Los Pinos Mtn. Loop

Total Miles
18.9

Elevation

1,422.54 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall

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Los Pinos Mtn. Loop
5

Trail Overview

Since our last visit in 2002, the first part of this loop-to the fire lookout tower-has been paved. 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

Brian S.
Nov 10, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
I did the loop counter clockwise, there is a poorly maintained paved road up to the lookout tower. The ride down from the lookout tower on Los Pinos trail is manageable and has some great views. But Espinoza trail is way more eroded with bigger rocks exposed than the last time I did this one back in 2010. A few downed trees with near by rocks cause some tight spots. The main obstacle before the gigantic rock is heavily eroded with bigger rocks exposed. Bounced off the skid plates and rock sliders a lot on the way down this trail but made it through ok. This part of the trail is also overgrown so expect pin stripping. The last part of the loop is a mostly rutted out dirt road, and then it ends as it begins on a paved road back to the Four Corners staging area.
Andrew Padilla
Oct 20, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Started at the staging area and went clockwise ending with the lookout. Pretty easy until we reached the only real obstacle and then it was pretty overgrown. If you are ok with pinstripes it leads to an awesome view from up top.
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.

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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