From Los Angeles, take I-5 north to Frazier Mountain Park Road, then go west 7 miles and bear right at the Y onto Cuddy Valley Road. If there's snow on Mt. Pinos, start at Nettle Springs trailhead. Use CA 33 and Forest Service Road 8N06 to Nettle Springs Campground. From a high of 8,831 feet atop Mt. Pinos, the terrain drops steeply to just below 5,000 feet. Stream-laced San Emigdio Mesa, with views of the badlands below.
Human use is light all year.
Hunting season is in October and early November. Native American archaeological sites are protected by federal law. Some reintroduced condors have shown little fear of humans. Avoid contact with both.