Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon

Los Padres National Forest, CA
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Info

Distance
21.7 mi
Elevation gain
6,200 ft
Route type
Out & back
Duration
7.5 hr
Crux
Class 2
Quality
8/10
Vehicle type
Car
Ecoregion

Peaks bagged

1
Hines Peak
HPS
6,719 ft / Rise 3,209 ft
2
Peak 64406,440 ft / Rise 404 ft
3
Topatopa Bluff
HPS
6,367 ft / Rise 47 ft
HPS
Hundred Peaks Section

Trip report

Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The route starts out on private property, hikers are permitted to travel along Sisar Canyon Road to the boundary of Los Padres National Forest.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Multiple signs reminding hikers to stay on the road.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Entering the Los Padres National Forest.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
First Sisar Creek crossing.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The road follows the creek.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
A second, larger creek crossing.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The road makes a hairpin left turn and climbs out of the canyon via a long switchback.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back toward the cliff bands of Topatopa Bluff.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Start of the Red Reef Trail.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Nice singletrack trail with views into Sisar Canyon.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Passing White Ledge Campground. There were several parties breaking camp.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Continuing up the Red Reef Trail.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back toward Topatopa Bluff.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Approaching Nordhoff Ridge.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Continuing along Red Reef Trail (or "Trail 22W08") from its intersection with Nordhoff Ridge Road. Vehicles can access this section of the trail with a permit from the Forest Service.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The trail wraps around the north side of Topatopa Bluff.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The Red Reef Trail is closed to vehicles past this sign.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Climbing to the saddle on the left at 6,100 feet.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
From the saddle, following the ridge toward Hines Peak, right of center. To it's right is the playfully named "Creampuff Peak".
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
The trail bypasses Creampuff Peak, shown here on the right.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Around the bend, Hines Peak comes into view.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back toward Creampuff Peak.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Preview of Hine Peak's eroded northwest ridge.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Starting up the ridge.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Short knife's edge section.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back from above the knife edge section.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Steep and crumbly terrain on the upper half of the ridge.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back. Creampuff Peak is on the left, obscuring Topatopa Bluff behind it.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Some loose Class 2 to gain the ridge crest.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Optional Class 2 along the ridge crest.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Hines Peak summit ahead.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View west from below the summit of Hines Peak.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Hines Peak summit. View north into the Sespe Wilderness.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Returning to the saddle at 6,100 feet.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
At the saddle, turning left onto Old Topatopa Bluff Road.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View east from the switchback along Old Topatopa Bluff Road. Creampuff Peak is on the right.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Short detour to Peak 6440.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Peak 6440 summit ahead.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Peak 6440 summit. View west.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Continuing along the road toward Topatopa Bluff, right. It's just a small bump along the ridge.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Topatopa Bluff's flat summit area. View northwest.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View northeast. Peak 6440 is on the left.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Following a couple of hikers down a steep firebreak on Topatopa Bluff's west slope.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
One can stay on the firebreak, or take this set of switchbacks which offers a gentler grade.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
View back up Topatopa Bluff's west slope.
Trip report photo for Hines Peak and Topatopa Bluff via Sisar Canyon
Rejoining the Red Reef Trail below.

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