Mt. McDill Loop (Lincoln Crest → McDill → Sierra Pelona Motorway)

Hike Leader: Gary S. (Looking for Sweep volunteers)

This hike is part of my ongoing search for lesser-traveled local routes. It’s not flashy, but it delivers: wide-open mountain scenery, big views, a solid conditioning workout, and a good chance of wildlife and February wildflowers. And no people! When Paul and I pre-hiked it in late summer, we didn’t see a single other person.

This is a moderate, steady-paced conditioning hike, not a race. We’ll move efficiently but comfortably, take time to enjoy the views, and keep the group together. A sweep will be present, and so if you do lag behind a bit, we’ll understand! If you’re a speedster, and wish to hike at breakneck speed, please do NOT sign up for this hike. We’ll take a more moderate pace that everyone is comfortable with.

The route starts at Lincoln Crest near the highest point (the crest) of Bouquet Canyon Road. We begin at ~3,560 ft, climbing a gated service road before transitioning to the original McDill single-track. After steady climbing through chaparral and mahogany, we reach the Sierra Pellona Motorway (dirt road) and continue to Mt. McDill (5,135 ft), where we’ll take a break, hopefully find more deer, enjoy the views, and possibly sign the summit register.

Views include Grass Mountain, Mojave and Tehachapi peaks, Leona Valley, Lancaster, Agua Dulce/Acton, and glimpses of Mt. Pacifico, Mt. Gleason, and Baden-Powell.

The return includes a steep, eroded, and slippery downhill section on a non-maintained trail. Trekking poles and boots with good tread are strongly recommended. We’ll take this section slowly and carefully.

This is not a well-known trail, but how often do you find a good local hike nearby that you haven't hiked before? Check it out!

Stats:

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Elevation gain: ~1,565 ft
• Time: 4 – 4.5 hours including snack time
• Difficulty: Solid **3.5 (**Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain with some challenging climbs and one tougher downhill section)
• Exposure: Mostly exposed; expect wind and cooler temps, wear layers
• Adventure Pass: Required

Wildlife note: On our pre-hike (on a very warm summer day), we saw multiple rattlesnakes, horned lizards, deer, and other wildlife. Also plenty of interesting rocks and rock formations for fellow rockheads.

Meet: 8:15 AM for a 8:30 AM sharp start
Trailhead (Lincoln Crest area of Bouquet Canyon Road – near the highest point of Bouquet Cyn Road before it descends down towards Lake Elizabeth Road). Park along the road; leave nothing visible in your car.

• GPS: 34.58645, -118.30547
• What3Words Map and Navigation (click this link)

Getting There:

• ~35 minutes north of Santa Clarita up Bouquet Canyon Rd
• From Antelope Valley: Lake Elizabeth Rd → south on Bouquet Canyon Road ~3.2 miles just past the Angeles Forest sign (at the peak)

Bring: Trekking poles, lunch/snacks, minimum 2L water (include electrolytes), layers, hat, sunscreen, camera, good hiking boots/shoes with good tread. This is a fully exposed hike, so definitely watch the weather and wear layers if it's cold and/or windy!

Facilities: No bathrooms or nearby services

Dogs: Not recommended due to narrow trails, the possibility of rattlesnakes and the steep, eroded descent

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on 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 verifying that this hike is within your abilities.

The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5