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Off-road trails and OHV routes near Lockwood Valley California

Lockwood Valley Off-Road Trails

The premier OHV destination in the Frazier Mountain region — legendary trails, extreme terrain, and wide-open backcountry.

3 Trail Systems Black Diamond Rated Los Padres National Forest

Tanner Brown | Your Local Mountain REALTOR® | DRE 02011892

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Trail Guide

Lockwood Valley is the undisputed off-road capital of the Frazier Mountain area. From the legendary Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail to scenic forest loops, this is where serious wheelers come to play.

Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail

4.7 (144 reviews on AllTrails)
Black Diamond (Most Difficult)
33.2 mi point-to-point Season: April – November

The premier off-road trail in the Frazier Mountain region. This legendary 33.2-mile point-to-point route runs between Lockwood Valley Road and Pyramid Lake Road near I-5, connecting two distinct trail sections through some of the most challenging and scenic terrain in the Los Padres National Forest.

Trail Sections

Lockwood Creek Trail (Route 127)
12.6 mi · Moderately Challenging

The first section follows Lockwood Creek through creek crossings (12-14 inches deep), steep switchbacks, and windy mountain ridges. Doable in a stock 4x4 with good tires — most of the route can be handled in 4-Hi. Expect beautiful scenery through pine forests and open meadows.

Miller Jeep Trail (20W06/129)
3 mi · Extreme Technical

The infamous Miller Jeep Trail is an extreme technical climb up Alamo Mountain. Rocky, steep, and off-camber terrain with "Gatekeeper" obstacles near the top that test even experienced off-roaders. The trail ends at Dutchman Campground before descending to Hungry Valley OHV area.

Vehicle Requirements

Minimum 4WD with high clearance and aggressive off-road tires. Recommended: 35"+ tires and rear locker. Expect pinstripes from brush along narrow sections.

Key Waypoints

Lockwood Creek Trailhead (34.734562, -119.039428)
Sunset Campground (Mid-trail)
Dutchman Campground (Near summit)

Important Notices

  • Exit gate at Miller Trail locks at 5 PM
  • Hungry Valley closes at 6 PM
  • Full run takes 6-7+ hours — start early
  • Check gate status before going
  • Gates typically locked November through April

Contact: Los Padres NF Mt. Pinos District: (661) 245-3731

Lockwood Creek Trailhead, off Lockwood Valley Rd
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Alamo Mountain Loop

Moderate
17.8 mi loop Season: April – November

A scenic 17.8-mile loop around Alamo Mountain suitable for both mountain biking and off-road driving. The route offers sweeping views of the surrounding national forest and connects to the broader trail network in the Lockwood Valley area.

Vehicle Requirements

4WD recommended. Stock SUVs with good ground clearance can handle most sections in dry conditions.

Gold Hill Road, Lockwood Valley
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Long Dave Valley / Tejon OHV Trails

Difficult
Variable Season: April – November

Starting from Lockwood Creek Road, this challenging drive takes you through remote sections of the Los Padres National Forest. These trails offer a true backcountry experience with minimal traffic and stunning wilderness scenery.

Vehicle Requirements

4WD with high clearance required. Recovery gear recommended for remote sections.

Via Lockwood Creek Trail area
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Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is available throughout the Lockwood Valley area on National Forest land. Popular spots include areas near Lockwood Creek Trailhead, Sunset Campground along the trail, and Dutchman Campground near the top of Alamo Mountain. No reservations needed for dispersed camping — just follow Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions before building any campfires.

Trail Safety & Preparation

Check Gate Status

Miller Trail exit gate locks at 5 PM. Hungry Valley closes at 6 PM. Call (661) 245-3731 before heading out to confirm gates are open.

Air Down Tires

Air down to 18-22 PSI for rocky terrain. Bring a portable compressor to re-inflate before driving on pavement.

Bring Water & Supplies

No services on the trail. Carry plenty of water, food, and a full tank of fuel. Cell service is unreliable in the valley.

Recovery Gear

Carry tow straps, a shovel, and a jack rated for your vehicle. Never wheel alone — bring a buddy vehicle on technical trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Lockwood Miller Jeep Trail?
The Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail is rated Black Diamond (Most Difficult) overall. The first section — Lockwood Creek Trail (Route 127) — is 12.6 miles of moderately challenging terrain with creek crossings and switchbacks, manageable in a stock 4x4 with good tires. The Miller Jeep Trail section (20W06/129) is 3 miles of extreme technical terrain with rocky, steep, off-camber obstacles and the infamous "Gatekeeper" near the top. The Miller section requires significant off-road experience and a well-equipped vehicle.
Where can I go off-roading near Frazier Park?
Lockwood Valley, just west of Frazier Park, is the premier off-road destination in the Frazier Mountain area. The Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail is a legendary 33.2-mile route rated Black Diamond. Alamo Mountain Loop offers a more moderate 17.8-mile experience. Hungry Valley SVRA, south of Frazier Park off I-5, provides 19,000 acres of OHV recreation for all skill levels. The Los Padres National Forest also has numerous forest roads accessible for 4WD exploration.
What OHV trails are in Lockwood Valley?
Lockwood Valley offers several OHV trails including the famous Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail (33.2 miles, Black Diamond), the Alamo Mountain Loop (17.8 miles, Moderate), and the Long Dave Valley / Tejon OHV Trails through the Los Padres National Forest. The area also has dispersed camping available for multi-day off-road adventures.
Do I need a locker for Miller Jeep Trail?
A rear locker is strongly recommended for the Miller Jeep Trail section. While some experienced drivers have completed it without a locker, the extreme rocky terrain, steep off-camber sections, and "Gatekeeper" obstacles near the top make a rear locker a significant advantage. At minimum, you need 4WD, high clearance, and aggressive off-road tires. Most off-roaders recommend 35"+ tires and a rear locker for a comfortable run.
When is Miller Jeep Trail open?
The Miller Jeep Trail and Lockwood Creek Trail are typically open from April through November. Gates are usually locked from November through April due to winter weather and road conditions. The exit gate at Miller Trail locks at 5 PM and Hungry Valley closes at 6 PM, so plan accordingly — the full 33.2-mile run takes 6-7+ hours. Always check gate status with the Los Padres National Forest Mt. Pinos Ranger District at (661) 245-3731 before heading out.
Is there camping near the Lockwood Valley off-road trails?
Yes. Dispersed camping is available throughout the Lockwood Valley area on National Forest land. Key campgrounds along the trail include Sunset Campground (mid-trail along Lockwood Creek) and Dutchman Campground (near the top of Miller Jeep Trail on Alamo Mountain). Many off-roaders camp the night before at the trailhead to get an early start on the full Lockwood/Miller run.

Where This Lifestyle Fits Best

Lockwood Valley's position between the Los Padres forest and high desert gives off-road riders access to diverse terrain. The area's communities each offer their own appeal — Frazier Park is the gateway town with services, Cuddy Valley provides valley living near the trails, and Pine Mountain Club, Lake of the Woods, Lebec, and Pinion Pines Estates round out the mountain living options.

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