The Potholes are a forgotten, hard-to-reach corner of the Sespe Wilderness. Decades ago, this series of swampy meadows used to be a popular destination for weekend backpackers, but then the road to it was gated off, requiring a long walk on a closed asphalt road. The trail’s tread wore faint, and people gave it up for other destinations.

But when we found out that a dedicated trail crew had brushed out the trail the previous spring, we figured now was the time to explore the area. Sure enough, the trails were clear and inviting. Abundant winter rains after years of drought had finally turned the hills green, and early wildflowers were peeping out left and right: poppies, lupine and dichelostemma.

Our timing was as good with the weather. We knew going into it that some light rain was forecast, and most people hate backpacking in the rain. Wet, muddy gear is a mess. But after a nice hike, and a roaring campfire, we were all safely cozied up in our sleeping bags under sentinel oaks when the rain blew in for a couple hours in the middle of the night, tapping on the tin roof of a nearby cabin. When we were ready for coffee and breakfast on Sunday morning, the sun was already peeking out, and our walk home along a high ridge treated us to delicious views of the wild and lonely Piru Creek far below. 

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