*** Safety Note: Rain or Extreme Heat at trailhead cancels hikes
Slide Mountain Fire Lookout Tower (4,631′), overlooking Pyramid Lake
Distance: ~ 12 miles total, RT – Out and back style
Gain: ~2400′
Hiking Time: 5.5 hours
RATING: Strenuous (mainly for the overall Longer Distance and the 1340′ Gain over 2 mile section). Definitely not one for Beginners! You need to be hiking regularly to enjoy this one.
Description: Our day starts and ends with a ~ 1.5 mile flat hike (3 of the 12 mile total) along the now abandoned Route 99 (Golden State Highway), the predecessor to the 5 Hwy. We follow Piru Creek, a Native California Fishery and Wild and Scenic River, until we reach the actual trailhead (a white gate on the left) . From the trailhead, we catch our first glimpse of the lookout tower, 2400′ above.
Next comes a 1340′ “butt kicker”, as we start from the trailhead up the steepest part of the hike (for ~ 2 miles with some service road switchbacks ). We eventually reach the saddle and can pause to enjoy a panoramic view across the Piru creek area and the Sespe Wilderness to the West.
After catching our breath, it’s another ~ 2 miles and 1060′ to the peak via a series of shallow switchbacks on the East side of the mountain, and more on the West side, gradually approaching the peak. Eventually the tower comes into view and after rounding a bend, we break out at the summit and an incredible view of Pyramid Lake below.
Then its time to enjoy a snack/ lunch and the 360 degree view. From here, if it is clear, we can see just about every major peak around the Northern LA area.
Meet your leader:
At 7:45AM in front of the white gate near Frenchman’s Flat Campground
( 34.616492, -118.743782 ); we head up the old highway at 8:00AM sharp.
Directions from SCV:
Go north on the I-5, past Castaic and exit at Templin Hwy, Exit # 183. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, go under the freeway to a T junction, then turn right. Follow this bumpy 2 lane road (Old Hwy 99) for 5 miles until it ends at a white forest service gate where there is parking (this is Frenchman’s Flat Camping area). Display your Adventure Pass in your windshield. There are bathrooms at this trailhead.
Bring:
A snack/lunch, water (3 liters is recommended), including 1L electrolytes if it is a hot day, sunscreen, hat, hiking poles if you have them.
!!! Wear layered clothing and pack a windbreaker as it may turn windy / cold at the top. Check weather forecast. Good boots with tread are a given.
Adventure Pass: YES. Required for parking in the Angeles National Forest. 1/car for those who drive. These can be obtained at any BIG 5 Sporting Goods store; $5 for a day pass, $30 for a year pass.
Dogs: OK , if on leash and well behaved. Please keep the distance, lack of shade, and your dog’s stamina in mind.
Leader(s): Chris Stratford
