On this one-night backpack, we’ll explore geological oddities hidden in the quiet, rarely-visited east end of the Sespe Wilderness - including a deep gorge called "The Devil’s Gateway" - and enjoy a creekside camp under sprawling live oaks.

This will be a moderately strenuous backpack, covering nearly 15 miles in two days at a purposeful pace over difficult trail and rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good condition. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of occasional bushwhacking, ticks, and poison oak. Because of the strenuous nature of this trip, the leader reserves the right to qualify participants. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is encouraged and participants are urged to contribute to their vehicle’s shared mileage and parking costs. (Concessionare parking at the trailhead costs $13 per day).

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip at the sole discretion of the leader, as will fewer than three confirmed signups as of 8:00pm, Thursday, February 23. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own supply of food. 

We’ll meet up at the AM/PM convenience store at 3907 East Telegraph Road in Piru, at the corner of Highway 126 and Torrey Road / Main Street, at 8:30am (SHARP!) on the morning of Saturday, February 25. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 7:30am.