Los Pinos Mtn. Loop

Total Miles
18.9

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Show in App
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

Ed B
May 13, 2025
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Normal
Dusty
Most of this loop is pretty low difficulty and wide open. I was able to handle in a stock Tacoma 4x4. From the staffing area I went clockwise. Once you pass the sign about the prior fires it narrows and becomes more difficult. I got to a point just before reaching the Los Pinos lookout where I had to turn around as it was impassible with the stock vehicle.
Mark Smith
May 03, 2025
4x4
Open
William Bryan
Mar 20, 2025
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Seasonal Closure
Gate closed to long loop
Gonz Al
Dec 07, 2024
2024 Ford Ranger
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Overgrown. I won’t go again. Scratched both sides pretty bad.

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.

Popular Trails

Dobie Canyon Run

Dobie Canyon Run

Total Miles
36.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Beckwourth Tie - NF23N03Y

Beckwourth Tie - NF23N03Y

Total Miles
3.5
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Senator Wash/Cistern Road

Senator Wash/Cistern Road

Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time
Sp / Fa
Tecate Peak

Tecate Peak

Total Miles
6.5
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you’re missing today!