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Piedra Blanca

Unusual white sandstone formations in the Los Padres National Forest.

Ojai, California

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Andrew Morgan
Rare foggy day   amorgan2 / Atlas Obscura User
  amorgan2 / Atlas Obscura User
Piedra Blanca   Dana L. Brown / CC BY-SA 2.0
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About

The "white rocks" of Piedra Blanca are huge sandstone formations located in the Sespe Wilderness in Southern California. These monoliths seem otherworldly, rising from chaparral and pines to create an alien landscape dotted with caves, cliffs, and bowls. They are an ideal place for stargazing, and the (hidden) rock art by the native Chumash tribes indicates that this is an ancient, sacred site.  

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Hiking Rocks Geology Rock Formations

Know Before You Go

Piedra Blanca is about 2 miles from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. There is a pit toilet and ample parking, but no water at the trailhead. It can be very hot on the white reflective rocks. Piedra Blanca is near the Sespe River trail, which leads to multiple hot springs.

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amorgan2

Published

January 27, 2023

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