McKinley Trailhead

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access

3,098 ft
Elevation

McKinley Trailhead is located approximately 13 miles from the junction of Figueroa Mtn Road and Happy Canyon/Sunset Valley Road. In order to reach the trailhead, one must hike to the trailhead for 13 miles past the locked gate. From the trailhead one can access Big Cone Spruce Campsite and continue to the Manzana Trail in the San Rafael Wilderness.

Getting there

34.72700, -119.91950 · 34°43'37.2"N 119°55'10.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 93°F in Aug, down to 67°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F676871768086929391847567
Low °F343538394345484947433833
Precip in4.95.33.61.30.50.10.00.00.10.81.23.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about McKinley Trailhead

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

Camping near McKinley 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.