Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Arnold Rim Trail - Valley View Drive Trailhead
The access off this road provides the shortest route to destinations like Cougar Rock and Top of the World.
For maps and more information on the trail, visit https://arnoldrimtrail.org/.
From eastbound Highway 4 in Arnold, turn left on Lakemont Drive. Veer left at the first junction onto Valley View Drive. Follow Valley View Drive for one mile through the residential area (please respect the 25 mph speed limit). Once the road turns to dirt, follow for another 0.5 mile. The parking area will be on your right and is currently noted with a non-descript parking symbol on a bulletin board. The “P9” access trail that joins to the Arnold Rim Trail is in the southwest portion of this large turnout.
NOTE: Please respect the 25 mph speed limit when driving through residential areas
The dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be slick with mud after rains or snows. Beyond the first half-mile of dirt on the northern stretch, this county road also has a tendency to become deeply rutted and nearly impassable to low clearance vehicles.
Lat/Long: 38.219350, -120.378601
38.21935, -120.37860 · 38°13'9.7"N 120°22'43.0"W
Typically 81°F in Jul, down to 44°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 46 | 49 | 54 | 63 | 73 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 64 | 52 | 44 |
| Low °F | 30 | 30 | 32 | 35 | 42 | 49 | 56 | 55 | 51 | 43 | 34 | 30 |
| Precip in | 10.6 | 9.8 | 8.5 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 5.2 | 9.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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