Lockwood Creek - Miller Jeep Trail is located in Mt. Pinos Ranger District within the Los Padres National Forest. There are GATES to the trail and they are closed for winter. As of now they are open but I will check with the Ranger office by next meeting. Lockwood Creek Trail is found west of I-5 taking Exit 205 for Frazier Mountain Park Road then south on Lockwood Valley Rd to the trail head. Lockwood - Miller combines for about 30 miles end-to-end and comes out at Hungry Valley on Exit 195 for Smokey Bear Rd.
The trail starts at about 5200 ft., rises to about 6000 ft., then dips to 4500 ft. at the end of Lockwood Creek section. A good place to stop for lunch and explore some side spurs. Miller Jeep Trail picks up from there and rises steadily to nearly 6700 ft. There are some rocky sections but should be passable. Rated a 3 by Trails Offroad with optional lines at a 5. The rocky sections end at Dutchman Campground. We can camp there for the night. A few trees, pit toilet, and lots of open space. From camp, it's a nice leisure ride to Hungry Valley. Air up, pick up on I-5 for home.
Note: the Route Fire caused some damage to the northbound I-5. Two right lanes are closed but since it's an uphill grade at that point, traffic crawls anyhow.
I'm mindful of the fact that night run is fun but can be frightful for some. Here are my few recommendations:
1. We start mid morning, after 10 am, and should get to Dutchman camp with light to set up. Those wishing for a night run can go back down Miller Jeep Trail then back up. Down hill at night can be a real fright
but for those willing to walk, watching it can be entertaining
.
2. We start after 10 am so those who don't wish to do a night run can travel ahead to camp. Those who do can take a leisure approach and burn out daylight ending with a climb to camp in low light or darkness. This will require two trail leaders!
3. Those who want to camp can ride in from Hungry Valley without having to climb the rocky section of Miller Jeep Trail. Those who run the whole trail can start later say after lunch and should find ourselves climbing in low light or darkness. We all meet up at camp. Again, this will require two trail leaders unless those coming from Hungry Valley are comfortable traveling to Dutchman camp.
= me looking to hitch a ride!
