3-2-1 Challenge: Three Peaks, Two Counties, One Day–Pinos-Sawmill-Grouse Mountains

This is an interesting trail in that it goes up and down to summit three peaks, and then down and up to return, and submit two of the peaks again on the way back! The trail is just over 11 miles out and back, including the detour to each peak (0.25-0.5 out and back off the main trail).

This is the third time I have completed this trail and each time I thought it was so easy going from The Nordic Base trailhead to Pinos, Sawmill and Grouse, and then thought it was so difficult on the way back!

The hike to Pinos is quite easy, both ways. This is where most hikers stop, or just a little past the summit at a little rest area near Vincent Tumamait trailhead entering Chumash Wilderness. It gets a lot quieter from Tumamait trailhead to Sawmill. I only saw one other hiker. This is the most challenging part of the hike due to the long descent and then fairly steep uphill to the summit. Sawmill to Grouse is easier and short–less than 3 miles out and back. Nobody was hiking this part of the trail. I recommend doing it….Why not? You are nearly there!

The trail is well-maintained and well-defined most of the way. Near Grouse the trail is covered with pine straws and sometimes difficult to see. AllTrails warned me a couple of times in this area and I corrected myself. This is high country–Nordic Base Trailhead is at 8500 feet. The scenery is different than a typical SoCal peak trail. They also say it is bear country, and though I have not seen any yet, I do carry bear spray and bear horn with me. I recommend the same to other hikers.

There are a couple of campsites nearby, as well as motels and B&B options in small mountain towns of Frazer Park, Lebec, or the Pine Mountain Club village (recommended), Overall, an enjoyable hike which I rate as moderate difficulty level. Take it a bit seriously due to up and down nature of the hike and you will enjoy it.