SCVHikers

Three Sisters Rock via Indian Canyon – Pacific Crest Trail

Sat, Oct 31 · 8:00 AM PDT

Location not specified yet

DESCRIPTION: This hike is a gem! Hikers rave about the fantastic views and the Three Sisters rock formations as an absolute must-visit. It’s perfect for getting back into hiking or leveling up from beginner trails—the elevation gain is gradual and rolling rather than steep, which keeps things interesting without being too strenuous, and those stunning rocks at the end make every step worthwhile.
The adventure starts on the Pacific Crest Trail just past the Indian Canyon Campground, where a KOA sign welcomes PCT hikers. From there, we’ll cross a dry riverbed and the railroad tracks, then follow the PCT signs up a series of gradual switchbacks. The trail is easy to follow until about mile two, where we branch off the PCT onto a fire road that curves around to a multi-use trail leading to the massive rocks. Once we reach the rocks, walking around the left face lets you get between them for a closer view. Some hikers like to scramble up for panoramic views from the top—that’s optional and at your own discretion, so only climb as high as you’re comfortable coming back down. Heads up: the route is fully exposed to the sun the whole way, so come prepared.

DETAILS:

1. Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
2. Meet: Indian Canyon Trailhead – Pacific Crest Trail (roadside parking on Soledad Canyon Road; walk to the trailhead) at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Oct 31).
3. Distance: Approximately 7.7 miles (out-and-back).
4. Elevation gain: Approximately 1,676 feet.
5. Time: Approximately 4.0 hours hiking, including a snack break at the rocks.
6. Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The climb is gradual and rolling rather than steep, but there is no shade on the route and the footing is uneven and rocky in spots.
7. Dogs: Not allowed.
8. Restrooms: Vault toilet at the trailhead.
9. Adventure Pass: Required.
10. Turnaround: If you want a shorter outing, turn around where the route leaves the PCT for the fire road (about 2 miles in) for a roughly 4-mile out-and-back. Just let me know at the trailhead so we can account for you.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a moderate pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. The route crosses railroad tracks near the start—use caution and cross together. There is no shade on this trail, so sun and heat are the main factors even in late fall. Watch for forks in the trail after the fire road junction and keep the group in sight. Climbing on the rocks is optional and at your own risk. Late October is Santa Ana season, so this hike may be cancelled or rescheduled if there is a red flag warning, high winds, or a fire closure in the area. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter rattlesnakes or other wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip for the rocks. Trekking poles are helpful on the rolling climbs. Clothing layers—it can be cool at the start. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing; there’s no shade on this route. Snacks and a refillable water bottle with 2+ liters of water, plus electrolytes or salt tablets.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RATING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) hike rating scale of one to five, assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

SCVH HIKE RATING SCALE:

1. Beginner: 1–3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1–7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5–10 miles, 1000–2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7–12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10–17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Indian Canyon Trailhead – Pacific Crest Trail: 9001 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390

Driving Directions (link)

NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service may be spotty—download your AllTrails map for offline access before you leave home. The PCT portion is well signed and easy to follow; after leaving the PCT at about mile two, check the map at each fork.

GPS Trail Map (link)

If You Need Help on the Trail
In AllTrails, swipe up on the Navigate drawer and tap “GPS details” to see your coordinates. Screenshot them, then call 911 and read off the numbers. As a backup, the What3Words app names any location with three words that are easy to read aloud to a dispatcher. Your GPS works even without cell service—you just need signal to make the call.
We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute via cash or Venmo at each hike.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) and its volunteer organizers from any liability or responsibility in connection with your participation in this activity. Hiking is inherently risky. By signing up, you are taking full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
SCVHikers and its organizers are not trained, certified, or compensated guides, and the club does not confirm the qualifications of any member to lead or participate in its events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions and judgment.
By signing up for any SCVHikers event, you are releasing SCVHikers and its organizers from all liability for possible injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service (available at the bottom of the Meetup website). Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are confirming that the hike is within your current abilities.
At the trailhead, we will ask every participant to read and sign the SCVHikers Release of Liability and Express Assumption of Risk before the hike begins. If you are unwilling to sign, you will not be able to join the group that day. Signing up on Meetup does not substitute for the trailhead sign-in.
The outing begins and ends at the trailhead. SCVHikers does not organize, advertise, or coordinate carpools. Transportation to and from the trailhead is your own responsibility, and all risks of that travel are yours alone.
This event may be cancelled or modified due to weather, trail conditions, or other safety considerations.