Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,175.00 ft (967.74 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
13.00 mi (20.92 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The North Fork Lockwood Trail (22W02) is a 13-mile out-and-back trail in the Chumash Wilderness within Los Padres National Forest. The trail begins at the end of Boy Scout Road and runs north to  Tumamait-Mt. Pinos Trail. It is a well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail, but it is steep and strenuous, gaining over 3,000 feet within the first 6.5 miles. Along the trail, you will find a lush forest filled with pines, oaks, and fragrant wildflowers. It has expansive canyon views and passes through two peaceful, primitive campsites. The trail can be completed in a day or part of a multi-day trek and is suitable for trail running, hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, and horseback riding.

DIRECTIONS

Walk through the camp to reach the trailhead. The trail begins with a climb along a dirt road that follows the North Fork Lockwood Creek. Lily Meadows Camp is a nice rest stop with a picnic table located after 3.5 miles. After 2.7 miles, you will reach Sheep Camp, tucked away in the pine forest. The high point of the trail is about .5 from Sheep Camp. 

When you reach the trail junction with the Tumamait-Mt. Pinos Trail, turn around and retrace your steps to return to your car. 

WATER

  • Water from the North Fork Lockwood Creek is seasonal.

  • Reliable water can usually be found at Sheep Camp.
     

TRAILHEAD

The trailhead is located in the Three Falls Boy Scout Camp. 

PARKING

Parking is usually available along the shoulder at the end of the paved Boy Scout Camp Road. The paved road ends at a gate leading into Three Falls Camp. 

SEASONS

Spring, summer, and early fall are the best times of year, however, the lower elevations can get hot during the warmer months.

CAMPING

Contact the Mt. Pinos Ranger District for dispersed camping information. Available Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Phone = 1-(661) 245-3731 ext. 0 or 1-(805) 865-0416.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Chumash Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=11019

Campfire Permits and Current Regulations: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5193333

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Wildflowers. Solitude.

Cons

Little water.

Trailhead Elevation

5,400.00 ft (1,645.92 m)

Highest point

8,535.00 ft (2,601.47 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Horseback riding
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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