If your planning on conquering this 10.8 mile hike there are a few things you that you should know to make the most out of your adventure. First thing first: from LA if your taking the 5 North, get off on Templin Hwy and make a left. Once you get to the T make a right and drive approximately 4miles until you reach a gate that won’t let you go any further. Park here and make sure to display your adventure pass. Second thing: bring a bike. The first 1.7miles is on a smooth paved road, riding your bike helps get you to the trail head faster. Then you leave your bike at the trailhead(the paved road is private so you don’t have to worry about anybody stealing your bike) and when you return from the lookout you will be grateful to hop on your bike and just coast down hill the remaining 1.7miles back to your car. **the trailhead is exactly 1.7miles from the private gate(no worries you are allowed back there, just not your car) and is marked by another white gate on the left hand side. Also bring lots of water, snacks and bear spray. It’s a long hike, all up hill and the water will keep you hydrated, the snacks will keep you from becoming hangry and the bear spray will give you the illusion of safety… There were a few moments that we heard rustling in the bushes and in the vast wilderness it can be a tad intimidating. Next thing: just keep going! The hike is approximately 5.4 miles up to the lookout and you can’t see the tower until 5.2miles… Let me tell you, when the entire hike is uphill like this 5.2 miles seems a lot longer. So just keep walking and when you feel like you can’t go anymore or you feel like you made a mistake(which is impossible because there is only one trail) just keep going and you will eventually reach that«awha moment!» Make sure to sign in at the registry and say hello to the volunteer who works the fire lookout. The day we went Jim was working there and he was nice enough to give us a tour and explain some of the history around the area. It’s really interesting, and this is the perfect spot to eat your snack. All in all this was another great hike!
Paolo H.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Santa Clarita, CA
This is a fun 10-mile(there and back) hike that takes you to the top of Slide Mountain where there’s an historic fire lookout tower that was built in 1969. The tower is a two-story metal structure with the cab on top. Once you reach the top of Slide Mountain you’ll also get to appreciate a gorgeous 360 degree view of Pyramid Lake, Pyramid Dam and sections of the Angeles National Forest. To get to the trailhead take the I-5 North, past Castaic, to Templin Highway. Exit the freeway, turn left, and continue under the freeway overpass and then take a right on Golden State Highway Rd. Head north for about 4 miles and then road will dead end at Frenchman’s Flat. There you will see a parking lot and a locked gate. Park in one of the designated spots(you will need an Adventure Pass). Walk past the locked gate, up the paved road, for 1.7 miles until you reach a gated dirt road off to the left. From there you will need to walk another 3.65 miles to reach the Lookout. The paved road that you initially walk along follows Piru Creek. Piru Creek offers catch-and-release wild trout fishing. I’ve read a few fishing blogs that mention that the trout population is extremely low since the creek doesn’t get restocked. The paved road dead ends at Pyramid Dam. Off to the right on your way to the dirt road you will see an intriguing sealed entrance at the base of the mountain. It’s part of the Angeles Tunnel, a 7.2 mile-long and 30-foot diameter, water tunnel. The tunnel supplies water to the adjacent Castaic Power Plant. I’ve read that when demand for electricity is high, usually during the afternoon, water is withdrawn from Pyramid Lake and released into Castaic Lake. At night, when demand is low, water is pumped back into Pyramid Lake. You won’t actually see the Lookout until the very last section of the hike. The volunteer that was manning the tower the day I visited said that it was common for people to turn back right before they reach the end. You’ll know that you’re nearing the end when you come across a small cave and a row of red reflectors. I found a really cool video that someone posted that shows drone footage of the Lookout. It’s definitely worth checking out.
