Pine Creek Wilderness

Pine Creek Wilderness is a protected zone covering about 13,000 acres within Cleveland National Forest, with elevation ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. The landscape features chaparral scrub vegetation, steep canyons, and seasonal water flows that attract hikers seeking natural terrain.

Congress established this as a protected wilderness in 1984, placing it under Forest Service management. The designation became part of broader efforts to preserve wild lands across the California region during that period.

This protected land serves as a place where visitors connect with California's native ecosystems and experience the region's natural rhythms firsthand. The paths and canyons guide people through landscapes shaped by local geology and wildlife.

Groups need permits to enter and must stay at 15 people or fewer, with no campfires allowed anywhere in the wilderness. Visitors should prepare for extended hiking and bring water and food, as facilities and services inside the zone are minimal.

The Espinosa Trail connects with Secret Canyon Trail to form a roughly 13-mile route that takes hikers through Horsethief Canyon to Pine Creek's waters. This longer path appeals to experienced hikers because it combines multiple canyons and flowing streams into one journey.