McGill Trail Head, Mt. Pinos
- Mostly Single track, some dirt roads, couple of
pavement crossings - Up and Back
- Initial strenuous climb for 3 or 4 miles, then
moderate grinding - About 6 1/2 miles to the Nordic Ski Center ( a typical turn around)
- Optionally, up the mountain a little less than 2 miles more (dirt road, closed to cars) to Condor Summit for fantastic views and informative historical placards.
- This trail is popular with hikers so be aware of them especially on the descent.
Mt. Pinos Road is a paved road that passes Mc Gill Campground, Mt. Pinos Campground and ultimately to the Nordic Ski Center. Some people use this road to car shuttle the McGill Trail as a downhill adventure only.
Driving directions to trail head
-- Exit I-5 at Frazier Park/Mt. Pinos Rec Area.
-- Drive through Frazier Park on Frazier Park Road
-- At mile 7 (from I-5) veer to the right (not Lockwood Valley Road to the left) as Frazier Park Road becomes Cuddy Valley Road. There is a great Pizzaria at this intersection.
-- At mile 11 (from I-5) go left as Cuddy Valley Road becomes Mount Pinos Road (to the right goes to Pine Mountain Club)
-- There is a big dirt parking area on the right. Optionally there is limited parking (shaded) at the trail head that is about 245 yards up the pavement on the right.
