Dough Flat to Frazier

This rugged 45.9-mile point-to-point backpacking route connects the remote trailhead at Dough Flat with the mountain town of Frazier Park, traversing through the wild heart of the Los Padres National Forest. Along the way, you'll summit Frazier Mountain—one of the highest peaks in the region—and explore the dramatic canyons, ridgelines, and remote terrain of the Sespe Wilderness and Mount Pinos Ranger District. This creative route is perfect for experienced backpackers seeking solitude, long miles, and a taste of SoCal’s lesser-known backcountry.

The journey begins at the Dough Flat Trailhead, on the western end of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. You’ll head north through remote terrain, picking your way through chaparral-covered hills, oak woodlands, and pine-dotted ridges. 

Expect hot and exposed stretches early on, especially if starting in lower elevations, but higher ridgelines offer some reprieve with scattered pines and breezy plateaus. Wildlife is abundant—keep an eye out for black bears, mule deer, and soaring red-tailed hawks. In spring, wildflowers often explode across the hillsides, while fall colors may surprise you in oak-lined canyons.

As you near Frazier Mountain, the terrain shifts to higher-elevation pine forests. A short detour to summit Frazier Mountain (elevation 8,017 ft) offers commanding views of the surrounding forest and even glimpses of the Sierra Nevada on clear days. From there, descend toward the town of Frazier Park, where a warm meal and soft bed—or maybe just a resupply stop—await.
Permit: No wilderness permit required, but a free campfire permit is needed for stoves and fires.

NEED TO KNOW:

• Water: sources are seasonal and unreliable—carry extra and research ahead of time.

• Navigation and Terrain Challenges: Some trail sections are faint, overgrown, or poorly maintained—GPS and route-finding skills are a must. Some trails may be rugged or affected by erosion, especially after storms or fire damage.

• Wildlife: This is mountain lion and black bear country—carry a bear canister or hang food, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Snow may linger at higher elevations in early spring.

• Solitude and Seclusion: This route traverses some of the most remote sections of the Los Padres National Forest—you're unlikely to see many other hikers.

• Road Conditions: The road to the trailhead is narrow and rough.

• Exposure: Early sections of the route can be hot, exposed, and brushy—sun protection is key.

• Logistics: Being a point-to-point route, you'll need to arrange a car shuttle or pickup in Frazier Park.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=81861