Agua Dulce to Mount McDill

This 18-mile out-and-back hike begins in Agua Dulce and follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to the summit of Mount McDill. The route offers a solid day hike with enough elevation gain to make the summit feel well earned. While easily accessible from Southern California, it feels remote once you reach the ridgelines. The trail combines singletrack with a stretch of dirt road and is best suited for trail runners or hikers seeking a full-day challenge with steady climbing, rolling terrain, and the reward of checking off one of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Hundred Peaks.

The hike starts at the PCT trailhead just off Sierra Highway. The trail climbs gradually through chaparral-covered hills before opening to broader ridges. The grade is steady and manageable throughout. Views along the way include the Antelope Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Sierra Pelona Mountains. The final push to Mount McDill brings you to a rounded summit with wide-ranging views in every direction.

Flora & Fauna
Expect to see hardy chaparral plants such as chamise, buckwheat, and manzanita. In spring, wildflowers like lupine and California poppies brighten the hillsides. Wildlife includes lizards, hawks circling above, and the occasional coyote. In cooler months, mule deer are also common along the ridges.

Permits

• No permit required for day hiking

• A free California Campfire Permit is required if camping with a stove or fire.

Camping

• Dispersed camping is allowed in Angeles National Forest

• Limited flat sites can be found along the trail, but water is scarce, so carry all you need

• Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, respect wildlife, and stay on trail

Best Season
Late winter through spring (roughly February through May) tends to be best. Temperatures are milder, and spring wildflowers can brighten the lower slopes. Fall (September-October) also works well, though days are shorter and weather more variable. Summer is very hot and offers little shade; winter can bring cold winds at high elevation or early snow in rare instances.

Need to Know

• Water is not reliable along this section of trail, so plan to carry everything you need.

• Cell service is spotty but usually available along ridges.