Recreation area

Chula Vista Trailhead

Los Padres National Forest · California — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

This trailhead is located at the end of Mt. Pinos Highway at an elevation of 8,360 ft.  The trailhead provides non-vehicle access to the Mt Pinos Summit Botanical Area, Mt Pinos Condor Observation Site, the Chumash Wilderness, and the East end of the Tumamait Trail (21W03).  Snowfall in winter offers opportunities for snow sports. To get to the Tumamait Trail and the Condor Observation Site, take Forest Service Road 9N24 from the Southwest end of the Chula Vista Parking Lot for 2 miles.  Difficulty:  moderate.  Chula Vista Campground is approximately 500’ from the Northeast end of the Chula Vista Parking Lot.  Additional wilderness campgrounds can be accessed via the Tumamait Trail.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • AUTO TOURING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more California camping

Chula Vista Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.