Tanner Brown Your Local Mountain REALTOR®
Hiking trails in Pine Mountain Club California with pine forest and mountain views

Pine Mountain Club Hiking Trails

From fault-line walks to mountain summits — explore trails right from your doorstep at 5,500 feet.

6 Trails 5,500 – 8,831 ft Easy to Moderate

Tanner Brown | Your Local Mountain REALTOR® | DRE 02011892

Explore Local Notes Talk With Tanner

Trail Guide

Explore Pine Mountain Club's trail network — from short nature walks to all-day summit treks through the Los Padres National Forest.

San Andreas Fault Trail

Easy
~1.5 mi loop ~5,500 ft

Walk along the San Andreas Fault scarp through meadows and Pinon Pine forest. A unique geological experience right inside PMC. Start from the PMC Campground at the west end of Arctic Drive.

PMC Campground, west end of Arctic Drive
View on AllTrails Get Directions

Historic El Camino Viejo Trail

Easy
~3.5 mi one-way ~5,200 ft

Follow California's oldest inland highway through gold mining history. Discover smelter pits and a historic witness tree along this well-preserved route. Start from Nesthorn Way.

Nesthorn Way, Pine Mountain Club
Get Directions

Bernina Creek Trail

Easy
~1 mi out & back ~5,400 ft

A scenic creek walk featuring deformed trees and views of Mt. Pinos. Best visited in early spring when the creek is flowing. Start from the Bernina Drive cul-de-sac.

Bernina Drive cul-de-sac, Pine Mountain Club
Get Directions

Mil Potrero Forest Trail

Easy to Moderate
Variable distance ~5,500 ft

An old vehicle trail winding through large pines that connects to other PMC trail systems. Great for longer explorations. Located 1/4 mi past the PMC sign on Mil Potrero Hwy.

1/4 mi past PMC sign on Mil Potrero Hwy
Get Directions

McGill Trail to Mt. Pinos

Moderate
15.4 mi out & back 8,831 ft summit

A long-distance forest trail climbing to the summit of Mt. Pinos at 8,831 ft. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the way through diverse mountain terrain.

McGill Trailhead, Cuddy Valley Rd
View on AllTrails Get Directions

Condor Peak / Iris Point Trail

Moderate
~2 mi round trip ~6,200 ft

Enjoy panoramic mountain views and visit a California condor viewing area. One of the best spots in the region for spotting these magnificent endangered birds.

Iris Point access road, near Mt. Pinos
View on AllTrails Get Directions

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 dress in layers.

Dogs on Trails

Dogs welcome on most community trails when leashed. Check National Forest regulations for specific trail rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails in Pine Mountain Club?
Pine Mountain Club offers six excellent hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to moderate day hikes. The San Andreas Fault Trail is a unique 1.5-mile loop along the actual fault scarp. The Historic El Camino Viejo Trail follows California's oldest inland highway. For a challenge, the McGill Trail climbs 15.4 miles to the Mt. Pinos summit at 8,831 ft.
Are there easy hiking trails in Pine Mountain Club?
Yes, Pine Mountain Club has several easy trails perfect for families and beginners. The San Andreas Fault Trail is a 1.5-mile loop through meadows and pine forest. The Bernina Creek Trail is a short 1-mile out-and-back along a scenic creek. The Historic El Camino Viejo Trail is a flat 3.5-mile walk with historical points of interest.
Can I hike to Mt. Pinos from Pine Mountain Club?
Yes. The McGill Trail is a 15.4-mile out-and-back trail that connects Pine Mountain Club to the Mt. Pinos summit at 8,831 ft. It's rated as moderate and offers excellent wildlife viewing along forest trails. Plan for a full day hike and bring plenty of water and supplies.
Are dogs allowed on Pine Mountain Club hiking trails?
Dogs are generally welcome on PMC community trails but should be kept on leash. For trails in the Los Padres National Forest, check current regulations as rules vary by trail. Always bring water for your dog and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike in Pine Mountain Club?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer the best hiking conditions with mild temperatures and wildflowers in spring. Summer is comfortable at elevation but can be warm on exposed trails. Winter hiking is possible but trails may have snow — carry traction devices and check conditions before heading out.
Where can I see California condors near Pine Mountain Club?
The Condor Peak / Iris Point Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that leads to a designated California condor viewing area. This is one of the best spots in the Frazier Mountain region to observe these rare endangered birds soaring over the mountain ridges.

Where This Lifestyle Fits Best

Pine Mountain Club's trail network starts right from your neighborhood — no driving required. But the surrounding communities offer even more. Frazier Park serves as the gateway to Mt. Pinos and the Chumash Wilderness, while Cuddy Valley and Lockwood Valley put you closer to backcountry terrain. Lake of the Woods and Lebec offer forest access with their own character, and Pinion Pines Estates provides an affordable entry point to the mountains.

Find Your Place in the Mountains

Whether you're drawn to the trails, the peace, or the community — there's a mountain home waiting. Let me help you find it.

Start Your Search

Chat with Tanner

I'll get back to you right away

By sending, you agree to a one-time response. No spam.