OK, so my second hike in the 2024 Southern California “Six Pack of Peaks” Challenge was Sawmill Mountain and I added on the 3-2-1 Challenge. I last did this hike 3 years ago when I was very new to hiking (so, basically, it feels like 10 years ag0), but last time I was not entirely sure I visited the last peak in the hike – Grouse Mountain.

This time I made sure to better prepare and actually download the GPX route (something I forgot to do last time). the hike was as peaceful as I remembered and there was still snow on the trail! Honestly, 12-year-old Washington State me would be pretty disappointed that I was getting this excited about a little snow on the ground (and yes, if you hiked on Sunday June 2, that was probably me who crossed paths with you going, “Snow! Snow! like some wannabe character in a June Hallmark holiday movie).

I find the hardest part of this hike if you continue past Sawmill (the peak listed in the “Six Pack” challenge) and go to Grouse – you will have to do some climbing on the way there and back. However, there is a nice uphill section when you are returning from Sawmill and going back toward Mt. Pinos. Both times, I think I have looked up at the ascent and thought, “What the…seriously?!” (which will be the name of my future hiking blog, if I ever choose to start one. Or maybe the motto of my future “Six Pack” hiking group).

Anyway, I really like this hike. No, seriously.