The weather in Frazier Park, CA is absolutely spectacular today. A sweet 70 degrees and the perfect weather to go hiking in.
There is ton's of hiking trails in Frazier Park CA. I live in Frazier Park and I could hit several hiking trails walking from my front door.
I thought I would start a series of posts discussing the great hiking trails we have in Frazier Park. The best place to start is my all time favorite hiking trail which is the McGill Trail.
There are several reasons why this is my all time favoritest trail. :-)
Reason #1 = This trail is perfectly defined and you cannot get lost, which is excellent for beginners.
Reason #2 = This trail ends at a camp ground (The McGill Camp Ground) where you can hike up and then camp.
Reason #3 = This trail is steep enough to get your heart rate going.
Reason #4 = This trail is approximately 3 3/4 miles long, which is a perfect hike when you are gaining elevation.
Reason #5 = This trail is a beautiful hike with spectacular views of the ranches below.
Reason #6 = This trail is the first of three connected trails that takes you to the very top of Mt Pinos Recreation Area. The total hike is approximately 10 miles.
Reason #7 = This trail is actually marked with a sign that says, "McGill Trail." Lots of trails up here have no signs.
Reason #8 = There is parking at the beginning of the McGill Trail.
Reason #9 = It is at the bottom of Mt Pinos and therefore, you don't have to drive very far.
Okay, so I am out of reasons, for now, but this hike is the ultimate hike on the mountain, and I LOVE IT!
So, how do you get to McGill Trail?
Whether you are traveling North or South on the 'Golden State Freeway' Interstate 5 Freeway you exit 'Frazier Mountain Park Road' and go West (really the only option unless you want to end up in a dead end). You will travel West for approximately 12 miles and then you will see a fork in the road. Follow to your left towards Mt Pinos Recreation Area. Do not go to the right!
Approximately one mile after veering left on the fork in the road, you will see a little spot of dirt that you can park on the right side of the road. You will see a brown sign that says 'McGill Trail'.
There you have it. My first post on hiking trails in Frazier Park CA.
Hope you have fun.
Until next post, have a wonderful wonderful rest of the week.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI love the McGill Trail as well. The only thing is on the weekends the mountainbikers tend to dominate it.
Excellent choice though, especially during the week.
Dave
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I agree, lots of mountain bikers but they are very courteous and most of them follow the hiking trail right of way passage, which is, hikers have the right of way, lol.
Have a great day!
Elizabeth
Thanks for the great post. I'm looking for a fall hike (1st week of Oct.) in your area. Maybe a 10-15 mile loop with 1-2 nights on the trail. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMatt
matt.hamson@gmail.com
Hey Matt, thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteA great 10-15 mile loop with 1-2 nights on the way would be starting at the McGill Camp Ground. You can park your car there and camp over night as well. There is a trail that will take you to the top of Mt Pinos Recreation area. From the camp ground to the top is about 5 miles.
If you would like to continue on, at the top of Mt. Pinos there is a trail that goes down to Pine Mountain Club.
In order to get to McGill Camp Ground from the Interstate 5, exit Frazier Mountain Park Road and go west for approximately 13 miles. When you come to the fork in the road veer left to Mt Pinos Recreation Area. At the second snow gate you will find McGill Camp Ground. The snow gates are very hard to miss, they are big yellow gates (they will be open of course) that can span the entire road for closure.
You will love it. It is a beautiful Camp Ground and the hikes are excellent. The trails are marked and posted.
Hope this helps...
enjoy...
Elizabeth