Hike Pacifico Mountain on the PCT
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 13.5 miles (21.7 km) |
Hike Time | 5-7 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Moderate |
Total Ascent (?) | 2,350 feet (716m) |
Highest Elevation | 7,124 feet (2171m) |
Fees & Permits | Parking Fee |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Angeles National Forest |
Park Phone | 747-322-6574 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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If you want to get off the beaten path in Angeles National Forest, head over to the Pacifico Mountain hike. Pacifico Mountain, the highest peak in the northwestern part of the forest, offers unique views spanning from Mt Baldy to Los Padres National Forest to Nevada. There are several approaches to the summit of Pacifico Mountain, and we’ll take what I think is the most scenic one up the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It’s a great hike without big crowds.
Where is Pacifico Mountain?
We’ll start this hike at the Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area, off of the Angeles Forest Highway (N3), a popular commuting route between the desert and LA. Use this trailhead address:
Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area, Angeles Forest Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

You need a National Parks pass or Adventure Pass to park here.

Gear For the Hike
- This is a proper backcountry hike, so use your hiking gear and have the essentials.
- There’s no water and little shade, and the hike can get hot. I bring at least 3L. The climate feels more like the desert than a forest.
- There aren’t steep climbs on this trail, and it’s easy to hike without trekking poles if you want to leave them at home.
Camping Options
This hike offers some great short overnight camping options. It’s especially great if you want to camp after work and get back in the morning, as the distances aren’t long, and the climbing isn’t bad. You can even drive your car to the summit (I’d recommend high-clearance AWD) and just camp.


Pacifico Mountain Trail Maps

We will take the PCT from Mill Creek up to a saddle, and then do the last mile on a dirt road (with great views). There aren’t a lot of twists and turns, and overall the gradient is gentle.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile

3D Map

Pacifico Mountain Hike Directions
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Video Directions
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Turn by Turn Directions




























Pacifico, which means peaceful, accurately describes the vibe up here. Some people think the peak is named Pacifico because you can sometimes see the ocean from here. Others speculate it was named by the bandit that the Zorro stories were based on, Tiburcio Vásquez, who had a hideout nearby at Sheep Springs.



You can also make this a loop by taking the road back down, but I find the hike on the PCT to be much nicer.
This guide last updated on April 21, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.