Easy Backpack Piedra Blanca Trail Xerox Mountaineering & Backpacking Club ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Los Padres National Forest Saturday - Sunday, April 20-21, 1991 Brief: An easy one night backpack, 7 miles round trip, total elevation gain 950 feet. Trailhead elevation: 3,950 feet, trail camp elevation: 4700 feet, peak elevation: 4900 feet. What: This will be an easy one night backpack along the Piedra Blanca Trail from Reyes Creek campground to Upper Reyes trail camp. The trail ascends gradually to a saddle at an elevation of 4900 feet, then descends 200 feet in a short mile to an oak shaded campsite along Reyes Creek. Along the trail one is afforded excellent views of aptly named Pine Mountain to the south and a smog free panorama to the north, encompassing the San Emigdio Mountains, including views of Mount Pinos (the highest point in the Los Padres National Forest), and the San Andreas Rift Zone. There is an ample flow of water in Reyes Creek and fishing is possible. This promises to be a very relaxing weekend. Where: The Piedra Blanca Trail is in the Mt Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest, and is located approximately 17 miles due north of Ojai. When: Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 21. If anyone would like to go up Friday night and car camp, there is a no-fee campground located at the trailhead. The campsites have tables and fire grates, there are vault toilets, but I believe there is NO water. The hike will begin Saturday morning at 9:30 sharp. Return to the trailhead will be around 3 pm Sunday. Who: This is rated as an easy hike, the pace will be leisurely so this 7 mile round trip is recommended for just about anyone. There is an 8 person limit so leader approval is required. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. Weather: Expect warm days and possibly cool nights, highs in the low 70s, lows probably mid 50s. High winds unlikely. But be prepared for the unexpected. Topo Map: Reyes Peak Quadrangle, USGS 7.5 minute series. Directions: Take Interstate 5 north to just past Gorman. Take the Frazier Park turnoff and head west. In about seven miles turn left onto Lockwood Valley Road (at Lake of the Woods). Follow this road approximately 25 miles to road 7N11 and turn left (if you reach Hwy 33 you went too far, backtrack 3 miles). Follow 7N11 two miles to it's end (past Camp Scheideck) at Reyes Creek Campground. A short (0.1 mile) dirt road next to site 17 leads to the trailhead parking lot. Meet in the trailhead lot at 9:30 AM sharp. Driving time from the South Bay area should be around 2 to 2.5 hours. Questions/Reservations: To make reservations or if you have any questions or would like more information, contact Randy Ortland at 805/962-6332 (work), 805/966-9422 (home), or E-mail: <71620.2666@compuserve:com>.