Castle Crags Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 11.54 Miles

Submitted Trail Reports

Castle Crags Trail Survey - 05-22-2026 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Castle Crags Trail
Date:	05-22-2026
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Trail description:	I began from 29S18 (labelled on some maps as an extension of Pine Mountain Rd and some maps as Queen Bee Rd). I drove up 29S18 from Pozo Rd in a 2wd vehicle easily, and probably could have continued driving up the first couple miles of Pine Mtn Trail to Castle Crags Trail. I split off at Castle Crags Trail, there is a register nearby at (35.32599, -120.23948) that is sorely in need of a new notebook. No water on the route, expect temperatures to be similar or higher than the forecast in Pozo. I followed the trail out to (35.30220, -120.22200) and then tried bushwhacking down to the castle crags formation. I only made it about a half mile before cutting my losses, climbing a tree, and enjoying the view. No ticks, no poison oak, but the flies are evil and will bite you through your clothing.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Easy to follow for the most part, but nonexistent to hike out to the Castle Crags formation itself
Images:	castle crags from (35.30205, -120.21740)

Castle Crags Trail Survey - 07-09-2023 - by Brian Roberts

Link:	Castle Crags Trail
Date:	07-09-2023
Surveyor Name:	Brian Roberts
Trail description:	The trail needs some work. A ton of bushwhacking required to get from end to end. However, it's generally pretty easy to remain on course.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Very brushy but not hard to follow

Castle Crags Trail Survey - 10-18-2016 - by Mike Splain

Link:	Castle Crags Trail
Date:	10-18-2016
Surveyor Name:	Mike Splain
Trail description:	Section- American Canyon Trail junction to Machesna Mountain summit spur- Besides a few cattle trails in the blue oak woodlands, this section of the trail is wide open & easily followed. Side note- The unofficial dozer line/spur to Machesna Mountain ranges from wide open to heavily overgrown bushwhacking, but stellar views from Santa Lucia Peak (Ventana Wilderness) to the San Rafael, Sierra Madre, Thorn Point, Mount Pinos & the Carrizo Plain/Temblor Range make it well worth the effort.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

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