Dry Lakes Ridge Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 4.97 Miles

Submitted Trail Reports

Dry Lakes Ridge Trail Survey - 02-16-2024 - by bardley

Link:	Dry Lakes Ridge Trail
Date:	02-16-2024
Surveyor Name:	bardley
Trail description:	If you like hiking on steep trails (1000’ gain in about a mile) – this hike is for you. If you like hiking on marbles – this hike is for you. If you like hiking on small rocks - this trail is for you. If you like hiking in tiny gullies – this trail is for you. If you like hiking where each step must be contemplated before execution – this hike is for you. If you like hiking in dormant poodle dog bush – this hike is for you. If bushwhacking is your middle name - this trail is for you.  If going where most do not go – this trail is for you.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Perfect weather day with perfect companions to visit this seldom visited place

Dry Lakes Ridge Trail Survey - 04-23-2022 - by Jeyla Fendi

Link:	Dry Lakes Ridge Trail
Date:	04-23-2022
Surveyor Name:	Jeyla Fendi
Trail description:	The trail as of 04/23/22 is half maintained, half overgrown.  The trail begins at the 33 (park at the turnout) and it's about a straight vertical ascent for the first mile or so. At the beginning the trail is very easy to follow and there will be plenty of chaparral wildflowers on the way up. As you start to level off along the ridge the terrain changes to a sky island of manzanita and ceanothus. This is will start to zigzag and eventually split off into multiple directions. As long as you maintain a general path up the ridge you won't get too lost. The views are stellar with the channel islands / pacific ocean to the left and piedra blanca / pine mountain to the right.  After scaling the ridge for another mile or so you'll drop down into the lake vista. There are two giant main lakes and a third smaller lake farther out. Depending on the time of year and plant overgrowth, you are able to access all three. Poodle dog bush (Eriodictyon parryi) can be found all over the lakes and has giant beautiful blooms in the summer. However it is painful with dermatitis hairs and should be avoided when in bloom. As of today it had all died back and was dry which made traversing the paths doable.  To access the lake hike all the way down through the chaparral corridor (the trail chokes out) until you find the path adjacent to the first lake. There are two main "deer trails" you can use to drop down into the lake. Enjoy a plush lupine filled field teaming with plant diversity. You can leave your pack on the center rock "island" and walk around to explore. The lakes also contain ancient ponderosa pines which have sadly burned to a crisp, but you can still read their numbered tags.  After exploring take caution heading back up the trail. From this angle it is very easy to lose (despite hiking "down" it). The hardest part is crossing the manzanita sky island again, it can become confusing and you might often find yourself following erosion channels instead of the real path. All channels lead downward which is a good thing, with enough observation you should be able to connect back to the main trail. After the ridge it's quite easy to follow the path back down, but bring trekking poles or you will definitely slip! The entirety of this trail is exposed and high elevation, so mind the weather and UV radiation. The best times to hike it are in winter and late spring. If you can catch a June gloom that's good too, and gives a rare opportunity to hike above the marine layer. It feels like you're hiking in heaven! But it will be very hot. Bring a hat, a LOT of water, long sleeves and pants for bush-wacking, hiking poles, a good camera, and lots of snacks. The terrain is sandy and rugged so I recommend boots with ankle support.  If you can brave it it's definitely worth the trek. Enjoy.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Trail is have maintained, half overgrown.
Images:	View of the beginning of the trail, looking back. Entering the sky island of manzanita, mostly subspecies of A. glandulosa. The trail opens up after the manzanita crawl. Dropping down now, vista of the dry lakes. The ancient stands of ponderosa pine.

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