Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Open in Spring/Summer/Fall and is within the Winter seasonal closure between November 1st and April 30th
The Johnston Ridge Trailhead (elev. 4920 ft.) is located on the southeasterly end of Grade Valley Road (7N03) approximately 13 miles south of Lockwood Valley Road approximately one mile from Mutau Flats. There is a parking area with 5 parking spurs, with hitching rails for horses, and a vault toilet at the trailhead. The signed trail starts from the east side of the parking lot. There is no overnight camping allowed at the trailhead, but camping is permitted at Halfmoon and Thorn Meadows Campgrounds located along Grade Valley Road. This trailhead provides access to Stonehouse Trail (20W35), Little Mutau Trail (20W10), Sespe Hot Springs and Sespe Creek.
34.64320, -119.05550 · 34°38'35.5"N 119°3'19.8"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.2 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 2.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.8 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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