Frazier Mountain (LO)

11 April 1993

By: Charlie Knapke

Leaders: Charlie Knapke, Patty Kline

For over three years I had intended to try to climb Frazier from the bottom but never seemed to find the time. Finally I decided to lead it that way just so I would be committing to it. Patty Kline agreed to assist me on a pathfinder type trip.

I went out the day before the trip and scouted the approach from the town of Frazier Park. I went up one route and down another. There was a considerable amount of snow up near the peak but I decided that it could be led safely.

Fifteen participants showed up at the Sylmar meeting place. After I described the snow conditions, one person decided to head for home. When we arrived at Frazier Park, three more people decided that they were not properly equipped. They headed off to do Tecuya Mountain that appeared to be free of snow.

That left thirteen hikers including the leaders. We parked in Frazier Park at the parking lot at the City Park. We headed south up a side street and through a series of narrow streets to the beginning of the new Go Devil Creek Trail (USFS). We followed this trail up a ridge to its end just out of town. This trail appears to be under construction. We followed a ducked route up this ridge to where it joined a series of 4WD roads near the altitude of the peak. We then hiked through the snow for about 2 miles to the fire lookout at the peak. After lunch on the peak we retraced our steps to the cars.

This appears to be an excellent route. It is only moderately steep with very little brush. It sure beats driving up the fire road to the summit. If the trail is extended, this route should definitely be added to the peak guide.

I would like to thank Patty for her assistance.