Off-road trails and OHV routes near Pine Mountain Club California

Pine Mountain Club Off-Road Trails

Surrounded by national forest — access to Frazier Mountain summit, Hungry Valley, and miles of forest roads from the heart of the mountains.

5 Trail Systems All Skill Levels Los Padres National Forest

Tanner Brown | Your Local Mountain REALTOR® | DRE 02011892

Trail Guide

Pine Mountain Club sits in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest area, surrounded by off-road opportunities. From forest service roads just outside the community to the summit of Frazier Mountain, the trails start close to home.

Frazier Mountain Trail

Moderate to Difficult
Variable April – November

Accessible from the Chuchupate area near Pine Mountain Club, this 4WD trail leads to the summit of Frazier Mountain with rock climbing sections, sweeping mountain views, and a historic fire lookout tower at the peak. Cell service is available at the summit. From the top, experienced drivers can descend toward Hungry Valley for an extended off-road adventure.

Vehicle: 4WD with high clearance recommended. Rock climbing sections require careful tire placement.

Chuchupate Ranger Station area, Frazier Mountain Park Rd

Hungry Valley SVRA

Beginner to Expert
19,000 acres Year-round (some trails may close seasonally)

California's premier State Vehicular Recreation Area is accessible from Pine Mountain Club via Mil Potrero Highway to I-5. With 19,000 acres of OHV recreation, Hungry Valley offers trails for every skill level — from gentle fire roads for beginners to steep hill climbs and technical rock crawling for experts. Day use and camping are available year-round.

Vehicle: Varies by trail. Beginner trails accessible with stock 4WD vehicles. Expert trails require fully built rigs.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Los Padres National Forest Roads

Easy to Moderate
Variable April – November (some roads open year-round)

Forest service roads in the Los Padres National Forest surround Pine Mountain Club on multiple sides. These routes wind through pine forests, along mountain ridges, and through open meadows. Perfect for scenic 4WD exploration at a relaxed pace through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Frazier Mountain area.

Vehicle: 4WD or high-clearance AWD recommended for most forest roads. Conditions vary by season.

Various trailheads off Frazier Mountain Park Rd and Mil Potrero Hwy

Mil Potrero Highway Corridor

Easy to Moderate
Variable Year-round (connecting forest roads seasonal)

Mil Potrero Highway connects Pine Mountain Club to the surrounding mountain terrain and provides access to multiple forest service roads and trails branching off the main corridor. The scenic drive itself passes through mountain meadows and pine forests, with spur roads leading to additional off-road exploration opportunities.

Vehicle: Paved highway with connecting forest roads requiring high clearance or 4WD.

Mil Potrero Highway from Pine Mountain Club

Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail Access

Black Diamond (Most Difficult)
33.2 mi (full trail) April – November

Pine Mountain Club residents can access the legendary Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail via Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley Road. This 33.2-mile point-to-point route is one of Southern California's most celebrated off-road trails, running through Los Padres National Forest with creek crossings, mountain switchbacks, and the extreme Miller Jeep Trail climb up Alamo Mountain.

Vehicle: Minimum 4WD, high clearance, aggressive off-road tires. Recommended: 35"+ tires, rear locker.

Via Lockwood Valley Rd from Frazier Park area

Trail Safety & Preparation

Check Gate Status

Trail gates have seasonal hours and closures. Always verify access before heading out — call the ranger district at (661) 245-3731.

Air Down Tires

Reduce tire pressure to 18-22 PSI on rocky terrain for better grip. Bring a portable compressor to air back up before highway driving.

Bring Water & Fuel

Stock up before hitting the trails. No services on forest roads — carry extra water, snacks, and a full tank of fuel.

Recovery Gear

Carry tow straps, a shovel, and a quality jack. Never wheel alone on technical trails — always bring a buddy vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What off-road trails are near Pine Mountain Club?
Pine Mountain Club has access to several off-road areas. The Frazier Mountain Trail is accessible from the nearby Chuchupate area with rock climbing sections and a summit fire lookout. Hungry Valley SVRA (19,000 acres, all skill levels) is reachable via Mil Potrero Highway to I-5. Los Padres National Forest roads surround the community on multiple sides. The legendary Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail is accessible via Frazier Park.
How do I get to Hungry Valley SVRA from Pine Mountain Club?
From Pine Mountain Club, take Mil Potrero Highway east toward I-5. Head south on I-5 and follow signs to the Hungry Valley SVRA entrance at 5301 Ralphs Ranch Road in Gorman. The drive takes approximately 25-30 minutes. The park offers 19,000 acres of OHV recreation with trails for all skill levels, day use and camping facilities, and year-round access.
Can I go off-roading on forest roads near Pine Mountain Club?
Yes. Pine Mountain Club is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest, which has numerous forest service roads accessible for 4WD exploration. These routes branch off Frazier Mountain Park Road, Mil Potrero Highway, and other connecting roads. Most forest roads require 4WD or high-clearance AWD. Conditions vary by season, with some roads closing during winter months.
Is Pine Mountain Club a gated community?
Pine Mountain Club is not gated. The community has 24/7 security patrol under the Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association (PMCPOA). Public roads through and around the community provide access to the surrounding off-road areas, forest roads, and trail systems in Los Padres National Forest.
When is the best time for off-roading near Pine Mountain Club?
The best off-roading season near Pine Mountain Club is April through November. Forest service roads and mountain trails may be snow-covered or muddy in winter. Hungry Valley SVRA is open year-round but some trails may close seasonally. Always check conditions with the Mt. Pinos Ranger District at (661) 245-3731 before heading out. The Frazier Mountain Trail gate and other trail gates have seasonal hours.

Where This Lifestyle Fits Best

Pine Mountain Club is surrounded by national forest with off-road access on multiple sides. The surrounding communities expand your options — Frazier Park is the main staging area for Hungry Valley and Lockwood/Miller, Lockwood Valley has the legendary Lockwood/Miller OHV Trail, Cuddy Valley connects to high-country terrain, and Lebec provides the closest I-5 access to Hungry Valley.

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