Great hike today with my friend Suzanne. We tackled the 3-2-1 Challenge in reverse order. Starting with Grouse Mountain, then Sawmill and finally Mount Pinos. We met up near Cerro Noroeste Camp and began our hike just before 7am.
The hike started off by descending a moderately steep slope on the Vincent Tumamait Trail for about a half mile to the intersection of the San Emigdio Mesa Trail. From there we began our first climb, just over a mile to Grouse Mountain. Some would call this a hard steep climb.
After Grouse we headed over to Sawmill, about 1.2 more miles. Sawmill was my 5th peak of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks for 2021. To this point (as expected) we didn't see a single hiker on the trail. While enjoying a break on Sawmill, there were at least 3 groups that had made their way from the Nordic Base to Sawmill.
After our break we continued on the trail about 2 miles to the Condor Observation Site and then a short distance on to Mount Pinos. Between Sawmill and Pinos we ran into lots of hikers making their way up from the Nordic Base. Of course, on our way back to Cerro Noroeste Camp we ran into all of them again which made for some great conversation.
The trail entering and leading to Grouse Mountain was in great shape for a route that is not use as often as the route from the Nordic Base. The great part is that it is a trail and not a dirt road like the one to Pinos from the Nordic Base. There were a few downed trees on the trail, but they were easy to navigate.
This is now my favorite route to use for this hike. Great trail, less crowded, and no dirt roads. Beautiful views, both off in the distance and in the forest itself.
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