Bluff Guard Station Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type:
• Topo Map Link: Big Pine Mountain
• Elevation: 4,480 feet
• Wilderness Area: Dick Smith
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.66557502746582
• Latitude: 34.67376979653913
• Water Sources: Water in creek beind the cabin, Flows year round and is good quality.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
11-13-2022	Heather R	Stagnant
10-30-2022	Anonymous Surveyor	Dry
04-16-2022	Brad Anderson	Flowing
04-09-2022	James	Flowing
02-20-2022	Matt Daily	Flowing
02-05-2022	Stephen S	Flowing
08-06-2021	Los Padres Forest Association	Stagnant
06-27-2021	Surveyor	Flowing
05-29-2021	dscheck	Flowing
04-19-2021	LPFA	Flowing
01-13-2021	John O'Connell	Flowing
12-14-2020	MWiltshire	Flowing
11-27-2020	pdm	Flowing
11-24-2020	BD	Flowing
11-15-2020	Heather	Flowing
07-18-2020	BD	Flowing
06-25-2020	Conor W	Flowing
05-23-2020	Surly One	Flowing
04-03-2020	whats4dinner	Flowing
04-03-2020	whats4dinner	Flowing
02-27-2019	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
10-19-2018	Conor W	Trickle
06-23-2018	Jasonn Beckstrand	Flowing
04-24-2018	Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School	Flowing
04-14-2018	James	Trickle
01-14-2018	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
08-17-2017	Richard Humphrey	Flowing
08-05-2017	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
04-16-2017	Ecduzit	Flowing
07-16-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Dry
05-17-2016	Jasonn Beckstrand	Trickle
03-29-2016	Aaron Songer	Trickle
02-27-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
02-14-2016	James	Trickle
09-13-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
08-30-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
08-21-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
07-05-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Trickle
06-23-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
03-31-2015	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
02-22-2015	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
02-14-2015	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
12-13-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Trickle
12-02-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Trickle
08-31-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
08-06-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing

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Survey This Camp

Description:

 

Overview: Bluff Guard Station still serves as an administrative outpost for Forest crews and volunteer crews. It is located 20 miles north of Upper Oso on the Buckhorn Road and at the point where the Grapevine Trail out of the San Cruz drainage crosses the road and then becomes the Indian Trail. Bluff Camp is located just east of the Station.

Historical Highlights

Bob Burtness Notes
Named after some nearby bluffs, this camp was established in 1931 as a base for Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crews building the Buckhorn Road.

Jim "ER" Blakley Notes
Indian Trail is one of the most enjoyable trails in the backcountry. It starts at Bluff Camp and descends along the creek of the same name until the creek joins Mono Creek a short distance up stream from the Santa Ynez River. A beautiful section from Pens Camp down to just above Indian Creek Camp was_, thankfully, never completed. Although there isn't a designated trail, you can hike with care through the narrows. There are several beautiful water falls and numerous deep pools that provide good swimming and trout fishing.

Survey Photos:

• 
  Shaddus Maximus - 03-31-2015
  Camping area at Bluff.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 07-05-2015
  Photo Humphrey
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 07-05-2015
  Photo Humphrey
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 06-23-2015
  Photo Humphrey
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 08-21-2015
  That is most of the time a pool. Photo Humphrey
• 
  Anonymous Surveyor - 07-16-2016
  Pool next to campsite. Dry
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 12-02-2014
  Photo Rafferty
• 
  Jasonn Beckstrand - 06-23-2018
  Rattlesnake sighting up by windy gap
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 02-27-2019
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 02-27-2019
  Ruts leading down towards the cabin
• 
  pdm - 11-27-2020
  
• 
  pdm - 11-27-2020
  
• 
  pdm - 11-27-2020
  
• 
  pdm - 11-27-2020
  
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  pdm - 11-27-2020
  
• 
  pdm - 11-27-2020
  sandy section towards big pine
• 
  dscheck - 05-29-2021
  Pool just east of the Bluff Guard Station Cabin - Indian Creek - May 29th, 2021

Submitted Camp Reports

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 11-13-2022 - by Heather R

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	11-13-2022
Surveyor Name:	Heather R
Camp Description:	A few days after the first big November rain we were able to get water at the creek from clear pools -- but there was not even a trickle of movement.  A short hike up above the water tank revealed a very slight trickle up there.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Clear pools shortly after big rain, no flow
Weather Conditions:	Cold nights (no freezing bottles), clear on Nov 11 and 12 and woke up to high winds and fog coming in over Big Pine on the 13th.

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 10-30-2022 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	10-30-2022
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	No water in creek by campground, maybe one stagnant seep that bears are pooping on. Do not count on any water here until we get notable rain and hopefully a decent snow pack to replenish this spring in 2023. The FS tank is non-potable meaning not for drinking water plus it is not accessible for public use and is a valuable supply in case of fire.
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-16-2022 - by Brad Anderson

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-16-2022
Surveyor Name:	Brad Anderson
Camp Description:	Camp looks good! The road out of Bluff towards Upper Oso has been recently graded, though it makes it a but soft.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Faucet is flowing.
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-09-2022 - by James

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-09-2022
Surveyor Name:	James
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Creek flowing
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-20-2022 - by Matt Daily

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-20-2022
Surveyor Name:	Matt Daily
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-05-2022 - by Stephen S

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-05-2022
Surveyor Name:	Stephen S
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Didn't check stream, but water flowing strong from spigot
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-06-2021 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-06-2021
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	No water flowing through the backpackers camp but some water near the spring source.
Weather Conditions:	HOT - upper 90's

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 06-27-2021 - by Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	06-27-2021
Surveyor Name:	Surveyor
Camp Description:	Flow rare was decent. Tub is empty, spring and spigot flowing
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 05-29-2021 - by dscheck

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	05-29-2021
Surveyor Name:	dscheck
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Getting closer to a trickle.
Weather Conditions:	Sunny 70's
Images:	Pool just east of the Bluff Guard Station Cabin - Indian Creek - May 29th, 2021

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-19-2021 - by LPFA

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-19-2021
Surveyor Name:	LPFA
Camp Description:	Beautiful Bluff Camp - She's looking good inside and out (Guard Station and Outhouse). Well stocked and clean. Good water flowing in creek. Fire Pit, and BBQ in good shape, too.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Steady flow, 8" deep
Weather Conditions:	Sunny 45/80 F

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 01-13-2021 - by John O'Connell

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	01-13-2021
Surveyor Name:	John O'Connell
Camp Description:	Trail to water is a bit hard to follow but water is great!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 12-14-2020 - by MWiltshire

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	12-14-2020
Surveyor Name:	MWiltshire
Camp Description:	Indian creek just down from Guard Station was flowing clear.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Indian Creek flowing
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 11-27-2020 - by pdm

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	11-27-2020
Surveyor Name:	pdm
Camp Description:	we rode up from upper oso on bicycles and spent two nights at bluff camp. we took a day trip up to big pine. absolutely beautiful! for those interested in cyclotouring - we were on rigid gravel bikes, one with 48x650b knobbies, the other with 38x700c slicks. the road was fantastic below bluff gate - smooth hardpack with a few gravel sections. above bluff gate (and even more above bluff camp) there were some softer sandy and rocky sections. still very doable on a gravel bike.  huge thanks to the lpfa for the work they do.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	creek just down the hill behind the cabin was flowing nicely
Weather Conditions:	60s during the day, low 40s (?) at night. dry.
Images:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 11-24-2020 - by BD

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	11-24-2020
Surveyor Name:	BD
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 11-15-2020 - by Heather

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	11-15-2020
Surveyor Name:	Heather
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	clear and strong flow
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 07-18-2020 - by BD

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	07-18-2020
Surveyor Name:	BD
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, hot

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 06-25-2020 - by Conor W

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	06-25-2020
Surveyor Name:	Conor W
Camp Description:	Good water at Bluff. Camp is in good shape. Indian/Poplar is seeking regrowth of brush into the trail. Ceanothus tunnels and Poison Oak is moderate in riparian areas below Bluff on the trail.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Warm: mid to high 80's by day, 70's by night

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 05-23-2020 - by Surly One

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	05-23-2020
Surveyor Name:	Surly One
Camp Description:	Camp is in great condition,  level shaded tent sites, tables, fire rings. Good water is flowing. Decent outhouse!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Perfect!

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-03-2020 - by whats4dinner

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-03-2020
Surveyor Name:	whats4dinner
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-03-2020 - by whats4dinner

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-03-2020
Surveyor Name:	whats4dinner
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-27-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-27-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	First visitor to Bluff after the large February 2019 storms.  The cabin fared well but there was a blowout above the cabin near the spring that rutted the path to the tank and covered the steps and tables in 3-4" of sand/silt.  Beautiful place as always.  Special.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water and Snow Around Bluff
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Ruts leading down towards the cabin

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 10-19-2018 - by Conor W

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	10-19-2018
Surveyor Name:	Conor W
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Scattered water, slow trickle
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 06-23-2018 - by Jasonn Beckstrand

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	06-23-2018
Surveyor Name:	Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:	Camp is in great condition.  Very clean.  Outhouse is clean thanks to volunteers Flies are not bad yet. Watch for Rattlesnakes.  they are out.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow of clean water. Pool is filled with silt
Weather Conditions:	80-85 in the sun but nice in the shade
Images:	Rattlesnake sighting up by windy gap

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-24-2018 - by Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-24-2018
Surveyor Name:	Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School
Camp Description:	Surprisingly nice campsite just past the cabin with several tent sites. Reliable water. Please respect and protect the cabin.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Solid 4" flow downslope from the cabin past the backpacker's campsite.
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-14-2018 - by James

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-14-2018
Surveyor Name:	James
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	The hose spigots were dry, creek was flowing.
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 01-14-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	01-14-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Good flowing water.  Camp was clean.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-17-2017 - by Richard Humphrey

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-17-2017
Surveyor Name:	Richard Humphrey
Camp Description:	Santa Barbara Canyon to Blufff camp.  The jeep-way was clear to Bluff, a few small rock but nothing to stop travel.  Choke Cheryy was flowing, West Big Pine Spring plenty of water, and Bluff Camp Spring flowing steady.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Bluff Spring flowing nicely
Weather Conditions:	mild, mid 80's, lots of flies

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-05-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-05-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Creek was flowing beautifully at Bluff!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny and hot, low 90's.

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 04-16-2017 - by Ecduzit

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	04-16-2017
Surveyor Name:	Ecduzit
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Tons of flowing water in the creek. The road between bluff and big pine is pretty damaged and washed out. only passable on foot or on bicycle.
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 07-16-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	07-16-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	First time I have ever seen this pool empty
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	No water at the pool
Weather Conditions:	85
Images:	Pool next to campsite. Dry

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 05-17-2016 - by Jasonn Beckstrand

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	05-17-2016
Surveyor Name:	Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:	during the afternoon and evening the creek is a trickle early morning it is low but flowing.  Get your water in the morning
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	clear in the small pools. large pool has lots of decaying leaves
Weather Conditions:	70

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 03-29-2016 - by Aaron Songer

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	03-29-2016
Surveyor Name:	Aaron Songer
Camp Description:	Great camp as always. Indian Creek has a heavy trickle, wouldn't call it flowing though. Plenty of water for a big group. Had some brief light snow coming down off of Big Pine, followed by steady small hail at Bluff.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	good amount of clean water
Weather Conditions:	cold.

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-27-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-27-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Steady trickle of water in Indian Creek; more than enough to fill bottles and cook with.  Didn't check spring or tank.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-14-2016 - by James

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-14-2016
Surveyor Name:	James
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Indian creek is flowing slightly. Camp is dry
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 09-13-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	09-13-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The upper spring is dry, BUT after digging down a foot and waiting overnight, there was a small puddle.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-30-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-30-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	VWR Patrol / Project Bluff is officially 100% dry.  No water in the creek or at the spring.  Time for rain, SOON!
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Hot, mid 80's, sunny and windy

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-21-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-21-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	As part of a VWR patrol. Bluff Camp was busy with hunters who park their quads at the last gate and ride bikes or hike in to Bluff.  The camp was busy but clean and orderly.  Water along the creek is now 100% dry.  There is still some water up near the spring but it's getting very very light in flow.  When the trees start to gear up for winter they'll stop drinking so much and the flow should consequently increase.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Hot, but not too hot!
Images:	That is most of the time a pool. Photo Humphrey

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 07-05-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	07-05-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	LPFA trail and road patrol.  Water is flowing slowly by steadily at Bluff.  There is water in the pools around the camp and down the trail on the Indian Creek side.  Much more water this year compared to last.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Photo Humphrey Photo Humphrey

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 06-23-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	06-23-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	For years there've been rumors about a rattler which lives under the cabin at Bluff Camp.  Well, the rumors have been confirmed.  We've heard of two groups this year having run-ins with the rattler who lives under the cabin.  If you're out there, be sure to watch where you step.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Photo Humphrey

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 03-31-2015 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	03-31-2015
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow of water coming out of the spring right next to the camp/station.
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Camping area at Bluff.

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-22-2015 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-22-2015
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	I suspect the water tank is running low.  Indian creek was flowing, so I refilled my water there.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Indian creek flowing. Water tank low
Weather Conditions:	50s & cloudy

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 02-14-2015 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	02-14-2015
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good quality, easy to fill bottles
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 12-13-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	12-13-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Pools above the camp from the recent rains.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 12-02-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	12-02-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The LPFA secured a grant to repair the damaged stove pipes at the Bluff Cabin.  The old pipes were damaged and had become a fire hazard.  Work was completed in December 2014 headed up by Mickey McTigue.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Photo Rafferty

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-31-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-31-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	A few hunters had a semi-permanent campsite for the season.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	For the first time in forever, the camp was dry! Although some water could be found at the spring source.
Weather Conditions:	Hot and Windy

Bluff Guard Station Survey - 08-06-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Bluff Guard Station
Date:	08-06-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	22 miles from Upper Oso, This Guard Station is also behind 2 locked gates.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water is available behind cabin in the creek
Weather Conditions:	80's

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