Mt Manuel Trail - Los Padres National Forest
Trail Distance 7.96 Miles

Submitted Trail Reports

Mt Manuel Trail Survey - 02-04-2026 - by Liz St. Andre and Randal Jackson

Link:	Mt Manuel Trail
Date:	02-04-2026
Surveyor Name:	Liz St. Andre and Randal Jackson
Trail description:	Great hike for February, 2026.  The lower section is in excellent shape but has very little shade, so be prepared.  Even though the temperature was only 70 degrees, it was very hot hiking the exposed sections and we were thankful for shady spots along the way.  The clouds rolled in later on and made the remainder of the hike quite pleasant.  The grade is not difficult but the hike is long, especially because we took breaks in the shade to keep ourselves cool.  We started at 9 am and returned by 5pm and had no trouble following the trail.  Someone had definitely been working on the upper sections of the trail-THANK YOU! There are beautiful forested sections along the way and amazing views of the back country as you approach the top.  Look for condors and golden eagles when you get up there.  We definitely saw a pair of eagles and also may have seen some condors but could not get a positive ID.  Bring lots of water and hike this on a cool, cloudy day!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work
Condition details:	Lower 3 miles are in great shape. Upper portion is still easy to follow but could use a brush up and some tread work.
Images:	Trail Exposed Trail Trail in forested area Mt. Manuel taked from the "false peak"-trail is more brushy for the final ascent View from atop Mt. Manuel

Mt Manuel Trail Survey - 02-22-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Mt Manuel Trail
Date:	02-22-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	Trail crews have worked the Mt Manuel Trail coming up from Pfeiffer State Park into the LP.  The trail is open and passable for a ways.  We are unsure where that 'ways' turns into 'STOP GO BACK'.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

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