Trail Overview
Looking to play in the water, this is the trail in the Los Padres National Forest area. For OHVs other than dirt bikes, this is an out-and-back trail that follows the Piru Creek through a steep canyon. For dirt bikes, it is a point-to-point trail that will eventually merge on the east side with the Piru Creek - 20W07 singletrack trail. At the west end, this trail begins off the Mutau OHV Trail - FS 7N03 and immediately passes by the Halfmoon Campground area. The journey of crossing Piru Creek up to 17 times over 4 miles then begins. Depending on the time of year, these water crossings could be up to a few feet deep and 20+ feet wide. The banks of the creek are often composed of deep, loose sand, scattered large rocks, and rock gardens. The trail will divert away from the creek bed occasionally to flat stretches running parallel to Piru Creek. These stretches can consist of rock gardens or rutted dirt with loose rocks. Vegetation in these areas can also be dense and tight to the trail, which will likely cause scatches/pinstripping on wider 4x4 vehicles. For short lengths, the width of the trail will become quite narrow as well, almost looking like a singletrack. For 4x4 vehicles, watching wheel placement in these areas will be important. When the trail dead-ends on the east side for OHVs other than dirt bikes, there is an open field area to turn around. There is only very weak or no cellular service in the trail area. Trail is closed annually from 11/2 to 4/30. A green/red sticker permit is required for OHV, as well as a Day Use fee payable to the Los Padres National Forest. Tread Lightly and Pack It Out.
Difficulty
This trail regularly crosses back and forth across Piru Creek, which will vary in difficulty seasonally depending on the level of water flowing in the creek bed (could be up to a couple of feet deep and 20+ feet wide). The banks of the creek bed are comprised of deep, loose sand with scattered large rocks. There are also several short climbs away from and descents into the creek bed area that have loose soil, ruts, and large rock obstacles. Sections of the trail have areas where the vegetation closes in tightly on the trail path. There are few to no bypasses or areas wide enough to pull off the trail and allow others to pass, especially for 4x4.
