can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High-Clearance 4x4
  • SUV
  • Dirt Bike

Access Description

This trail is located off Highway 166. Turn south on Cottonwood Canyon Road through a cattle guard.

Bates Canyon Map

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