EISPIRATEN

I hiked with my Wednesday crew to Liebre Mtn. We met in Valencia and carpooled to Pine Canyon road where we began our hike on the PCT.

This was my first time on this trail and it was gorgeous! As we hiked along the PCT we had fantastic views of the Antelope valley and Tehachapi mountains. We also got a view of Quail lake.

We met 12 pct'ers along the way and spoke with them briefly. A few started at the Mexican Border.

At Liebre Mtn we found a register and took our summit photos. We also had views of nearby peaks including Cobblestone which is next on my list.

We continued hiking about a half mile to the high point where we ate lunch and enjoyed the views.
I found another register burried under some rocks.

To add, I spotted a watertank nearby and just had to go check it out while the others waited for me.

On the way back, we decided to take a side trail which I believe was the Sandberg trail. It eventually hooks up with the pct.

Along the Sandberg trail was quite beautiful and miner's lettuce was very abundant in this area. It was very lush and green. We also spotted a rusty old car, how it got there remains a mystery.

Overall, it was a perfect day! No bugs, a few wildflowers and we were surrounded with beautiful views.

Stats: 10.9 miles, gain 1950 ft.

More pics

I went up Liebre in the fall. The black flies were out in force and I came across camo dude carrying weapons to kill Bambi.

Liebre is one of the few places locally where you'll find California Buckeye. It grows on the north-facing slopes along the lower switchbacks as you start climbing.

That sucks about the flies. There weren't any bugs during our hike except for a ladybug lol.

@Hiker Girl: Thanks for linking to this from my post. These are great pics! Horse CG...so PCT? I haven't been on this section, but I've done Golden Eagle Trail, pretty neat. I'm hopeful the oak forest on the summit makes a recovery. I still saw a lot of mistletoe, but signs that the trees are getting enough water to mount a defense. First time I was up there was sometime in 1990s, and the forest was lovely.

@Uncle Rico: Thanks for the buckeye tip. I'm not sure what it is, but it's a new line of research I can pursue. I think I've seen a kind of buckeye in the southern Sierra Nevada? At least I can say I know a special plant that only grows in a limited range...Armchair Botanist Me! Also, first time I saw 'camo dude' was 1986-ish, on the PCT out of Islip Saddle to Little Jimmy. Only, it was Rambo and Rambolina, since he had a lady friend, similarly attired and seemingly enthusiastic about the venture. Compound bows, quick-draw quivers, etc etc. Could be a totally different 'camo dude' though I guess. Interesting world we live in.

Opposite side of the fence? I was down on Rincon Road in West Fork at the start of last deer season. There was a party below Valley Forge CG that looked finished, happy, bambi parts strewn about. I chat with one of the elders (several adults with several kids), and he eventually asks me "Oh...by the way... did you see a pistol on the side of the road on your way down. I think we lost one somewhere."