Heading out to Los Padres National Forest and I have a question

[jkbatca]

Originally Posted by ACalifornian

I've lived in and around the San Fernando Valley all my life and, when I saw a breathtaking photo of Death Valley at night (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ky_nps_big.jpg), I became interested in trekking out to the boondocks to see the stars. I've seen some very pretty photos of Los Padres at night, so I thought it'd make a pretty good locale for stargazing. I'll try heading out to the Pyramid Lake area, is that a suitable area? Here are some shots of the forest at night, how would the views near Pyramid Lake compare? _DSC6566.jpg | Flickr - Photo Sharing! 2012 Perseid Meteor Shower | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Stargazing around Los Padres? Follow the Ventura County Astronomical Society star parties (or at least their locations)!

[Spikett]

There are quite a few amateur star gazers that meet at the Mt. Pinos campground parking lot in Los Padres. They've been doing it for years so it must be a good area. Another good area, in the opposite direction, is Joshua Tree National Park.

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by Spikett

There are quite a few amateur star gazers that meet at the Mt. Pinos campground parking lot in Los Padres. They've been doing it for years so it must be a good area. Another good area, in the opposite direction, is Joshua Tree National Park.

Elevation, low ambient light, wear a jacket, a good place.

[Litlove71]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

Lockwood Road is paved and plowed and not much snow if any that low yet, will be pleasantly cool.



Hungry Valley is not a pleasant place to camp unless you are part of the beer and gasoline crowd. Pine Springs is very quiet, last time I was there I was alone, in June, except for the CHP and his girlfriend who came in in his patrol car and made whoopie..... I kid you not. They did not see me as my bike was tucked away and I had no tent.

1200RT, that area is a great place to wander. Reyes Creek Bar and Grill is not the hangout of limp wristed liberals, except for me of course, according to another poster..

Subfreezing weather warning last night and tonight. I live in Casitas Springs and this morning we woke up to frozen water puddles for the first time this year. The drive through Los Padres always mean a major temperature drop due to the increased elevation.

For the OP, you can also get a motel room in Oakview or Ojai, and the drive to stargaze in Los Padres is only 1/2 hour from a warm room and decent food, if you'd rather drive up the 101 (to the 33.)

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by Litlove71

Subfreezing weather warning last night and tonight. I live in Casitas Springs and this morning we woke up to frozen water puddles for the first time this year. The drive through Los Padres always mean a major temperature drop due to the increased elevation.

as I said, pleasantly cool. No bugs, crisp clear air, great for photo taking, and breathing.
Lebec 3800 feet
Lockwood Valley 5,000
Camp Scheideck 4,000
Reyes Summit 4,800

32 right now in Arroyo Grande on the coast
29 in Lebec

After 40 years of walking out to my car in the morning in single digit temps in winter, 20's and 30's are pleasant.