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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Fish Canyon (Castaic)

Spring 2018 lots of water in the creek

Often times when I have nothing to do, instead of watching TV I will randomly open up maps looking for new places to explore. I pay particular attention to less traveled canyon drainages that may have or at one time had water. You would be surprised at the amount of secret hidden places and rich historical sites that these drainages can provide. Finding Fish Canyon trail was one of these times. Granted this is not a very secret place but it is much less crowded than the more popular well know Internet sites, its close to home (basically our backyard) and  has become my wife's favorite local trail. Water here is seasonal but as you can see from the photo above we had plenty of it. Spring and the the cooler months of fall will be the best time to visit. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. 

View of Castaic Lake

To get to the Trailhead from Santa Clarita take the the 5 Freeway North and exit Templin Hwy just above Castaic Lake. Make a right and follow Templin Hwy until the Road Ends and Park Here. Pass the gate and head downhill on the old Paved road. Shortly you will cross a footbridge and around 0.75 miles in you come to a junction. Here you turn left follow the old dirt road and stay left again at the next Y junction leading you into Fish Canyon. 

First Creek crossing near the junction

From here on you follow a well established trail for the next few miles along the Creek through fish Canyon in the Sierra Pelona Mountain Range. Oaks and sycamores provide shade in certain spots and the hiking is very mellow and easy going. The Narrow canyon is very scenic with interesting geology and there are lots of spots off the main trail to access the creek and do a little boulder hopping, exploring and or lounging in the cool clear water. As you can see from the pictures below long ago this was a road which has since been washed out and closed to any automotive traffic.

At around 3 miles in you reach The Abandoned Cienega Car Camp. Closed sometime I believe in the early 80's. While not much is left of this place besides the unmaintained pit toilets the Camp does make a great rest spot or turnaround point for the Day. Cienega is also used as a backpacking location from longer multi day trips. From here round trip back to the car is about 6.4 miles which makes it a good family friendly Hike. If  you're feeling adventurous just a couple miles further north up Fish Canyon you Can Explore the Old Piano Box prospect mine. (I marked it on the map for you below). Named for the Piano that was said to be brought up there by the miners. Also this mine is basically near the entrance to the Amazingly scenic and beautiful Fish Canyon Narrows. With walls towering over a hundred feet its a site to behold. Get out there and go check it out, you won't be disappointed.

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