Every year, our Outdoor Connections program makes the journey up to Mount Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest. This year’s trip, made all the more special by a fresh blanket of snow, was one to remember.
The program works to connect diverse communities in the region with the natural wonders of the Los Padres National Forest by removing barriers to access, providing resources, and fostering a new generation of conservation advocates who reflect the demographics of our region. This trip was a perfect expression of that mission. Partnering with Latino Outdoors and Padres Juntos Promoviendo La Educación, we brought families from Oxnard up into the mountains for an afternoon of winter wonder. For some of the families, it was their first time seeing and playing in real snow.
After a recent storm rolled through, the upper mountain road was closed, so we made our base at a recreation area lower on the mountain. It turned out to be exactly what the day called for. Surrounded by towering pines heavy with fresh powder, we strapped on snowshoes and walked through the forest at an slow pace to take it all in. Kids had snow fights with their parents, others built a snowmen, and the whole group eventually settled in for a picnic.
We’re grateful to Latino Outdoors and Padres Juntos Promoviendo La Educación for their partnership, and to every family who made the journey. We’ll be back next year.
Planning Your Own Winter Visit to Mount Pinos?
- Road conditions can change after storms. The upper mountain road may be closed following heavy snowfall — check conditions before heading up and have a flexible plan.
- Adventure Pass required in winter. An Adventure Pass is needed for parking at snow play areas. Day passes are $5 and annual passes are $30, available or locally at the Mt. Pinos Ranger District Office, Don’s Liquor Mart in Frazier Park, and Mountain View Mini Mart.
- You may need chains. Call the Mt. Pinos Ranger District at (661) 245-3731 before your trip to check road conditions.
- Pack everything in, pack everything out. There are no water sources on the trail, and no trashcans at the trailhead, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and a bag for your waste.
- Dress for the conditions. Warm, waterproof layers are essential — especially for little ones who will definitely end up in the snow.
- Bring microspikes or snowshoes after fresh snowfall to make walking through the forest comfortable and safe for all ages.
