Los Padres

A Trip to the Los Padres National Forest

Over spring break, students bravely ventured into the depths of the Los Padres National Forest and spent four days hiking, doing trail maintenance, eating freeze-dried food and fighting off rattlesnakes. From the rigor and beauty of backpacking there was much to appreciate.

PAGE and PHOTOS by FRANCES CARLSON and MADELEINE NICKS

“The trip was a great opportunity to bond with a new group of people and challenge ourselves on more difficult hikes,” junior George Nicks said.

“I left the trip grateful for the environment that surrounds Santa Barbara and the community I am part of,” said Spanish instructor Michelle Finck.

“I really liked when we all played card games and bathed in the river. Just lots of quintessential camping things,” junior Maura Jaye said.

“You’re benefiting the forest service and making it easier for other people to have that same experience in nature,” junior Harrison Jones said.

Five-mile backpack into P-Bar Flats, our base camp. Jumping into the Oasis swimming hole. Photo by Matt Struckmeyer. Heading down the mountain for the first time.

“Not only was Cottam Camp beautiful with it’s scenic views, but it also meant we were closer to finishing one of the hardest treks I’ve done!” senior Phoebe Stein said. “The last hike back to Camino Cielo was definitely the most challenging part of the trip. A life changing experience,” junior Ben Rodgers said.