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Mountain hiking trails near Lake of the Woods California

Hiking Trails Near Lake of the Woods

Mountain summits, condor sightings, and panoramic lookouts — all a short drive from your doorstep.

4 Trails Up to 8,831 ft Easy to Moderate

Tanner Brown | Your Local Mountain REALTOR® | DRE 02011892

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Trail Guide

Lake of the Woods sits at the center of the Frazier Mountain trail network — summit hikes, fire lookouts, and condor viewing all within a short drive.

Mt. Pinos Summit Trail (nearby)

Moderate
3.6 mi out & back 8,831 ft summit

The closest major trailhead to Lake of the Woods, reaching the summit of Mt. Pinos at 8,831 ft with sweeping panoramic views. A short drive via Cuddy Valley Rd to the trailhead.

Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot via Cuddy Valley Rd
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McGill Trail

Moderate
15.4 mi out & back 8,831 ft summit

A long-distance forest trail accessible from Cuddy Valley Rd, winding through diverse mountain terrain with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities on the way to Mt. Pinos summit.

McGill Trailhead, Cuddy Valley Rd
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Chula Vista Lookout

Easy
~1 mi out & back ~8,000 ft

A quick, rewarding hike to a historic fire lookout with panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Accessible from Mt. Pinos Road.

Chula Vista parking area, Mt. Pinos Rd
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Condor Observation Point

Moderate
~2 mi round trip ~6,200 ft

Visit a designated California condor viewing area near Mt. Pinos. One of the best spots in the Frazier Mountain region for spotting these rare endangered birds soaring over mountain ridges.

Near Mt. Pinos Nordic Base area
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Trail Tips & Safety

Bring Water

No water sources on most trails. Carry at least 1 liter per hour of hiking, more in summer heat.

Fire Closures

National Forest trails may close during fire season. Check Los Padres National Forest alerts before heading out.

Winter Gear

Snow is common November through March at higher elevations. Bring traction devices and check road conditions.

Dogs on Trails

Dogs generally welcome on leash on National Forest trails. Check current regulations for specific trail and wilderness area rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hiking trails near Lake of the Woods, California?
Yes. Lake of the Woods is centrally located in the Frazier Mountain area with easy access to four excellent hiking trails. The Mt. Pinos Summit Trail and McGill Trail are both accessible via a short drive on Cuddy Valley Rd. The Chula Vista Lookout and Condor Observation Point offer shorter hikes with outstanding views.
What is the closest hiking trail to Lake of the Woods?
The Mt. Pinos Summit Trail (3.6 mi out & back) is the closest major trailhead, reached via a short drive on Cuddy Valley Rd. The Chula Vista Lookout (~1 mi) is also nearby and accessible from Mt. Pinos Road, making it a quick option for a panoramic view.
Can I see California condors on hikes near Lake of the Woods?
Yes. The Condor Observation Point is a ~2 mile round trip hike near Mt. Pinos that serves as a designated California condor viewing area. These rare endangered birds are frequently spotted soaring over the mountain ridges in the Frazier Mountain area.
What difficulty are the trails near Lake of the Woods?
The trails range from Easy to Moderate. The Chula Vista Lookout is an easy ~1 mile walk perfect for all ages. The Mt. Pinos Summit Trail and Condor Observation Point are moderate. The McGill Trail is a moderate 15.4-mile trek best suited for experienced hikers looking for a full-day adventure.
When is the best time to hike near Lake of the Woods?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and spring wildflowers. Summer is pleasant at higher elevations. Winter hiking is possible but higher trails may have snow — bring traction devices and check road conditions on Cuddy Valley Rd.

Where This Lifestyle Fits Best

Lake of the Woods sits right in the forest with trails you can reach on foot. Nearby, Frazier Park offers gateway access to Mt. Pinos, and Pine Mountain Club has its own community trail network. Cuddy Valley and Lockwood Valley connect to higher-elevation terrain, while Lebec and Pinion Pines Estates provide additional options for mountain living near the trails.

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