Liebre Mountain Loop

This quiet 33.7-mile loop explores the rugged beauty of the Sierra Pelona Mountains via remote stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail, old mining roads, and singletrack trail. Starting at Liebre Mountain Trailhead, located off of Pine Canyon Road, the route forms a scenic and challenging loop that includes the summit of Liebre Mountain—a Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section summit—offering expansive views of the Mojave Desert and surrounding ranges. Expect solitude, wide-open ridgelines, and a mix of dirt roads and well-graded trail.

Start at the Liebre Mountain Trailhead, located off Pine Canyon Road, and begin climbing south on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail winds through high desert terrain, offering expansive views of the Antelope Valley to your left and the ridgelines of the Sierra Pelona stretching ahead.

At the top of the initial climb, continue heading south on the PCT for several miles before turning right onto Atmore Meadow Road, a wide dirt path. Follow this to the Gillette Mine Trail, a rugged and occasionally overgrown track that rolls through old mining country.

Eventually, you’ll reach Castaic Canyon Road. Turn right and continue until you connect with Liebre Mountain Road. After a short stretch, look for the Sandberg Trail—a singletrack that parallels the road and leads to the summit of Liebre Mountain. If the trail is overgrown, feel free to follow the road instead; both lead to the same summit.

After taking in the sweeping views from the top, descend via the Sandberg Trail to Liebre Mountain Road, reconnect with the PCT, and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Flora and Fauna
This route travels through a transitional zone between chaparral, oak woodlands, and higher-elevation pine forest. Expect manzanita, scrub oak, and the occasional Coulter pine as you climb higher. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks, lizards sunning on the trail, deer, and maybe even a bobcat or two if you're lucky.
Permits
No wilderness permits are required for this route, but always check with the Angeles National Forest for fire restrictions or alerts before heading out.
Considerations

• Water is extremely limited—carry all you’ll need or cache in advance.

• Summer heat can be intense, and shade is sparse in sections.

• The Gillette Mine Trail and Sandberg Trail can be overgrown and faint in places; GPS or a good map is helpful.

• Limited parking is available just off the road at the trailhead—arrive early or carpool if you can.