Trail: Lake Hughes Trail to Sawmill Mountain

Length: 10 miles one way, 20 miles RT

Difficulty: Moderate
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DESCRIPTION: This is the longest hike, with the best views.
From the parking area off Lake Hughes Road, the trail gains elevation as it climbs Sawmill Mountain. This ridge was formed by the action of the San Andreas Fault, which runs in a northwest to southeast direction, just north of the trail. As you climb in elevation on the ridge, the vegetation changes from chaparral and grassland to oak woodland, with even some scattered conifers. Throughout the next several miles, the trail follows the ridge and the main dirt road the traverses Sawmill Mountain.

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD: Take I-5 North to Lake Hughes Road. Exit Lake Hughes Road and go North, towards Lake Hughes. On the left side, before you get to the town of Lake Hughes, you will see a dirt road marked 7N08. Park here, or for a shorter hike, take the car in towards Sawmill Mountain. You can park along this area with an Adventure Pass. The PCT also crosses this dirt road in several areas, so you can actually hike from here several times without seeing the same territory. If you continue up the road, you will run into Upper Shake Campground at Sawmill Mountain, farther up is Burnt Peak, and if you continue on the trail to the left of the Upper Shake Campground, you will get to Sawtooth Mountain, and eventually to Warm Springs Mountain. All of these options will add lots of mileage to the original 10 miles, so don't attempt this without prior planning and supplies.