#5 Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain viewed from the PCT.

 

Southern California Map

Driving Map

*Parking is 1 mile east of the Highway 74/371 junction in the PCT parking area.

Google Maps Parking Link

Trailhead coordinates: 33.56341°N, -116.57622°W.

Peakery Link: Lookout Mountain, 5,590 ft.

Hiking Stats:

Hiking Map

Summary:

Near the intersection of Highway 371 and Highway 74 east of Anza, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 74.  From the parking area, I headed south on the PCT.  Lookout Mountain is visible from the highway, but it is on private property.  In order to gain access to the peak, I needed to get there in a round about way.  By going 1.5 miles south on the PCT, it takes me south of the private property line. A use trail leaves the PCT in a gully.  The trail is well marked with rock cairns on a rather steep climb toward the top of the mountain.

Approaching the summit.

With relatively little shade up the peak, I benefitted with the cool January weather.  Once reaching the summit, I found the usual red coffee can register that I usually find on HPS peaks (HPS = Hundred Peak Section, which is a list of 280+ peaks on a prestigious Southern California peak challenge list).  Right behind the summit is a security fence marking the private property line.  I enjoyed my short visit and returned the way I came.  I'll return to this section of the PCT again when I choose to do the Table Mountain hike, which is about 4 miles south of Lookout Mountain.  This means I shall return someday, which is always a good thing!

On the summit.

Video:

Simulated Hike: