Started at 8 in the parking lot. This is a steady uphill grind for 7 miles. The views on top was very nice.
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Drove in to campground, sauntered over, achieved the peak! Then moved car to Chumash Wilderness and Grouse Mountain followed by Sawmill: no strolling involved on that part.
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Lots of thistle on nice, flat part of trail near the campground. Beautiful views, old road.
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Pretty sweet off road trail. Took my 97 4Runner on it stock, except 31” all terrains. Clearance was good except for the trailer hitch. I probably hit that every other bump lol. Good views and trail kept well
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Great trail, will get feet wet crossing over the creek on several crossings.
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I did this trip for the first time to complete the 3-2-1 Challenge (Piños, Sawmill, & Grousse in one day). To me I wouldn’t rate this as difficult...maybe moderate... although altitude did make it a little harder needing a few rest stops in between peaks. My app shows over 2000 feet elevation gain due to climbing up one mountain to going down then up the down then up again. It was a beautiful hike with no one on the trail when we started (7:30 am) but on the way back we ran into a couple of Boy Scout troops and some solo hikers coming in. Even though it was May, there were still some patches of snow/ice to hike through and if I didn’t have this app, I would not have known where the trail was. I recommend having poles and maybe even micro spikes as a precaution. We didn’t bring our spikes but did have poles which kept us from slipping a few times in the icy trails.
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Add 2.5 miles or so to the hike because the access road may be closed getting to the trailhead. This hike is very difficult. I had to turn back about 6 miles in, as there was a very long narrow ledge with a steep drop I didn’t think my pup and I would be able to make. Just wasn’t worth the risk to me. It rained often and was chilly in March when I went through in the upper 40’s 😭.
I’ll be back and will take the other trail in instead.
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The weather was perfect just a little windy in the morning. 2 hours drive from Los Angeles but worth the drive to conquer 3 peaks. The hike isn't easy but I also wouldn't rate it as difficult. Moderate declines and moderate inclines. The toughest incline is up to Grouse Mountain. Bring all the water you need there are no water sources on the trail. When I was there NO restrooms at the trailhead so bring a trowel and some TP or stop at a gas station before you head up.
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