Gifford Trailhead

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Los Padres Other (NF) · Open Access

1,341 ft
Elevation

The site is located on Hwy #166 26 miles east of Santa Maria.

This trail is currently within the Front Fire Closure area. No access. Trail is expected to reopen in early 2019. 

Gifford Trailhead has one large parking area and serving hikers, equestrians. No motorized use allowed.  

The Gifford trail (18E12) 2.2 miles has beautiful scenic views.

Hitching posts. Picnicking 1 table. Stock trailer parking.

Difficulty level : Easy 

The trailhead is open all year. 

Getting there

35.10800, -120.07600 · 35°6'28.8"N 120°4'33.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 78°F in Sep, down to 61°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F636365687075777878756861
Low °F414344454850535452494439
Precip in4.03.43.31.50.60.10.00.00.10.91.43.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 16.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Gifford Trailhead

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

Camping near Gifford 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.