Mount Pinos

Mt. Pinos is a 16.1-mile out-and-back singletrack trail that reaches the summit of Mount Pinos. This trail is located near Frazier Park, California and is considered to be a challenging route. The trail is fairly straightforward with a long ascent followed by a downhill back to the start, passing several campgrounds along the way. This trail is suitable for hiking, trail running, backpacking, and mountain biking. 

Mount Pinos, located in Los Padres National Park, rises to 8,847 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Ventura County. The journey to the summit is steep, challenging, and rewarding. The trail ascends a series of switchbacks through various chaparral and aromatic pine and fir trees. From the summit visitors are treated to views overlooking the Central Valley as well as the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada. The trail follows a well maintained singletrack that winds up the mountain passing several campgrounds along the way. The trail also crosses the Mt. Pinos Rd (low traffic road) several times providing visitors plenty of opportunities to shorten the trek if needed.

Despite its location in southern California, Mount Pinos is prone to being snow covered in the winter. The best seasons for adventuring in this area are spring, fall, and summer. On a clear night, come out and enjoy the night sky. Mount Pinos is known for being a great astronomy viewing location due to the low light pollution. 

Mt. Pinos is a sacred mountain to the Chumash Native Americans and the mountain is included in the Chumash Wilderness Area. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=11019.  

To learn more about the Native American cultures in Los Padres National Forest please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=11019. 

For current weather conditions on Mount Pinos visit, https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Pinos/forecasts/2696.