Toad Springs OHV Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 7.00 Miles

Submitted Trail Reports

Toad Springs OHV Trail Survey - 09-29-2023 - by Drew Helms

Link:	Toad Springs OHV Trail
Date:	09-29-2023
Surveyor Name:	Drew Helms
Trail description:	I hiked this trail from Nettle Springs Camp to the San Emigdio Mesa Springs Trail junction.  There is some irrigation pipe in the first mile of the trail (34.79937, -119.28952).  This trail is easy to follow (mostly), although not always in the designated location and not for altogether good reasons.  This trail is clearly being maintained by a freelance crew of the two-wheeled variety.  They have cut fallen trees out of the trail, but left large widow-maker branches (34.80277, -119.286).  At other points, rather than clear the trail they have cut alternative paths, often cutting direct paths across switchbacks with oddly steep grades that are suitable for dirt bikes, but not so much for legs and feet.  They have a log book at the junction taking credit for their work and, of course, claiming counter-factually that the trail is not part of the wilderness area. The views are amazing when you come out of the woods onto the mesa from this southern approach.  It is a good trail, connecting to good water at Mesa Spring, and it would be a shame to abandon this southern section of the trail. The log book claims that these enthusiastic riders have cut an alternative path around the slide area north of the junction.  I did not investigate, but would be surprised if it was professionally done.  I highly doubt they have installed crib walls or maintained trail profiles appropriate for foot and hoof, but it is probably passable.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow
Images:	34.79937, -119.28952 34.80277, -119.286 Old junction sign needs work "volunteer"/visitor log book Looking back down the trail to the southwest from 34.82304, -119.25493

Toad Springs OHV Trail Survey - 05-09-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Toad Springs OHV Trail
Date:	05-09-2020
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Trail description:	did some trail maintenance on Toad springs trail. This is a great trail, needs to be re-routed around the washed out section , which would probably require about 1/4 to1/2 mile of trail. San emigdio mesa was full of poppies.Â
Mode of transport:	O.H.V.
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Toad springs trail from nettle springs
Images:

Toad Springs OHV Trail Survey - 11-24-2017 - by Craig R. Carey

Link:	Toad Springs OHV Trail
Date:	11-24-2017
Surveyor Name:	Craig R. Carey
Trail description:	This OHV route has been closed (abandoned) for what seems like ages now, but still a nice walk from Nettle Spring to the mesa.  The water at the upper Nettle Spring (~34.800998, -119.288481) was still flowing along the trail. The route has numerous trees down, but it's easy enough to just walk around them. Open country. Route is easy enough to follow from the light foot traffic and occasional OHV trespass.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Another beautiful day!
Images:

Toad Springs OHV Trail Survey - 10-03-2015 - by RSO McCabe

Link:	Toad Springs OHV Trail
Date:	10-03-2015
Surveyor Name:	RSO McCabe
Trail description:	The trail is in good condition till the old slide. There is a big oak tree down across the trail, it is passable by hikers but not stock. There is an old wooden trail sign marking the turn up and over the slide area. The trail is marked by too many ducks. Got to the junction and headed for Mesa Springs. Was close but running out of daylight and trail is very difficult to find at the turn off the mesa.Â
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

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