Hike to Mt. Pinos and Sawmill Mountain in Los Padres National Forest

ABOUT THE HIKE: The trailhead starts at 8,300 ft. elevation and ascends to the top of Mt. Pinos at 8,847 feet, the highest point in Ventura County. The Mt. Pinos trail is a wide, shady, pleasant, dirt access road. If you choose to bag only Mt. Pinos, the round trip is an easy beginner hike at under 4 miles. From Mt. Pinos, we proceed past the Condor Observation Site and down a single track sometimes steep rocky trail to a saddle and then up more switchbacks to Sawmill Mountain at 8822 ft., the highest point in Kern County. Doing both peaks, will take five hours round trip over 8 miles, with approximately 1,600 of climbing. The reward is of course some magnificent views of the lower Sierra into the San Joaquin Valley. Plan on stopping for lunch snacks at the hike mid point. This is an easy to follow out/back trail taking the same route to the trailhead parking.

Expect similar to this recent hike:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-174b395-3?p=-1&sh=tzxl8k

And here is a video of the hike:

https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/los-angeles-hikes/mount-pinos-trail-and-sawmill-mountain-hike-guide/

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Orange County, take Interstate 5 north through Los Angeles to the Frazier Park exit on to Frazier Mountain Park Road that changes to Cuddy Valley Road at 6.9 miles.... proceed another 5.2 miles as the road name changes again to Mt. Pinos Highway..... proceed another 8 miles to road end at the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot. These are good, two lane, winding mountain roads. Restroom are located in the Chula Vista Campground.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any and all group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.