Frazier Park’s Mount Pinos is probably the closest place for unorganized and free snow play in the Los Angeles area. Whether you live in Los Angeles County or Ventura County you can usually get to Mt Pinos in about two hours. There are a few beautiful unorganized snow play areas around the Frazier Park/Mount Pinos area. Read on to see my favorite snow play areas around Mt. Pinos.
Frazier Park snow play is part of my detailed article about best snow play spots in Southern California.
1. Perfect snow play areas at Chula Vista Campground near Mount Pinos
As you exit the I5 freeway on the Frazier Mountain Park Road and head towards Frazier Park you will drive through a beautiful valley flanked by mountain peaks. Cuddy Valley Road goes through the village of Frazier Park and continues all the way to Mount Pinos. If you are patient and can drive further up from Frazier Park, the road ends with a large parking lot and a sledding area right next to the parking lot near the Chula Vista Campground.
Frazier Park, California – Small children enjoy sledding on the slopes near Chula Vista Campground
See my photos from Mount Pinos
However, use the trail to the right of the Forest Service building and walk a few hundred feet. There is a beautiful meadow with two long sledding slopes perfect for kids and adults.
Mount Pinos, California – Map of snow play areas around Chula Vista Campground near Mount Pinos
See more photos from Mount Pinos
If you drive up to Mount Pinos all the way to the Chula Vista Campground in on a sunny winter day when the road is open you will simply love it. This area is much better than other paid areas around Big Bear Lake or Mountain High…and I am not exaggerating one bit.
2. Snow Play areas on the road from Cuddy Valley to Mount Pinos
Frazier Park ‘s Cuddy Valley doesn’t get much snow during the winter and most of the winter the roads are clear. However, when you keep following Cuddy Valley Road and start climbing towards Mount Pinos the road gets icy and snowy pretty soon. Often times you need chains to keep driving.
Frazier Park, California – The road from Frazier Park to Mount Pinos is often covered in snow during the winter
See my photos from Mount Pinos
When driving to Mount Pinos always carry chains with you and be ready to install them. While most of the times the weather is sunny, many times in the winter the weather is unpredictable, so be prepared with chains and several changes of clothes.
As you go up you will start noticing cars stopped on the left and right side of the road where snow play is available. However, the designated parking areas are at Mount Pinos Campground and Chula Vista Campground. You also need an Adventure Pass to be displayed on your car. You can buy one at the gas station in town.
Frazier Park, California – Snow play areas in Frazier Park right before driving up to Mount Pinos
See more photos from Mount Pinos
You will see slopes made sled suitable by the many people stopping on the side of the road and sledding. Most snow is on the side of the mountain with most shade.
There are two good sledding areas right before mount Pinos Campground sign on the right hand side of the road right before the Mount Pinos Campground sign. The second one is on the left side of the road right past the Mt. Pinos Campground sign. Parking at Mount Pinos Campground is your best bet.
3. Snow Play areas in Cuddy Valley, Frazier Park
Cuddy Valley itself gets some snow in the winter time, but not very much since its elevation is only 4600 ft. You would have to visit right after a snow storm in order to enjoy some snow playing in Frazier Park’s Cuddy Valley without having to drive up to Mount Pinos. However, Frazier Park itself doesn’t have much snow play areas as most land is private. If you are planning to go to this area check the road conditions and make sure the road to Mount Pinos is open before you go.
Frazier Park, California – Frazier Park in Cuddy Valley with a bit of snow covering the ground in December.
See my photos from Frazier Park
Please beware that the Frazier Park village does not have any official snow play areas and most land is private. Make sure you are parking in a public place if you decide to stop in Frazier Park…otherwise you would be trespassing on private property.
Remember that Frazier Park is a very small community so please check the resources page at the end of the article before visiting Frazier Park/Mount Pinos area. Check especially the weather/snow report page which will tell you if the road to Mount Pinos is open or not. If the road is not open you might want to postpone your trip so you can enjoy the snow properly.
Frazier Park, California – Snow play areas in Frazier Park right before driving up to Mount Pinos
See my photos from Frazier Park
Plan Your Trip to Mount Pinos at Frazier Park
- Check current snow and road conditions around the Frazier Park area. . Locally maintained website with accurate information. It is updated daily.
- Look for Mt Pinos Road on the Kern County Road status website.
- Check the Los Padres National Forest website for latest alerts. You can also call them at 661-245-3731 to see what roads are open and where you can park.