Pacifico Mountain
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Pacifico Mountain was one of the hideouts of the infamous bandito Tiburcio Vasquez. Whether it was named for its views of the Pacific Ocean or its soothing solitude, it has both. It has sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Antelope Valley to the Mojave Desert, and often the Sierras. The summit is pleasant, with a campsite, picnic area and a restroom. The routes from Mill Creek can be quite hot in summer.
Route 1 starts from Mill Creek Summit where there is a paved parking lot and a bathroom, and follows Pacifico Mountain Road to the peak. This road is usually closed but is sometimes opened during deer hunting season. If open, the peak is a drive-up. Route 2 also starts from Mill Creek but follows the Pacific Crest Trail and is therefore more interesting. Route 3 takes the PCT from the south, and is reached from Angeles Crest Highway.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Turn left (north).
Go 14.2 miles to Mill Creek Summit. Turn right (east) onto 3N17. Just prior to the gate, turn right to the large parking area. Park here. This was previously a drive up to the campground, but has now (2018) been closed for a number of years
Hiking route
Go 4.7 miles up the road to a road fork with “Pacifico Road” on the left. Turn left.
Go 1.6 miles up this road to the campground on top of the mountain.
The register is hidden on top of a rock outcropping. It is not on the highest point.
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Turn left (north).
Go 14.2 miles to Mill Creek Summit. Park here at the picnic area on the east side of the highway.
Hiking route
From the parking area (4900′), hike east on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) about 2.5 miles to where it comes out on a dirt road.
Turn right and follow the road up about 1/4 mile to where the PCT leaves it on the left.
Turn left (east) on the PCT and follow it to a saddle 1/2 mile west of the peak where it meets another road.
Leave the trail and go straight up the slope to the summit.
Route Notes
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 28.2 miles to Sulphur Springs Road on the left. At this junction (also known as Three Points) turn left. Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 2.8 miles, a parking area on the left side of the road. This is the parking spot for Mount Hillyer. Continue straight.
At 3.9 miles, Alder Saddle and a fork. Go right on 5N04.
At 4.9 miles, a parking area on the right. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5320′), walk back on the road (west) about 100 yards to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Follow the PCT west for about 4.2 miles to a flat area NNE of the Pacifico summit.
Hike SE then SW along a gentle, forested ridge to the summit (approximately one half mile).
Additional Peak Information
Alternate routes: It is possible to hike from Pacifico Mountain along its northeast ridge to Bare Mountain along the ridges connecting them.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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