Ponderosa

The community of Ponderosa is the highest of our mountain communities at an elevation of 7,200’. It is accessible via Highway 190, as well as via the Western Divide Highway through California Hot Springs (this road is closed during the winter months). Ponderosa is known for its snowmobile and cross country skiing trails in the winter, horseback riding in the Golden Trout Wilderness in the summer, and its close proximity to the Trail of 100 Giants, Dome Rock, and the Needles Lookout Trail.

 

Surrounding Ponderosa are a variety of fir and pine trees (including Ponderosa Pines), as well as groves of Quaking Aspen trees. The Quaking Aspen campground is nearby.

 

The Ponderosa Lodge has historically provided residents and visitors access to food and drink, groceries, and gifts.: Sadly the Ponderosa Lodge burned down in 2023. We are hoping it will be rebuilt in some fashion but its services are not available at this time.

 

Roads in Ponderosa are plowed in the winter. It has a community water system and satellite TV and Internet are available.

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To get to Ponderosa, take Hwy 190 from Porterville, through Springville, past Camp Nelson and stay on Hwy 190 until you see Ponderosa on the left about 30 minutes past Pierpoint Springs.