Lockwood Valley is a place few know about and that is what provides some of it's charm. Located just a short distance from the busy Los Angeles basin, it is a great place to visit regardles of the season. The valley itself is found in Ventura county, but near the crossroads of both Kern and Los Angeles. Typical of high mountain valleys in Southern California, the valley floor is covered in mostly scrub brush, manzinita, oak and a few pines. As you rise out of the valley, the vegitation quickly turns to pinion pine, jeffery pine, oak, and other various large trees. The valley is home to a large array of birds, small and large mammals, reptiles, insects and fish. Most commonly seen animals are deer, foxes, squirels, chipmunks, mice, lizards, rabbits, coyotes and a huge variety of birds. Lockwood Valley is also bear country also, although I have yet to see one in person (only evidence that they have been around).

Lockwood Valley attracts all kinds of people looking for outdoor recreation. The area boasts a large number of offroad trails that are quite popular. There are trails for 4x4 vehicles, motorcycles and ATV's. In fact, there is a large off-road recreation area located just outside the valley. There is also a large number of hiking trails in the surrounding area. Fishing and hunting are also popular activities due to the large amount of wildlife that can be found here. During the winter months, people can be found sledding and x-country skiing.

The base of operations for me in the valley is a small 1 acre plot of land in the heart of the valley and just into the tree-line. Accessed by a number of both paved and dirt roads, the property is boardered on one side by a large natural clearing which is located on National Forest land. Lots of work have gone into this property over the years and there is lots planned for the future. Located on the property is a well, two trailers for housing, wood fired hot tub, a shed and an outhouse. Recent work has been a solar-electric system that provides 110V electricity to one of the trailers, an on demand water pump system for the same trailer, a 5 gallon hot water heater, a "new" propane furnace, and a large roof/deck structure for the large trailer.

The future at lockwood promises a large water tower with well, and a small cabin. Plans are being made now and progress should be made in the coming years. You can find pictures of the various aspects of Lockwood by clicking on the buttons located below.

PICTURE PAGES