Piedra Blanca - Gene Marshall National Recreation Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views

From the trailhead, head east on Sespe River Trail and cross Sespe Creek to reach an intersection. At the signed junction, stay left and head to the next signed junction with Middle Sespe Trail and head right onto Piedra Blanca-Gene Marshall NRT. The intriguing rock formation of Piedra Blanca is in view for most of this part of the hike and is reached in about 0.5 miles.

After exploring the formations, continue hiking north as the trail begins to follow Piedra Blanca Creek and the canyon. Piedra Blanca Camp is about 2.3 miles along the trail. Less than 0.5 miles from the camp, there is a small spur trail off to the right which crosses the North Fork of Piedra Blanca Creek; this trail leads to Twin Forks camp. The main trail continues to follow North Fork Piedra Blanca Creek; from 4 to 5.75 miles the trail ascends steeply as it veers away from the creek. Pine Mountain Lodge Camp is reached about 8.9 miles along the trail, and lies at the junction with Cedar Creek Trail. Stay left to stay on Piedra Blanca-Gene Marshall NRT.

The trail levels off for a few miles, once again meeting Piedra Blanca Creek at about 7.4 miles and reaches Three Mile Camp at 7.75 miles. At 9.6 miles, the junction to Reyes Peak Trail extends to the left and you'll meet Haddock Camp. Go right to stay on the trail, which veers away from the creek about 10.1 miles and at about 10.2 miles the trail begins to descend.

At 10.6 miles, the trail begins to follow Beartrap Creek. Beartrap Camp is at 13 miles along the trail, which is where the trail leaves the creek. Upper Reyes Camp is at 14.75 miles where the trail crosses Reyes Creek. Pierre Blanca-Gene Marshall Trail ends at Reyes Campground around 17.8 miles from the junction with Sespe River Trail.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Oak woodlands and pine forests.