I must admit, this hike was a little underwhelming – especially given the hikes I've already completed. That being said, if you do the 3, 2, 1 challenge and possible if you do this hike with a little bit of snow around I would have appreciated it much more.

That being said, I'm a better person for the experience and for the most part had the trail to myself. I parked at Nordic Base, which as the HikingGuy says, sounds more like the name of a fictionalized space port than a ski hut and set off towards Mount Pinos. If you want to walk along the road, fine, but keep you eye out for some little deviations off the road that add a little bit more enjoyment on the trail to Pinos. From there you aren't far to hit the trail head onwards to Sawmill. There are some enjoyable switchbacks which give you a lovely view of the valley. I didn't see any Condors, but honestly if you really want to see them…go to the Pinnacles NP (unbelievable experience). The descent down onto the saddle was easy and then the climb out from there was not challenging to Sawmill. The peak is a little underwhelming, but the made-man rock feature makes it kinda cool.

To make a funner day of it, I strong recommend adding on the couple of miles to Grouse Mountain. The hike out back up to Condor Peak is probably the hardest aspect of the hike, but genuinely to an experienced hiker this is a very easy hike and the easiest of the peaks of completed this year.

Have to get back to the real stuff – Mount Whitney in less than 2 months!