Jack Elliott's Santa Barbara Adventure

Cottam Camp

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Jack Elliott

Cottam Camp, junction of Forbush Trail and Blue Canyon Trail, Los Padres National Forest

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged backcountry, Backpacking, Camping, Camps, Cottam, Guide, Hiking, Hiking (2), Reference, Trails | Leave a comment

Lost Valley Camp

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Jack Elliott

Lost Valley Camp, Upper Manzana Creek Trail, San Rafael Wilderness

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged backcountry, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Camping, Camps, Guide, Hiking, Hiking (2), Reference, Trails | Leave a comment

Blue Canyon Camp

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Jack Elliott

Blue Canyon Camp, Santa Barbara County, Los Padres National Forest Escondido Creek in Blue Canyon Creek during winter.

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged backcountry, Backpacking, Blue Canyon, Camping, Camps, Guide, Hiking, Hiking (2), Reference, Trails | Leave a comment

East Lion Camp (Sespe Wilderness)

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Jack Elliott

View from trail approaching East Lion Camp.

East Lion Camp has two sites adjacent to each other. The two sites are really close together, and if both are taken by different parties, it dramatically reduces the sense of solitude one typically is after when backpacking.

The main camp is set beneath two massive, towering pine trees aside the east fork of Lion Creek, which flows in its entirety only seasonally, but the canyon closes together just above the camp to form several small waterfalls and the creek typically flows here year round. The camp has an airy open feel to it and is far more desirable than West Lion Camp.

A view looking north showing both camps.

The second, smaller camp.

A trickle of water flowing over the falls in November before the winter rains turn it into a raging torrent.

Trailside view looking south up Lion Canyon on the way to the campsites.

Directions: Highway 33 out of Ojai to Rose Valley Road. Trailhead is located off Rose Valley Road at the drive-up Middle Lion Campground.

Middle Lion Campground Trailhead—>2.4 miles to West Lion Camp (3470′). The trail is an easy, fairly flat hike with little incline.

A view looking from the summit of Pine Mountain near Pine Mountain Lodge Camp and over the Piedra Blanca rock formation, just seen on the lower right, and the Sespe Creek valley. Rose Valley Road can be seen and Lion Canyon. The red dots show the approximate locations of East and West Lion Camps. (click image to enlarge)

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Lion Creek, Reference, West Lion Camp | 3 Comments

West Lion Camp

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Jack Elliott

West Lion Camp

West Lion Camp sucks. It is located at the foot of a chaparral covered mountain and aside the edge of the thick canopy of Sycamore and Cottonwood trees growing over the west fork of Lion Creek. It is set on a flat spot that has been cleared from the otherwise impenetrable creek side bramble. Due to the mountain the sun does not hit the site until late morning and the canopy of trees over the creek shades the camp by early afternoon. In fall, winter and early spring the camp is typically damp and cold unless the weather is exceptionally warm. It has a closed in feel to it and is entirely unremarkable. One other smaller and even worse camp is located across the creek.

West Lion Camp 2

Directions: Highway 33 out of Ojai to Rose Valley Road. Trailhead is located off Rose Valley Road at the drive-up Middle Lion Campground. Trailhead—>2.3 miles to West Lion Camp (3470′). The trail is an easy, fairly flat hike with little incline.