If anyone is out and hassles you for walking long ridge to the trail head, just politely tell them you are heading out towards VDC and be on your way. there's some wonderful folks up there and once or twice i've been told the road is closed to hikers and it is explicitly not

to reiterate what rt1 said, only because some find the fork at the Hoist confusing, Palo Colorado rd goes right and is gated, rocky creek road goes left, with a private driveway right near it. Long ridge road goes straight up and has a brown sign that says "authorized vehicles only." its 2 steep miles to trail head

Yes, The Hoist is the junction of Palo Colorado Road and Long Ridge Road. Palo Colorado Road is gated just past The Hoist. You will see a row of mailboxes labeled "The Hoist".

Thanks for that feedback, appreciate it!

I am assuming The Hoist is something where Palo Colorado meets Long Ridge? I can't find any reference to what The Hoist actually is but I assume it'll become apparent when I get there?

The trail is clear most of the way to Pat Spring, it gets pretty brushy about a mile before. Turner Creek has a light flow, enough to get water up to Apple Tree Camp, where the flow is very light, but still moving and collectible. I haven't checked Pat Spring in awhile but I'd bet it's flowing fine, everywhere seems to still have water.

You can't drive up Long Ridge Road, but you can park at The Hoist and walk up it to the trailhead, and you might even catch a ride from a local.

I'm looking to hike Turner Creek to Pat Springs in a few weeks (November) and was wondering what you all think the water supply levels would be like? Also in terms of getting to Turner Creek Trailhead, do I need to park at Town and Country and hike the road? or is there a way to drive up to it?

Excited to get back out there and would appreciate any tips to making this work!
James