This is Part one of the new BKS (Butt Kicking Series) of hikes! *(Hikes with close to 3000′ Gain and or 10 or more miles.)
*** Safety Note: Rain or Extreme Heat at trailhead cancels hikes.
Return to Slide to Slide Mountain Fire Lookout Tower (4,631′), overlooking Pyramid Lake not just for the challenge but for the flowers!
Distance: ~ 12 miles total, RT – Out and back style – with a touch of “Are we done yet?”
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, And marvel at the Angular Angular unconformitys to the west.
After catching our breath, it’s another ~ 2 miles and 1060′ to the peak via winding through some massive Conglomerate Rocks and a 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.
Bring something to eat because we will have snacky time at the tower and by the time you get there you will be ready for some food for your face as you enjoy the 360 degree view. From here, if it is clear, we can see just about every major peak around the Northern LA area, even Mt Baldy!
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.
Bathrooms: Pit Toilets at the trail head and at the visitor center up on top of the mountain.
Dogs: OK , if on leash and well behaved. Please keep the distance, lack of shade, and your dog’s stamina in mind.
Leader(s): Paul H and Gary S
