Nettle Springs to Cienega via Apache Canyon

Hey all sorry for the lack of posts. I'm currently struggling these days to put pen to paper, that said I'm still out there doing what I do. Getting no shortage of forest time, it's just most of it has been rock art and nothing good ever comes out of me posting about that. So yeah the blogs been getting the red-headed step child treatment. Wont be this way forever. The old camps are calling and I do intend to answer. Going forward until I get my groove back here I think I'm just gonna post basic no frills material. Perhaps where I've gone, some photos and occasionally a track to follow. I feel getting something up is better than nothing. I'm blessed to see some of the most incredible places in the Los Padres, feels like a sin not to share some it.

Desperate to keep my young one offline and away from the digital world the wife and I decided we need to do more family camping, even if it's just quick overnights. Haylee is forgetting what it feels like to play in the dirt and that saddens me. Partially my fault as I work so many damn hours that when I do get time off I head straight for solitude, much too deep in the forest for my family to even consider following me. This is gonna change now before it's to late. So up first on the new Lord family camping series with the Wright family in tow was Nettle Springs Campground. 

Nettle Springs Campground  (N34.80355° W119.29282°)

Ten miles up Apache Canyon off Hwy 33 lies Nettle Springs. This here car campground is just outside the Chumash Wilderness. For some reason Hike Los Padres has it listed as permanently closed though I don't think that is any longer the case. MPRD says open. I could be wrong but I reckon those updates on HLP are still moving along at a turtles pace. Yes I'm harping on you Bryan (I think he likes when I do that). 

This Pinon shaded camp has no restrooms and does not get much if any maintenance. Which helps keep down the crowds. For two days we had the place all to ourselves, minus a few motorcycle passer byers. You'll rarely if ever get this kind of weekend solitude at Reyes Creek, Middle Lion, Rose Valley, I could go on but I'm sure you get what I'm stepping in here. While there is no potable water the spring pipe downstream from camp is currently flowing. The location makes a prime base for further exploration up Apache Canyon into the badlands and the San Emigdio Mesa (Which we took full advantage of).  

After setting up camp and getting the ladies all dialed in Jeff and I decided to make a run for Cienega. Being about a mile as the crows flies from an abandoned camp you know I'm going for it. Cienega along with a few other neighborly car camps was closed and removed from FS inventory back in the early 70's. Northwest of here Quatal had Blue Rock Spring and Mud Springs. (Both still on my list) though I feel strongly nothing or very little still remains at either. 

As can be seen from the map above the old road from Nettle leads right to Cienega. However that is no longer a viable path, as it is entirely on private property. Best bet is to cross country due east from Nettle Spring or alternatively follow the Toad Springs OHV (22W01) and drop off closer to Cienega. We settled on a loop, about 5.2 miles (one I wont publicize here). I have however included a modified version of my route for download should you feel so inclined to follow it. 

This sign post was lying face down on the former road. Quite possibly once signifying the direction towards Cienega. (N34.79567° W119.28086°)

No mistaking that was once a road.

Cienega Camp. I'm certain this was one of the old fire rings. (N34.79958° W119.27417°)

Marshy Spring just above Cienega. Plenty of water under those grasses.

The area surrounding the former camp near the spring is fairly overgrown and closed off via barbed wire 😢 While we didn't find much aside from the fire ring I do believe had we spent another hour or so we could have discovered more. Unfortunately by that time we had been gone awhile and did not want our girls to feel like we ditched them. So after some initial satisfaction we made our way back to Nettle.

Apache Canyon

Friday we experienced a heat wave, it was hot down in the canyon. Jeff and I returned to find the girls had made themselves a swim hole to cool off in. I was beyond thrilled to see they were doing what kids should do. After sunset by fire we enjoyed plenty of good food, beers and smores. 

My little bear is not so little anymore.

The next morning we woke bright and early to explore the further reaches of the canyon. Horned Toads were everywhere. I never in my life seen so many in one trip, it was great. We also spotted what may have been a blunt nosed Leopard but I'm not certain on that. Feel free to correct me in the comments. This trip was precisely what we all needed, good fun and great memories. Another fine outing lost in the Los padres. Already planning the next one, stay tuned. 

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