Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV

Total Miles
13.9

Elevation

1,372.53 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV is a stunning route high up in the San Rafael Mountains, providing awesome views into Los Padres NF and the Lake Cachuma foothills. This forest route is accessed via the Upper Oso Trailhead outside Santa Barbara and begins on Camuesa Road. With lots of exposure over remote wilderness, this trail is slow going for full-size vehicles but is relatively easy to complete with any small OHV, so time to complete will vary depending on vehicle size. This network of trails can become busy during the summer, as its elevation provides a great escape from the heat. Subject to closure during wet weather or wildfire management operations.

Photos of Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV

Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV
Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV
Camuesa & Buckhorn OHV

Difficulty

Loose dirt and some deep gravel make up the road surface, and the entirety of the road is very narrow. There are no steep sections but it does maintain a constant positive grade.

History

Buckhorn Rd is the border between Dick Smith Wilderness and San Rafael Wilderness, and is open to hiking only for the majority of its length. Prior to 1984, this route could be followed all the way to the US-33 on the other side of Los Padres NF.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Erick Paule
Apr 09, 2024
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Rick Davis
Jan 25, 2024
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Trail Restoration
Lev Akopyan
Sep 24, 2023
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Posted Sign
Brandon Cox
May 31, 2023
4x4
Permanently Closed
Locked Gate

Access Description

From Santa Barbara, take the 101N and exit for 154W towards San Marcos Pass. Continue on the 154W for 15 miles until turning right on Paradise Rd. Paradise Rd continues all the way through the gate and to the Upper Oso Trailhead. A fee of $10 is required for entry into the trailhead area.

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