Thorn Meadows Campground

This peak has a Lookout tower is very weathered has seen better days, but the tower can still be accessed via a small ladder. This is one of the last Lookout towers still standing in the Los Padres, it would be nice to see this tower restored. The tower gives you a 360 view that is very spectacular, best seen in early hours of the morning but is also a great place to watch the sunset. The Thorn Point trail has interesting rock formations, large pine tress, and views in all directions, the trail is good shape and easy to follow. W. H. Thorn was an early day surveyor with the U. S. Geological Survey that mapped the central Ventura County area in 1905. Both the meadow, camp and point were named for him. During a drought cattlemen brought their cattle up to find feed and water. The Snedden Land and Cattle Company ran cattle in this area along Piru Creek. Thorn Camp was established in 1961. At the camp there are 3 camp sites with tables and stove,one is across the creek. No water or toilets available. There is a public horse corral. The camp and meadow are located at the start of the steep horse Trail 21 W07 which leads from the end of the right fork of Grade Valley Road. The trails goes up the north tee of the mountain to reach the abandoned Thorn Lookout. When the lookout was manned during the fire season a pack train of Forest Service mules made the trip carrying supplies, mail and water to the lookout person. The tower is in poor shape and no longer manned during the fire season.