Chula Vista Trailhead

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access

8,343 ft
Elevation

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.

Getting there

34.81307, -119.12720 · 34°48'47.1"N 119°7'37.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.24.02.30.90.40.10.10.00.20.70.92.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Chula Vista Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Chula Vista Trailhead?
No. Chula Vista Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Chula Vista Trailhead

Comments

Contact

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.