The 3-2-1 Challenge: Mt Pinos, Sawmill Mountain, Grouse Mountain

Let’s hike the 3-2-1 Challenge in Southern California’s beautiful Los Padres National Forest (Mt. Pinos Nordic Base, Cuddy Valley Rd, Frazier Park, CA 93225). We’ll be tackling 3 peaks (Mt. Pinos, Sawmill Mountain, and Grouse Mountain) in 2 counties (Ventura and Kern) in 1 day! It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Expect to hike about 11 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain. An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base, but the lot is HUGE! Check for snow closures in winter. From the end of the lot, head up the dirt road until you can see the radio towers atop Mt. Pinos. Look for a trail to the right when the mountain comes into view, and veer off the road onto this more scenic trail (or stay on the road, your choice). Head up to Mt. Pinos to bag the easiest Southern California high point! Continue down the other side and enjoy the views into the Sespe Condor Sanctuary as you meet up with the Tumamait Trail. Follow the Tumamait Trail downhill into the Chumash Wilderness and admire the endless vistas! After going back uphill, look for the spur trail to Sawmill Mountain off to your right. Check out the massive cairn that marks the summit of Sawmill, and pat yourself on the back for your second county high point of the day! Return to the spur trail junction and make the right to continue on to Grouse Mountain. Stay straight at the double-signed junction and turn to head uphill. When you come out to an open area with lots of boulders, make a sharp right and look for the pine needle-covered trail. Follow this trail to the summit of Grouse Mountain and its teepee made of sticks. Head back the way you came! The Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce developed the 3-2-1 Challenge to increase tourism in the area. To show your appreciation for their hard work and to get some recognition for your achievement (a challenge certificate, your photo on the website, and a commemorative patch) visit https://www.mymountainchamber.com/321...