Boulder Canyon to Haddock Camp

This scenic and moderately strenuous backpacking route explores a quiet section of the Los Padres National Forest, starting from the Boulder Canyon Trailhead and leading to remote Haddock Camp. Along the way, you’ll tag two prominent peaks, Reyes Peak (7,514') and Haddock Peak (7,416'), both part of the Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section list. Expect solitude, long stretches of ridge walking, sweeping views of the Sespe Wilderness, and a peaceful, wooded camp at the turn around point.

Begin at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead, following the trail as it climbs through chaparral and pine into higher elevations. You’ll continue onto Reyes Peak Road which turns into Reyes Peak Trail, from there head east and follow the use trail to summit Reyes Peak (option to leave out the peak bagging if you’d prefer to stay on the regular trail).

After descending from Reyes, continue east towards Haddock Peak. This stretch includes light scrambling and faint trail in spots but rewards with the quieter, less-visited Haddock Peak. From the summit, retrace your steps briefly and then continue southeast down to Haddock Camp, a remote backcountry campsite tucked into a quiet forested saddle with flat ground and seasonal water nearby.

Spend the night at Haddock Camp, then reverse the route back to the trailhead, optionally tagging the peaks again if you missed them on the way out, or skipping them altogether to simplify the route.

You’ll pass through low chaparral, mixed pine forests, and rugged ridgelines dotted with manzanita and incense cedar. Animal sightings may include mule deer, woodpeckers, lizards, and possibly black bears. Wildflowers are abundant in spring and early summer, especially after a wet winter.

CAMPING AND PERMITS

• Haddock Camp is a dispersed, primitive campsite, no toilets or tables. A seasonal spring may flow nearby (treat all water).

• No wilderness permits are currently required for this route.

• A California Campfire Permit is needed for camp stoves or fires (if allowed—check restrictions).

• Free parking is available at the trailhead; no adventure pass is typically required.

Considerations

• Navigation: Trails around Haddock Peak are faint and may be overgrown.

• Water: Water is scarce along the route. Call the local ranger station for current conditions and carry enough.

• Weather: Conditions can change rapidly at high elevation. 

• Trail Condition: Portions of the trail may have blowdowns or erosion—expect rugged terrain and sections of light bushwhacking.