Beartrap Bluff

Climbing the Slabs on Beartrap bluff, photo by Valerie Norton

Beartrap Bluff, photo by Google Earth

Climbing the Slabs on Beartrap bluff, Photo by Valerie Norton.

Peak Name

Beartrap Bluff

07T

Elevation

6160

feet

Status

active

Region

Ventura County

Range

Ventura Ranges

Nearby peaks

Reyes Peak, Haddock Mountain

Location

34.658063,-119.265947

Description

Beartrap Bluff is the most recently added HPS peak, and it is a worthy one. Route 1 starts from the Reyes Creek trailhead and follows the very beautiful Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail to the Beartrap campsite. From here the route ascends a gully on massive sandstone rock slabs to the summit ridge, with views of its neighbors Reyes and Haddock. While steep, the slabs are suitable for most experienced hikers, but should be avoided when wet or snowy. Marine fossils can be found among the broken stones in the gully.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1- Piedra Blanca Trail

Elevation Gain

3800′ total, 3000′ out plus 800′ on return

Navigation Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

12 miles round trip on trail and cross country

Estimated time

7-8 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 2, strenuous

Leader Rating Required

“I”, normal conditions

Driving route

Take I-5 north from Los Angeles.
Exit at the Frazier Mountain Park Road.
Reset your odometer at the stop sign at the end of the off ramp.
At the stop sign, turn left and drive west for 7.1 miles to the Lockwood Valley Road (LVR).
Turn left, reset odometer and drive on the LVR for another 23.6 miles to 7N11.
Reset odometer, turn left and drive about 1.5 miles to Camp Scheideck.
At about 1.6 miles is the Reyes Creek Bar & Grill.
Drive through the Reyes Creek Campground to the Gene Marshall/Piedra Blanca trailhead, 2.1 miles from the LVR. Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (3950′), the trail drops in elevation, it then regains and undulates while it continues to gain.
The Upper Reyes Creek campground is 3.0 miles up the trail. As you exit the campsite, you will pass a unique and huge oak tree.
About 4.0 miles from the trailhead, the trail will cross over a ridge (5400′).
About 4.6 miles from the trail head, the trail will cross Beartrap Creek (5000′).
Cross the creek, leave the trail on your left and walk along the right bank for about 0.1 miles to a major gully on your right.
Leave the creek and climb up this steep, rocky gully to a plateau (5900′).
Once on the plateau, go left and proceed to a massive summit block.

Route Notes

Printable Route

Road Type

Paved

Google Maps Link to Trailhead

Additional Peak Information

The east end of Beartrap Campsite is 0.1 mile to the east of where one crosses Beartrap Creek. On one’s return, it is worth walking the additonal 0.1 mile to visit this end of the campsite and its beautiful majestic trees.