Mt. Pinos to Sheep Camp via Sawmill Mountain Hike (Los Padres Nat’l Forest)

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DESCRIPTION OF HIKE: Moderate-to-strenuous 9 miles RT with 1,800’ of elevation gain/loss.

After driving to the Chula Vista parking lot less than two miles from the top (8,831’) of Mt. Pinos (near Frazier Park) in the Los Padres National Forest, we’ll follow a dirt road through the forest to the summit where there are excellent views to the north, south, and west. We will then follow the well-maintained dirt Tumamait-Mt. Pinos Trail (21W03) as it enters the Chumash Wilderness and descends the open western slope via switchbacks. The trail then crosses a saddle and ascends the forested eastern slope of Sawmill Mountain (8,818’) until it reaches a junction with the North Fork Trail (22W02). Turning south we’ll descend half a mile to Sheep Primitive Camp and take a rest/lunch break under cover of towering Jeffrey pines. We’ll return the way we came.

PREPAREDNESS: Bring 2-3 liters/quarts of water (or other suitable liquid) and lunch/snack. Wear appropriate footwear (preferably hiking boots) and be prepared for bright sunlight (sunglasses), heat (layers of clothing), and/or precipitation (rain gear). Hiking pole(s) and a camera might come in handy.

NOTE: At the beginning of each outing you will be required to read and sign a liability release form (a sign-in sheet).

DIRECTIONS TO THE CARPOOL LOCATION IN SIMI VALLEY:

Take Hwy 118 to the Stearns Street exit in Simi Valley.

If you’re approaching FROM THE WEST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive north under Hwy 118, make a U-turn at the first opportunity, drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.

If you’re approaching FROM THE EAST, turn left onto Stearns Street [there’s a divider in the street], drive south under Hwy 118 and turn right into the Park-and-ride lot.

Park and wait for the hiking leader(s) who will distribute specific driving directions.

DIRECTIONS TO THE BEGINNING POINT OF THE HIKE ON MT. PINOS (for anyone who intends to meet us at the “trailhead”) – NOTE: You should be in the parking lot (see below) by 8:45 a.m.

In Simi Valley, take Highway 118 east to I-405; head north on I-405 until it merges with I-5.

From the junction of I-5 and I-405 (heading north toward Santa Clarita Valley) drive 46 miles north on I-5 to the Frazier Mountain Park Road exit and take it.

Head west 7.2 miles on Frazier Mountain Park Road, continuing straight as the name of the road changes to Cuddy Valley Road [do NOT head south on Lockwood Valley Road].

Drive 13.6 miles on Cuddy Valley Road (also named Mt. Pinos Road) as it ascends Mt. Pinos.

Turn right into the Chula Vista parking lot (Mt. Pinos Road is blocked by a locked gate just past the parking lot).

Park and wait for the hiking leader(s).

DISCLAIMER:

The organizer(s) or leader(s) take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during any Rancho Simi Trail Blazers Club (RSTB) hike/outing. These events can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen.

By participating voluntarily you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being and acknowledge, appreciate, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in any way you further agree:

1. The risk of injury from the many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and

2. TO KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for your participation; and

3. To willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, you observe any unusual significant hazard during your presence or participation, you will remove yourself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and

4. You, for yourself and on behalf of your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Rancho Simi Trail Blazers, its organizers, officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises used to conduct the event ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Activity participant agrees that this release will apply to all known and unknown as well as unanticipated claims, injures and damages resulting from group activities, as well as those now disclosed and all rights under section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and hereby are expressly waived. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California reads as follows:

“A general release does not extend to claims which the (participant) does not know or suspect to exist in his (or her) favor, at the time of execution of the release, which if known by him (or her) must have materially affected his (or her) (participation and agreeing to) the release.”

By participating in any group event or activity, you hereby, for yourself, your heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, your executors and administrators, waive any and all rights and claims for damages you may have against any and all entities and individuals associated with the group, their representatives, successors and assigns and will hold them harmless and free of all liability or claim of negligence related to any and all injuries, disability, illness, death, loss or damage to person or property, suffered in connection with any and all activities organized by the group.