Piedra Blanca Camp Trail

This adventure boasts the perfect opportunity to get the whole family out into the wilderness. This wonderful hike exhibits the beauty of the impressive sandstone rock formations that adorn the arid terrain. Note that seasonal creeks require crossings, so expect to get your feet wet in the spring and after heavy rainfall. Be mindful of snakes sunbathing on the heat-radiating rocks as you trek. Though not necessary, the trail GPS may prove useful when navigating this route.

Setting out from the trailhead, the Piedra Blanca Camp Hike follows the Sespe River Trail over several branches of the creek. After crossing the water, merge onto the Gene Marshall – Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail. This route will redirect you north, gradually climbing into the wilderness. Eventually, you will reach an intersection, keep right here, and take the time to explore the intriguing geological formations. Continue hiking, and you will eventually near the Piedra Blanca Creek. Follow this trail along the soothing creek all the way up to the backcountry campground.

Though you can continue beyond this point, we turned around and retraced our steps back to the rock garden. Take the rightmost trail at this intersection and enjoy a different perspective of the outcrops. From here, simply retrace your footing along the path all the way back to the trailhead.