Los Pinos Mtn. Loop

Total Miles
18.9

Elevation

1,422.54 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Show in App
Los Pinos Mtn. Loop 5

Trail Overview

The first part of this loop to the fire lookout tower has been paved since our last visit in 2002. ATVs are not allowed on this portion. The remainder of the loop is all dirt as it circles south around the outside of Corral Canyon OHV Area, which is open all year to green-sticker vehicles. Great views along the route including from the top of Los Pinos Mountain. Fee and dispersed camping available.

Photos of Los Pinos Mtn. Loop

Los Pinos Mtn. Loop
Los Pinos Mtn. Loop

Difficulty

Moderate: Mostly easy except for the section between Waypoints 02 and 04. This portion is narrow, steep, brushy and rutted in spots, but suitable for high clearance stock 4x4 SUVs.

History

Los Pinos' is Spanish for 'The Pines,' which you'll see in abundance from the Forest Service fire tower at the top of the mountain. The tower, originally built in the 1920s and replaced in the 1960s, is one of few remaining in California manned full time.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Mario Fajardo
Sep 01, 2024
2023 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Fun trail, 4x4 required. Some spots can look challenging but pick the right lines and you’re good. Watch out for bikes!
Gabriel Ochoa
Jul 28, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
If riding this trail clockwise from the four corners trail head you will pick up heavy pin striping on the second half of the trail. The trail is over grown and has branches sticking out in multiple areas. Some narrow squeezes between logs and rocks. It’s not super difficult but it’s not a walk in the park. Anything wider than a jeep or bronco is going to struggle on the second half.
Spraypaint Stewart
Jul 27, 2024
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Dusty
James Strange
May 27, 2024
4x4
Open
A lot more eroded than in the past. some deep ruts and the rocks are sticking up higher than before. The taller rocks, combined with downed trees and overgrowth means you have to be careful about your lines. deep mud in some places. Would recommend a companion and/or a rig with some lift and a rear locker at least.

Access Description

Take Interstate 8 to the Buckman Springs exit. This exit has a rest stop. Head south on Buckman Springs Road 3.3 miles to Corral Canyon Rd. Turn right and go 5.8 miles west to a parking area near a paved 4-way intersection called Four Corners.

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