I turned on Google navigation, but it led me to a completely wrong mountain road. I wandered around in the mountains for about 20 minutes before finally getting out, so I just came back home. If you plan to go, make sure to double-check the route at least once before heading out. read more

Site #3 - the picnic table and fire pit are on the other side of the bike trail. Some got it and rode on, other cyclists thought it was for their use. There is a large rock formation 10 feet from the pit that people kept bringing their kids to play on. They need to move the table and pit, then it would be a great site. read more

See all

A friend and I came here to hike on a recent visit to Pine Mountain Club. We didn't camp, so this review is for hiking only. We took the Tumamait trail to the weather station at the Mount Pinos summit and picnicked at the top by the Iwhihinmu plaque. After returning to the first fork in the trail, we then hiked to the meadow and back. Altogether, this was a full day of beautiful hiking. The crisp mountain air, pine trees, high elevation buckwheat and lichen meadows, and views were all fantastic. As other reviewers have said, the hikes aren't intensely strenuous, but they can be long if you want them to be. Both Tumamait and the meadow paths are partially shaded with sunny patches. Going to the meadow, most of the hike is a small downhill slope, so keep in mind it will be mildly strenuous coming back up. For hiking, my friend and I did not have a parking pass nor could we find a place to buy one at the Nordic Station parking lot (the drive up the mountain to the lot is lovely, by the way!) We were slightly concerned, but nothing happened. No ticket, no ranger presence. Our visit was in late April, 2022. Spending time in this powerful Chumash site was wonderful. We stayed on the mountain peak for at least an hour feeling the wind whip our faces, enjoying our picnic and the views, looking at the trees and plants and snow, and enjoying being at the "top of the world." There weren't many people around, and we said hello to everyone we passed. It felt convivial and isolated at the same time. A pretty cool combination. read more

See all

A nice hike, not too tough or strenuous but you can definitely get a good long hike in if you want. I came here to hike the Sawmill mountain summit which is actually one of the alternate peaks on the six pack of peaks challenge. Sawmill is around 2.5 miles after you get to the amount Pinos summit, and part of the 3, 2, 1 challenge is hiking over to Grouse Mountain which is about another mile away from Sawmill. Round trip if you do all 3 peaks you'll get around 10.5 to 11 miles with a little over 2,000 of elevation gains. The biggest climb is about 450-550 feet coming back from Sawmill to Pinos. There aren't any major elevation climbs compared to the rest of the hikes on the six peak challenge so this hike won't be brutal in that aspect. On the trail you have beautiful view of trees all around you from within the forest, along with a few open meadows, and far range views of the rest of the mountains out in the range. If you plan on going to the other summits here I'd suggest using the All Trails app & downloading the map in offline mode since there are parts of the trail that aren't marked. Also don't forget your adventure pass when you get to the parking lot. read more

See all

Gorgeous and lots of hiking trails. The trees are ginormous and the air smells so clean and it just feels great here! You gotta go especially if you live close by because it is really worth it! read more

Located in Los Padres National Forest and the closest nearby town is Frazier Park. Mt. Pinos was sacred land to the Chumash Native Americans. They called it Iwhihinmu, their sacred site. The hike up to Mt. Pinos is now one of the twelve peaks in the 12 pack of peaks you can hike in Southern California. It is probably the easiest one. In order to get to the trailhead you have to park at the Nordic Base. If you have not done this hike I highly recommend it even for a beginner. It is such a beautiful forest even with snow on it. read more

See all

It's beautiful up on the trails on the mountain. Signage needs to be improved. We went for a hike and got lost. Our supposed 3 hour easy-ish hike turned into a 10 hour ordeal, calling 911, search and rescue was sent out. Thank goodness we had cell service and managed to hike our way 2000ft uphill in snow with some guidance. Very scary and humbling. I will always be more prepared on any hike (in this area and others). Stay on trail (if you can locate it). Make sure your phone is charged. Bring poles if there is snow in the hills. Come prepared for the unexpected. read more

Conquered Mount Pinos via Mc Gill Trail total of 16 miles. Mount Pinos is an awesome easy hike. It reminds me of San Bernardino Peak...long trail and you wonder, "are we there yet" haha Adventure pass is needed. Must bring enough water if starting from Mc Gill Trail. Some gnats on the trail, try and wear face net to cover. Gnats can be annoying when hiking. Overall...beautiful hike read more

See all

Great views and a beautiful hike reminding me of Washington! Not a hard hike and perfect to enjoy lots of shade parts through out the hike read more

Mount Pinos - Hiking mount pinos ! - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

This was my first time visiting this mountain. As we began our drive up there was very little snow, mostly dirt and ice so we were very surprised at the amount of beautiful, fresh powder that awaited us as we got Bear the top of the mountain, it even started snowing! The drive was beautiful, but if your car is not an AWD you must chain your tires because you will not be permitted to drive up the mountain. There are restrooms at the very top with a circular parking lot. I went on Sunday and even though it was pretty busy, I found great spots to pull over where there were maybe 1 or 2 other cars. The scenery is beautiful, it's a great place for photos, hiking with your dogs and sledding. I really enjoyed this snowy mountain and love that it's so close to LA. I have always gone to Wrightwood but Mount Pinos is much larger and the snow was fantastic! read more

Mount Pinos - Puppy's first snow - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

Our Siberian husky loves the snow and this was our first chance this year to have some. Great if you want snow play and to avoid skiers. Large parking area, well maintained road up, mostly pleasant people. Lots of snowy walks and sled areas. Go early to get a spot if you want to sled. No concessions so bring your hot chocolate. read more

See all

Beautiful always, mountain landscapes with wonderful fresh crisp air. I would recommend a nice get away day make a romantic picnic or a day hike. read more

Hard to find parking during the holidays but this place is amazing! One of the most amazing places I ever seen in California. It's definitely one of my favorite places to go to during the holidays and the new year now! Parking can be a bit difficult to find if you're coming here on a weekend. Plan accordingly! I recommend to go there early! read more

See all

Really nice place to visit in the winter. Just came back from it today, so here are some things to keep in mind: - there is no paid entrance, but you do need to bring your "Adventure Pass" to display in the parked car while you go off exploring - there is a nearby restroom in the huge parking lot - bring your own sled if you have children - venture off nearby trails to explore snow all around you. - dress warm because it's cold up there in December. Enjoy the nature around you! read more

See all

Mount Pinos is the closest thing you'll get to a National Park caliber recreational area in the Southern California region. It's located way up at the 8000 ft elevation range and is known for its high density of Jeffrey Pines. The scenery driving up Mt. Pinos road is spectacular with the bright green pine trees in plain sight across the mountain range. I stayed over at Mount Pinos campground and was very happy with the experience- as this campground is nestled right in the middle of the forest, offers fantastic views, and has an intimate atmosphere. No showers or running water, but that's a small price to pay in exchange for staying at a first-class campground. Mt. Pinos attract a large number of hikers, but I came here for the mountain biking. After riding up to the summit, I headed down the trail and enjoyed some truly outstanding single track all the way to the bottom of Mt. Pinos road where I parked my car. I would rate the mountain biking here as excellent and on par with the best trails in Southern California. read more

This is a beautiful hike. And super easy if you take the trail from Nordic station. Its only 2 miles in from the parking. This peak is included in the six pack of peaks challenge and for new hikers this is a great one to start with. If you consider yourself an advance hiker don't stop there, take on the 3-2-1 challenge, its 3 peaks, in 11 miles in one day and you will have summited the highest peak in Ventura county and the highest peak in Kern County, a truly beautiful trail without to much human traffic, just start early because it does get hot. My friends and I did the 11 miles, and I managed to cross another peak off the challenge for me. I liked the signs by Tumamait trail that told some of the history of the Chumash wilderness. And the north American Indians read more

See all

This is the only spot to take the Family for sledding and tubing. 1.5 hours away from DTLA so my question to you is, why are you not visiting Mount Pinos! Keep on Yelping read more

LA has snow. Its here. On Mt Pinos. In the winter, even if it doesn't look like there is snow, if you drive all the way up, past the second snow gate, and keep your eyes peeled, you'll see enough snow to play in. Be polite and clean up after yourselves. Lots of day trippers leave tons of trash, and no one really cleans it all up. Don't leave broken sleds. read more

We were visiting family in SoCal. One trip was to Frazier Park. In looking for a place where there might be an easy hike, we chose Mt. Pinos. There is a two-mile hike up to the summit from the parking area at the end of Cuddy Valley/Mt. Pinos Road. Elevation at the start is 8300', with its being about 8850'. The view from the summit encompasses the southern Central Valley, the southernmost Sierra Nevada, much of the Santa Barbara County Mountains, the Caliente Range, and more.. Nice trek for even "non-hikers" to try. Spotted a group of mountain bikers heading down another path to a pick-up point farther down the mountain. read more

See all

Mount pinos has great views of the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains on a clear day read more

Mount Pinos - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

See all

I went to Mount Pinos today with my dogs and had a blast. We will definitely be going back! It was snowing (heavily at times) while we were there, which made it extra magical. The snow was about 15 to 24" deep in most areas we trekked through. We had a blast making snowmen, digging in the snow, eating snow, and barking up a storm. It was a beautiful white winter wonderland, which was an extra special treat because, as someone who lives in Santa Monica, we have no change in seasons. I took an embarrassing amount of photos and videos of the scenery and of my dogs being dummies. I definitely recommend this as a day trip from LA or surrounding areas for families or people with dogs. Don't forget to bring your sled! Tips: 1) The address on this page is wrong. Don't turn on Lockwood Valley. Continue onto Cuddy Valley Rd, which will turn into Mt Pinos Rd when it enters the national park. Follow the road past the second snow gate (which is marked McGill Campground). There usually isn't enough snow before the point. 2) Get there early. I arrived at 11:00 and barely squeezed into a spot. When I left at 1, the number of cars parked along the road had increased by 500%. 3) Wear proper shoes and pants! And bring gloves! In some spots, the snow was so deep that my leg almost up to my knee sunk it. I did fine with rainboots. 4) Bring a bag for garbage. There are no garbage cans at the campsites. You have to bring everything with you. 5) There was a bathroom at the campground I went to, but bring toilet paper to be safe. 6) You need an Adventure pass. There is no fee collected to get in. 7) The first campground after you pass McGill Campground (there will be a sign for it but forgot the name - look for the small parking area on the left side of the road that fits about 10 cars) has great snow and a gentle slope for sledding. read more

See all

I didn't know this earlier, but the top of Mt. Pinos is highest point on Los Padres National Forest - California's largest national forest. I've only been here for snow-related activities, mainly snowshoeing. Before I ever knew about this place... I thought snowshoeing was long gone and something I could only find in Alaska or the kid's novel, "Julie of the Wolves". But no! Right near the Ventura border, is Mt. Pinos where you can rent snowshoes (about $7), gloves, bobsleds, poles, boots, straps, boot covers (to keep snow out) and snow blades. I've only gone in the late Jan - March time frame when the snow is fresh, bountiful and a splendid sight to see! It's so much fun falling into snow pits and climbing out of them and seeing all the interesting wildlife. Definitely recommend going here if you've never tried it! things to bring: -gps or compass... a must! the snow makes everything look the same and you can get lost... easily -markers - to help re-locate your way back -warm clothes (preferably waterproof) -a lot of water... hiking in snow is much more strenuous than hiking a trail because the snow drags you down -sunblock -sunglasses - a must also.. don't want to get your eyes burned from all the snow glare! read more

Great views but the trail is really short to 8847 feet of elevation. The ranger at the station is not really helpful or informative. The map and literature is also lacking. We were told to go there to pay $5, but that is only for the winter activities (will come back to ski). The place is beautiful great wildflowers and views. Giant pine trees. Clarks nutcrackers feeding young, white headed woodpeckers, mountian chickadee, also saw a mountian quil with chicks. read more

This was an awesome hike! It is a easier hike that everyone in the family can enjoy. We strolled up with a four year old and it took us about an hour going up. And the beautiful view was worth it. read more

Mount Pinos - Where were flat easier parts in the trail that were nice! - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

Best local hike. From here you can go to sawmill and grouse mountain. There is a trail register at summit of my Pinos.

I like to break up my drive from OC to Berkeley by stopping at the Holiday Inn Express in Lebec in the early afternoon. Then I spend the rest of the afternoon hiking around Mt Pinos. And then I continue on my trip to Berkeley the next day. Mt Pinos is over 8000 feet. There are beautiful healthy pine trees and plenty of easy trails to follow. And the air is fresh and wonderful to breathe! read more

Mount Pinos - Along the trial to Sawmill Mountain - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

See all

Mt pinos is one of my favorite forest areas to visit and it's only an hour from the San Fernando valley! It's extremely peaceful and it's even more wonderful to visit during the winter! There was so much snow and we were only at the base of the Mountain! Don't forget to bring a sled! read more

See all

My home boys and I went there to chill today. Not bad. But don't trust that Subway lady! Freaking liar about snow... #notrust #ilikeleeches read more

Mount Pinos - Found a dead squirrel here aka dinner - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

Beautiful campsite. Pros: Beautiful, big pine trees Quiet Nice sized campsites Mountain biking/hiking trails nearby Cons: No bear lockers No campfires allowed during extreme fire danger Bathrooms ok, but have a bit of a smell Bears/bees/local wildlife in/around campsites We loved our site and enjoyed a nap, a butane-prepared dinner, and a hike. My husband got stung by a yellow jacket - those little buggers wanted our grilling meat. Right before bed, we heard neighboring campers down the way banging pots and pans together. We walked over, and they said a couple of bears were eating their food on the picnic table. Several minutes later, my husband watched a bear open the supposedly bear-proof trash locker latch and climb in to help himself. Since the trash was about 15 feet from our campsite and tent, and there were no bear lockers for food or coolers, and our cooler was too heavy to string from the trees, we decided it was time to pack up and go. In fact, there were handwritten signs recommending that people leave their food and coolers in their cars. We've seen bears rip open cars like tin cans and tip over RVs to get to coolers stashed inside or underneath. If bear lockers were put in place, and people were required to watch a bear safety video like they're required to watch a fire safety video to obtain a campfire permit, it may help greatly. If you decide to go, have a lovely time. :) read more

Amazing vistas at 8831 ft only 1.5 miles from the trailhead! In order to get here, just follow the old access road at the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot. The trailhead's elevation is 8300, so the elevation gain is great for beginners. I've seen people encounter the effects of altitude sickness at this place, so kee that in mind. I've hiked this place in the fall and spring. Fall was really enjoyable, but I'd recommend microspikes to deal with snow in the spring. I was able to do it without microspikes, but next time I'll have some handy. There's two rickety benches at the summit and some cool informational displays as well. The Tumamait Trail starts at the summit of Mt. Pinos and that'll take you to Sawmill Mountain and Cerro Noroeste. read more

See all

100 bucks for mittens and sleds and they shut down the road. Save your money unless you want to break your child's heart.

Hard for me to really rate this place considering we couldn't even make it in. First we went to the ranger station and nearby parking lot that everyone talks about and there wasn't any snow : ( We were told the snow and sledding is up Mt. Pinos but the road was closed due to an early accident then overcrowding. i know it was New Year's Day but the massive amounts of people made it tough to even stop for gas or a snack. We waited 45 minutes in the line going up the mountain only to reach the end and to be told that it was closed. Bummer, no snow and super crowded. read more

Fresh snow and an amazing trip. The snow level was about up to the top of the picnic tables. This is at Mount Pinos campground, just past mcgill campground on the left side. Arrive early. When we left at noon, the line to get up the hill and put on chains looked like it would take hours read more

See all

This is a good place to check out snow with the little ones or 4-legged ones! Just be sure to buy your Adventure Pass on the way up at a liquor store. You'll eventually get there as there's only really one road up. Good for cross-country skiing too. read more

We went here for our first camping trip with our daughter and it was amazing. There were plenty of camping spots, amazing views, and decent restrooms (no water or indoor plumbing). The only downside was that we couldn't use the firepits but that is more on account of the drought and state restrictions. read more

It was a beautiful experience...very close to LA. I took my doggy out to the snow for the first time and she loved it. Great place to enjoy time alone or with family. Will definitely be back. read more

We recently took our kids to try and "find some snow." Because that's what you do in LA when "weather" happens-you go off to search for some snow. After consulting "old man Google", this looked like the best option. We checked the web cam, Snow! Check! Drive about an hour...yeah...about that snow. But we were not to be thwarted-we would create memories for our kids, dammit, and we would find some snow. Back out we drove and up the mountain a little more we went. Our efforts were rewarded. OK, we had no reception, no Internet, and no maps. But you pull out of the station go left, and keep going. And then we saw it. On the left side of the road, Snow. Beautiful, white, almost fluffy snow! Mist was gently coming up from the ground, light was beaming through the trees-this photo doesn't even do it justice. But thank you for giving the five-year-old (and his parents) an amazing experience. (The one year old fell asleep, but we'll tell him it was awesome). The four stars, as opposed to the five, are only for the toilets. I don't know if toilet is the proper way to describe it, but bring wipes. So many wipes. read more

Mount Pinos - Mist, almost fluffy snow, and not a soul around - Hiking Near Me - Frazier Park, California

We went for a hike here and got a bit lost lol. But then we figured it out and realized we were on the trail.....(which was a road surrounded by scenic areas). We did feel the burn every time we passed a higher elevation point. read more

Please clean up after yourselves and always remember to "Pack it in pack it out!" if your planning on visiting for the snow and remember people live here please don't park on the highways!!!! I'm a local and I love Mt. Pinos I've been camping at McGill Campground since I was little! read more

We decided to have a white Christmas! On Xmas day we drove 3.5 hrs to get to the very top of the Mount Pinos from Arroyo Grande, we saw a lot of people parking on the side of the road at the base of the mountain but it looked like slush but we decided to drive to the top for powder instead. The only problem about getting to the top of the mountain is that once we got out of the car it was freezing cold, 16 degrees to be exact. My 22 month old girl started crying instantly, it was to chilly for her. We went ahead and played on the slopes with our sleds for just about a half hour. Some of our party were not equipped cloth-wise for playing in the snow so we decided to head home, I know Bummer! Make sure for everybody in your party to be wearing snow gear from head to toe to take full advantage of a whole day and not return home early like we did. Port-a-potties were very gross and no toilet paper, so beware and come prepared or hold it!! We will definitely will be back In right before early spring when the weather is a bit more tolerable. read more