Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access
The Lower Manzana Trailhead is located on Sunset Valley Road, approximately 1.5 miles past Davy Brown Campground. This trailhead is very popular for a number of reasons, primarily because it is a portal to the San Rafael Wilderness. The Lower Manzana Trailhead leads to a historical schoolhouse, last used in 1901. In close proximity to the schoolhouse, one will also find a historical hunting lodge known as the Dabney Cabin. This trail is also very popular for backpackers and horseback riders, as there are many primitive campsites throughout the connecting trails. The parking area is in a wide turnout within 50 feet of the trailhead and accommodates between 12 to 15 vehicles. During heavy rainfalls, the trailhead may be inaccessible.
34.77170, -119.94390 · 34°46'18.1"N 119°56'38.0"W
Typically 93°F in Aug, down to 67°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 68 | 71 | 76 | 80 | 86 | 92 | 93 | 91 | 84 | 75 | 67 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 38 | 39 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 49 | 47 | 43 | 38 | 33 |
| Precip in | 4.9 | 5.3 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.3 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.
Comments