Yellow Jacket Trail (Upper) / 20W24 / 126

Bad News!!! I heard from the group that went to check and maintain the trail, and they are saying there is a significant washout on the trail, and it won't likely open until July at the earliest. I was told the rating overall hasn't gotten any harder but there is a lot of water running on the trail. Looking forward to seeing the trail when it opens.

Repost from Mike Zaboski, Point Mugu 4WD Club. (April 8th, 2023) So we met today with Assistant Recreation Officer Loreigh Brannon of the USFS Mt. Pinos Ranger District for an update on the status of the trails (Lockwood Trail, Cottonwood Trail Miller Jeep Trail, Yellowjacket Trail and ALL connecting OHV trails in the area). After the unpredicted amount of rainfall this season (one station recorded 17" of rain just out of one storm!), there is pretty much no way that the seasonal closure will be lifted by May 1st. There are numerous downed trees, wash outs, slides and giant ruts throughout the trail system, with some culverts (and even a couple of campgrounds) completely washed away. The trails can't be properly surveyed until they significantly dry out and the snow melts enough that any potential trail damage can be ascertained without causing further damage. Once the initial survey of all the trails is completed by the Forest Service, only then will they be calling on its volunteer groups to come in and help with trail rehab. Some of the trails and roads in the trail system are so badly damaged, that they will need heavy equipment to help rehab. Unfortunately, the whole Mt. Pinos trail system won't be opened until ALL of the damaged interconnecting trails receive some sort of temporary repairs. This could be weeks, or even months beyond the normal opening date, depending on the amount damage found. This is a huge task, and will take time to mitigate for everyone's safety, so please be patient.

Closed till spring

Easy trail. Not much signs of anyone besides a few motorcycle being on this trail. The trail is clear all the way to the sign that indicates the start of the motorcycle only part of the trail. The brush is growing in to the trail a bit so there will be pinstriping. To get to this trail we started at the Frazier Mountain Trailhead - 20W03 by the Chuchupate Ranger Station. There is a large parking lot here handy if you are unloading vehicles from a trailer. We took the "118 West Frazier Mine Road" trail to the Lockwood Trail - 20W06 - 127. And then turned off on Yellow Jacket. We did see 2 other trucks on the Lock wood trail, they were doing the miller jeep trail and were planing on doing the salt creek, cherry creek and Pletio creek trails the next day (9N19). After the trails we wend back to Lake of the Woods and stopped at Mountain View Mini Mart to eat. They have a great little deli with burgers, burrito and sandwiches. This is next to Mikes pizza, also a place we have stopped at in the past. Nothing was very crowded on this Friday but it may pick up on the weekend.

Reports that the trail has been opened for the year.

Trails closing for the season

Trail is open for the season

We wanted to run this trail while on the Miller Jeep Trail and Lockwood creek. But time started to run short so we skipped it. Next time I guess.

Not technically challenging but adventurous. Lots of overgrown brush on the sides and ground so do expect some pinstriping. Trail is narrow at some sections so you will rub up against overgrown brush (unavoidable at those points). There were a few rutted and rocky sections but high clearance vehicles can handle with no issues IMO. Area was a lot greener compared to the photos in this review. At waypoint 4 (Trail Blocked (2.3 mi)), the trail was not blocked. I was able to go another 1/2 mile in before deciding to turn around to continue my run on Lockwood/Miller. I plan to explore more of the trail the next time I'm out at LPNF.