Buckeye Trail / Hot Springs wilderness permit area in Los Padres National Forest - backcountry hiking destination
Walk-UpBackpackingHigh Demand

Buckeye Trail / Hot Springs

Los Padres National Forest

Silver Peak Wilderness hot springs corridor.

“A bucket-list destination in Los Padres.”

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Be notified instantly when Buckeye Trail permits become available.

Demand
High
7/10
Method
Walk-Up

Buckeye Trail Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh7/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeBackpacking
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level7/10
LocationUSFS

How to Get This Permit

1

Check availability requirements

Walk-up permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends.

2

Visit the ranger station

Go to the designated permit office or ranger station. Bring ID and know your planned itinerary.

3

Have backup plans

Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Buckeye Trail draws visitors from around the world to Los Padres. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Buckeye Trail.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Buckeye Trail FAQ

How do I get a Buckeye Trail permit?

Buckeye Trail permits are obtained through a walk-up system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Buckeye Trail?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Buckeye Trail permit?

This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Buckeye Trail permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Buckeye Trail offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Buckeye Trail
  • 📍Los Padres scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

Other Los Padres Permits

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Plaskett Group

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Nacimiento

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Escondido

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Arroyo Seco

Campground with hot springs access....

View Arroyo Seco Campground permit details and availability