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This is one of the best summer escapes within driving distance of Santa Clarita. Starting at 8,340 feet, the Condor Summit Trail climbs through fragrant Jeffrey pine and white fir forest to the summit of Mt. Pinos (8,847’)—the highest point in Ventura County and a sacred peak in Chumash cosmology, known as Iwihinmu, the center of the world. The air up here runs about 20 degrees cooler than the Santa Clarita Valley floor, and the alpine feel is a genuine shock if you’re used to the chaparral-covered hills closer to home.

Beyond Mt. Pinos, the route follows the Vincent Tumamait Trail along a high ridgeline through the Chumash Wilderness, descending switchbacks to a saddle before climbing again to Sawmill Mountain (8,806’)—the highest point in Kern County, marked by a massive summit cairn and sweeping views of the Transverse Ranges. A final push brings you to remote Grouse Mountain (8,582’), where the crowds thin out and the quiet is worth the extra effort. You’ll pass the Mt. Pinos Condor Observation Site along the way—keep your eyes on the sky for California condors, North America’s largest land bird with a wingspan over nine feet.

The nice thing about this route is that, because it’s an out-and-back with several natural stopping points, you can safely turn around whenever you like and head back. The trail to Mt. Pinos alone is a satisfying 4-mile round trip; adding Sawmill makes it about 7 miles; and the full three-peak route is roughly 10.2 miles. The return hits differently—you’re re-climbing peaks you already descended, and the altitude makes the uphills feel bigger than the numbers suggest.

DETAILS:

  • Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
  • Meet: Mt. Pinos Nordic Base (Chula Vista Trailhead) parking lot at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Jul 18).
  • Distance: Approximately 10.2 miles (out-and-back).
  • Elevation gain: Approximately 2,060 feet.
  • Time: Approximately 5.0–5.5 hours hiking, including a snack break at Grouse Mountain.
  • Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail involves sustained climbing with multiple ascents and descents between peaks. The entire hike is above 8,000 feet—if you’re coming from sea level, the altitude will make the uphills feel harder than the numbers suggest.
  • Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash. No water sources along the trail—bring extra water for your dog.
  • Restrooms: Portable toilets may be available at the Nordic Base parking lot (seasonal/not guaranteed). No facilities along the trail.
  • Adventure Pass: An Adventure Pass or other valid National Forest pass (e.g., America the Beautiful) is required to park at the Nordic Base lot. Daily passes cost $5 and may be available for purchase at the Nordic Base (cash only) on staffed weekends. Purchase one in advance at local outdoor retailers or online to be safe.
  • Turnaround: Mt. Pinos summit (about 2 miles in) is a natural turnaround for a 4-mile round trip. The Condor Observation Site just past the summit is another good stopping point. Sawmill Mountain (about 3.5 miles in) makes a satisfying turnaround at roughly 7 miles round trip.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The trail is well-marked to Mt. Pinos but becomes less defined beyond that—navigation to Sawmill and especially Grouse Mountain requires attention. A false summit near Grouse Mountain can be confusing; the true summit is slightly further north. Download your AllTrails maps for offline use before you leave home, as cell service is unreliable in the wilderness. The entire trail is above 8,000 feet—drink plenty of water and pace yourself, especially on the return climbs. Bears have been reported in the area. No water sources along the trail. The drive to the trailhead is about 1.5 hours from Santa Clarita via I-5 and Cuddy Valley Road—a scenic but winding mountain road. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Trekking poles recommended for the sustained climbs and descents. Clothing layers—temperatures at 8,000+ feet can be significantly cooler than the valley, and ridgeline sections can be windy. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for exposed sections. Refillable water bottle with at least 2.5–3 liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Packed snacks or lunch for the summit. Sunglasses.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 4, Intermediate/Advanced (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 THC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

THC HIKE RANKING 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, 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
  4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3,000 feet elevation gain.
  5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3,000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Mt. Pinos Nordic Base (Chula Vista Trailhead): Cuddy Valley Road, Frazier Park, CA 93225

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 is unreliable in the Chumash Wilderness—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home. The trail is well-signed to Mt. Pinos; beyond that, follow the Vincent Tumamait Trail markers and keep your GPS app handy. The spur trails to each summit are short but easy to miss if you’re not watching for them.

GPS Trail Map (link)

We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via cash contribution (at each hike).

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

When you sign up for this event, you are releasing The 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 Hiking Club (THC) Meetup Group and its organizers 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 The Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing The 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.

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