The road continues up Piru Creek after the TH but is closed to vehicular traffic other than perhaps to the locals that have properties up there. I am unsure which private landowner has gotten permission but there are cows that now wander the upper section above the lake. Cow patties are everywhere and it seems surprising that they are allowed to alter the habitat so significantly. Canton Canyon is just north of the TH but the lake sometimes has water that fills above the confluence so the fire road that goes up Canton requires you going about a half mile past the entrance of the canyon. The fire road looked promising as far as being in shape and I was feeling optimistic that I was going to have a good trail to and up the canyon. When I got dumped into Piru creek I was quickly disabused of that notion as it was impossible to see on the other bank where the road was. I crossed over and found a narrow trail through the brush that let me back on the remains of the fire road that was more like a use trail than a fire road. The cows seemed to be the only things using it and keeping it open for use.
There is a peak right above here called Piru Creek Peak which apparently used to have a fire break but it is completely covered with brush and the climb looked steep as hell, no way I was trying this one. I continued along the use trail until I got to Canton Canyon. The fire road used to follow the north side of the canyon but it has pretty much been washed away so it is best to just stay in the middle of the canyon. There was no water flowing and it is very wide similar to the upper sections of Cow Canyon in the San Gabes.
The rocks aren't too bad and there are some sand banks that you can follow. Damn cows have been up here too but not with the frequency by Piru Creek. I got to the canyon where an old trail used to be that took you to the ridge and damn if I didn't find it. The tread was pretty good going up with some eroded sections. It was very brushy but seemed passable. I pushed my way up about a 1/4 mile but was getting tired so decided getting to the ridge would have to wait until some other time. I came back down and further up the canyon I could see some buildings. I wasn't sure if they might be occupied so I cautiously walked towards them and couldn't tell if they were occupied. I decided if someone did live out here, they would not want to see me so decided to beat a retreat. I can not find any evidence on-line of what sort of residence was up here but it clearly is located at the end of where the fire road used to be and can be seen in the satellite pictures.
Anyway a fun day out in a remote area, didn't see anyone other than the cows by the creek. here is a token picture of Blue Point which towers over the creek. With the lighting you can't see the blue very well that infuses the rock.
