Lockwood Valley Living – Big Sky. Alpine. High Country.
Like a scene right out of the Ponderosa television series, this beautiful grassy valley under wide open blue skies is located between the Chumash and Sespe Wilderness areas at the foot of the magnificent Mt. Pinos summit surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. Lockwood Valley is truly reminiscent of California’s old west and one of few high country alpine residential areas in Southern California.
Lockwood Valley offers a total escape from the stresses and pace of urban and suburban centers. It’s a quiet place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the western alpine environment, blue skies, clean air, and abundant wildlife. California quail, California mule deer, fox, jays, blue birds, hawks, owls, cotton tail and jack rabbit are just part of the Lockwood Valley landscape.
The open terrain in the valley is a perfect place for raising horses. You can saddle up anytime and head off exploring the scenic Los Padres National Forest on endless trails through some of the most beautiful public lands in California. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about future development encroaching on the places you love to ride. You’ll enjoy immediate access to millions of acres of Los Padres National Forest that will be there for generations to come.
The beauty of Lockwood Valley and its old west feel has attracted many film companies and movie directors over the years as the perfect backdrop for commercials, movie scenes, and episodes in popular television series. Lockwood Valley and the Mt. Pinos summit provided the ideal setting for the Ponderosa Ranch on the television series Bonanza in episodes of ‘Danger Road” and “Cassie” during the years of 1969-71.
Lockwood Valley Road which winds deep into the Los Padres National Forest is known by motorcycling enthusiasts all over the world and is considered one of the best backcountry drives in California. The highway has very little traffic and meanders through some of the most scenic areas of the Southern Los Padres National Forest.
Lockwood Valley residents also enjoy year-around access to the 19,000 acre Hungry Valley State SVRA Park with its 130 miles of scenic trails for off-road vehicles. If you enjoy water sports, own a boat, or like to fish -- Pyramid Lake is a just minutes south on Interstate I-5. Lockwood Valley is also home to Piru Creek and Reyes Creek for fishing, kayaking, and camping. Reyes Creek campground and Thorn Meadows campground are equestrian sites providing corals for horse owners on day and overnight rides.
The Valley is home to approximately 250 residents. Properties range in size from 5 acres to 20-plus acres with properties over 50 acres occasionally appearing on the market. Existing homes in Lockwood Valley range in size from 2-3 bedroom residences to expansive custom built homes. Properties located at higher elevations and along the sides of the Valley border the National Forest. Lockwood Valley is part of the unincorporated area of Ventura County and is zoned for horses and livestock.
You’ll enjoy a four season climate in Lockwood Valley with average temperatures
ranging from 83° during the day to 59° at night in the summer and 60° during the day to 38° at night during in the winter months.
At an elevation of 5000 feet, Lockwood Valley occasionally receives light to medium snow fall during the winter months. Winter snow fall on the valley floor burns off quickly but remains much longer at the higher Mt. Pinos Summit elevations creating magnificent views and some of the best cross-country skiing in the United States.
The main road in Lockwood Valley is paved and maintained by Ventura County while the majority of residential roads are graded and graveled. There are no home owner association fees or formal covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). Electricity and telephone service is well developed in the Valley.
Living in Lockwood Valley comes with many advantages and water rights are one of them. Water in the valley flows from underground mountain springs and each property owner has the right to drill for water or own a share in a predrilled well, if available, with other property owners.
When one thinks of the California’s old west, images of soaring pine covered mountains, rugged landscape and wide open grassy valleys often come to mind. Lockwood Valley offers a rare opportunity to live in one of the few unspoiled high country residential areas in Southern California protected by National Forest.
Map of Lockwood Valley
Click to Enlarge
Lockwood Valley Area Campgrounds, Hiking, ATV, 4X4, and Horse Trails
Lockwood Valley is home to many Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds, and hiking and ATV trails including Pine Springs, Grade Valley, Reyes Creek, Thorn Meadows, Cottonwood, Sunset, Dutchman, Gold Hill, Half Moon, Snedden, Yellow Jacket, Lily Meadows, and Dome Springs. All main trail heads connect to the Valley for access on foot, ATV, 4x4, and horseback. Reyes Creek and Thorn Meadows are part of the Los Padres National Forest Equestrian Campgrounds offering pipe corrals in addition to other campsite amenities.
Reyes Creek Campground Information – Equestrian Corral
The Reyes Creek campground offers creek side camping that is seasonal -- winter and spring. The elevation of the campground is at 4000 feet. Facilities include 30 camp sites with 1 pipe corral. No piped water is available. This Campground is a Campfire Use Site and requires an Adventure Pass for overnight camping.
The Reyes Creek campground is located 3 Miles east on Lockwood/Ozena Road off of Highway 33, then 1.5 miles from the turnoff on forest road 7N11 to Reyes Creek campground, which also goes to Camp Scheideck. The Scheideck settlement is tucked along Reyes Creek and was originally homesteaded in 1888. There are 30 to 40 cabins and a popular lodge, bar, and restaurant, which was built in 1898.
The campground offers easy access to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail.
Thorn Meadows Campground Information – Equestrian Corral
The Thorn Meadows Campground is located in a shaded area among Jeffrey Pines. The elevation of the campground is 5000 feet. Facilities include 5 camp sites with 1 pipe corral. No piped water is available. There are 4 stoves, 4 tables and 1 restroom. This is a no fee campground.
The Thorn Creek Campground is located at the end of the Spur Road, 9 Miles South off Lockwood Valley Road and 23 Miles West of Frazier Park.
For maps and additional information on campgrounds, hiking and ATV trails in the Lockwood Valley area of the Los Padres National Forest, click on the following links.
Los Padres Forest Map — Local & Surrounding Area
Click Here
Los Padres Forest Map — Legend
Click Here
Los Padres National Forest Hiking Trail Information – Local
Click Here
Los Padres National Forest ATV Trail Information – Local
Click Here
Mt. Pinos Ranger Station
Mt. Pinos Ranger District
34580 Lockwood Valley Road
661-245-3731
Lockwood Valley History – Cattle Ranching. Gold Mining. Homesteading.
It is somewhat of a mystery as to how Lockwood Valley got its name, but the 1860 census report lists a Bernard Lockwood of New York as a miner in the Tejon District.
The earliest references to the area are attributed to Rafael Reyes, as he and his sons drove their cattle through the valley to greener pastures in the 1850’s. The area they chose was to the west of the present Lockwood Valley, in the Upper Cuyama Valley now known as the Ozena area. The creek going through their property is still known as Reyes Creek.
Homesteading near the Reyes family was a German immigrant by the name of Martin Scheideck. He had traveled to the United States from Germany to avoid enlistment in the army, searching for a place that would remind him of southern Germany.
Scheideck constructed an adobe home and store with a wine cellar below. From the store he also ran a post office and was known to serve his hard cider to his postal customers, with a bucket of candy available for the children. He also became known as Judge Scheideck; an itinerate lawyer had left him a handsome set of law books that Scheideck read thoroughly and would therefore be called upon to settle disputes.
There were several mining booms throughout the Lockwood area. One of the most notable was in 1886, when 40 to 50 miners were talked into taking up claims on Lockwood Creek, where the community of Lexington was founded. These mines didn’t prove out and within two to three years the town was deserted. Little information has been found on the other two mining communities in this area (Griffin and Nordoff).
The best known mining venture in Lockwood was found in borax. A gold prospector sent soil samples from the northeast end of the valley in for testing. The result was not gold; instead a high grade of borax, which had only a year before been found for the first time elsewhere in the United States. Three mines were eventually built and they were reported to be the richest and most productive in the U.S. Eight to 14 mule teams hauled the valuable mineral to Lebec where the team was changed at a huge barn. The wagon trail then continued on to the railroads in Bakersfield or Mojave. The town of Stauffer developed at the base of the mines. After ten years of operation, the mines closed when greater sources of the mineral were found in Death Valley and the Calico Mountains.
By the twentieth century a number of homesteaders had settled in the valley and in 1925 two developments began, Lockwood Park and Lebec Forest. Cabin sites could be bought for two dollars down and two dollars a week for a total of fifty dollars.
Ridge Route Communities Museum and Historical Society Website
For more historical information on Lockwood Valley, visit the Ridge Route Communities Museum and Historical Society in neighboring Frazier Park or by visiting the Museum Website.
Click Here
Nearby Shopping – You won’t have to travel far.
Lockwood Valley may seem far away from urban centers but all the essentials are close by. Neighboring Frazier Park offers retail shops, restaurants, markets, gas, hardware stores, a pharmacy, and the personal and professional services you would expect to find in a larger city.
A few minutes west, you’ll find Pine Mountain Village with restaurants, a bakery, coffee house, gym, Pilate’s studio, hardware store, grocery and general store, gift shops and specialty stores, salons, and other personal and professional services.
Lebec and Gorman offer fast-food restaurants, automotive services, a nursery, gas stations, hay and feed store, and lodging. For more information on the businesses and services available in the mountain area, see Local Business Directory.
Lockwood Valley Area Schools
For families with children, Lockwood Valley is part of the El Tejon School District which covers a wide area including: Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Piñon Pines, and Lebec. School bus service is provided to Lockwood Valley. For more information on Lockwood Valley area Schools and the El Tejon School District, visit the following websites.
Average Temperatures
Spring |
62/48 |
Summer |
83/59 |
Fall |
70/42 |
Winter |
60/38 |
Area Information
Population: |
Approximately 250 |
Elevation: |
5000-6000 feet. |
Snowfall: |
From ½ inch to 2 feet approximately 6 times a year |
Roads: |
Main roads are paved and maintained by Ventura County. Residential roads are graded, graveled, paved, and privately maintained. |
Utility Information
Utilities: |
Power, phone, and cable available to each property underground. |
Television: |
Cable and Satellite. |
Internet: |
High Speed Wireless, Cable, and Satellite. |
Sewage: |
Septic System |
Gas: |
Individual propane tanks on each property. |
Water: |
From resident drilled wells. |
Public Services
Emergency
Medical: |
Private Ambulance Service and Kern Medical Helicopter. Two medical clinics in nearby Lebec and Frazier Park. Major medical centers in Bakersfield and Valencia. |
Fire: |
Ventura County Fire Department is located in Lockwood Valley Park. Los Padres National Forest Fire Service is located minutes away and lake water on Tejon Ranch is available for extraction. |
Police: |
Ventura County Sheriffs Department services the Lockwood Valley area. |
Schools: |
El Tejon School District. Elementary through High School in Frazier Park and Lebec. Pine Mountain Charter School is located in Pine Mountain Club. School bus service is provided by the district. |
Churches: |
There are many denominations in the area. See Local Directory. |
Cities Nearby:
Valencia
Santa Clarita Valley: |
Distance—50 miles. For more information about, Valencia click the link below. |
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Bakersfield
San Joaquin Valley: |
Distance—50 miles. For more information about Bakersfield, click the link below. |
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Airports
Meadows Field
Bakersfield (BFL): |
Distance—50 miles. Nonstop flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco and one-stop service to hundreds of domestic and international destinations. The new William M. Thomas Air Terminal at Meadows Field is now open.
Visit the Meadows Field Airport Website by clicking the link below.
Click Here |
Bob HopeAirport
Burbank (BUR): |
Distance—65 miles. Nonstop flights to destinations throughout the United States. Served by most major carriers. One stop service to hundreds of international destinations.
Visit the Bob Hope Website by clicking the link below.
Click Here |
Los Angeles International
(LAX): |
Distance—80 miles. Nonstop flights to cities all over the World. Visit the Los Angeles Airport Website by clicking the link below.
Click Here |
Map of Lockwood Valley in Relation to Airports
Click to Enlarge
Approximate Travel Times from Lockwood Valley
Los Angeles: |
75 minutes |
Bakersfield: |
55 minutes |
Santa Clarita: |
55 minutes |
Lancaster/Palmdale: |
55/75 minutes |
Santa Maria: |
95 minutes |
Ventura: |
95 minutes |
Santa Barbara: |
2 Hours |
Pismo Beach: |
95 minutes |
San Luis Obispo: |
95 minutes |
Directions to Lockwood Valley – A scenic drive from any direction.
Regional Map
Click to Enlarge
From Interstate I-5
From either direction on I-5, take the Frazier Mountain Park Road Exit (205). Go west for about 7 miles to the intersection of Frazier Park Road and Lockwood Valley Road. Turn left on Lockwood Valley Road. Follow Lockwood Valley Road as it winds through the Los Padres National forest for approximately 15 miles. Turn right on any of the named residential roads along the way.
To reach our office, continue on Frazier Park Road as it becomes Cuddy Valley Road and turn right onto Mil Potrero Highway. Drive 6 miles into Pine Mountain Club. Pine Mountain Village is on the left. You will see the Village Center sign at the corner of Mil Potrero Highway and Freeman Drive. Turn left on Freeman Drive and turn right on Pine Valley Lane into the Center. Continue on Pine Valley Lane until you see the Jennings Realty sign on the right.
From the California Coast & 101 Freeway
From either direction on the 101 Freeway, take the CA-166 exit. Take CA-166 east for approximately 70 miles. Turn right onto Cerro Noroeste Road and proceed for approximately 25 miles into Pine Mountain. Cerro Noroeste Road becomes Mil Potrero Highway. Continue on Mil Potrero Highway until it ends at Cuddy Valley Road. Turn left on Cuddy Valley Road and follow it to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road and turn right. Follow Lockwood Valley Road as it winds through the Los Padres National forest for approximately 15 miles. Turn right on any of the named residential roads along the way.
To reach our office, follow the same directions above. When you reach the Village Center in Pine Mountain Club, continue past the Center and turn right on Freeman Drive. Turn right on Pine Valley Lane into the Center. Continue on Pine Valley Lane until you see the Jennings Realty sign on the right.
Stop by our office or let me know when you’ll be visiting the area. It would be my pleasure to take you on a tour of this wonderful high country living environment.
Lockwood Valley Homes and Land for Sale – See every property listed in the MLS.
For information on Lockwood Valley real estate, Lockwood Valley homes for sale, and available Lockwood Valley land for sale, follow the link below to search our listed properties in Lockwood Valley and the official Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that includes Lockwood Valley property listings provided by all local real estate offices.
Search Lockwood Valley Homes and Land for Sale
Click Here
For More information
If you have any questions about Lockwood Valley or would like more information on a Lockwood Valley property you see during your real estate search here or anywhere on the Internet, it would be my pleasure to assist you.
Credits
Bonnie Ketterl Kane. A View from The Ridge Route.
Our special thanks to Bonnie Ketterl Kane and the Ridge Route Communities Museum and Historical Society for providing information on the history of this community.
