Tehachapi Mountain Trail

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The trail starts at the top of the campground in Tehachapi Mountain Park. To reach the trailhead, follow Water Canyon Road to County Park Road into the campground. Follow the campground road until you reach the marked trailhead near the south end of the campground. There is ample parking at the trailhead, although it is on a slope. Flat parking can be found by driving a couple hundred feet past the trailhead.

The entirety of this trail is dirt and gravel. Be cautious on the steeper portions, especially during descent, as the gravel can be very slick in spots.

From the trailhead, there are multiple branches to the trail in the beginning, but just stay east until you hit the fire road. There is signage for the trail at the trailhead, when you meet the fire road, and when you separate from the fire road. The trail sticks to the fire road for much of the first half, with a steady uphill grade.

For the last 0.75 miles or so, the trail leaves the fire road and the grade dramatically increases. Most trails on this steep of a slope would have switchbacks, but this one goes straight up the ridge line. Bring good shoes or boots, and be especially careful on your way back down. The trail tops out just shy of 7,700 feet, just short of the summit of Tehachapi Mountain due to "No Trespassing" signs. Due to a property boundary, the trail as described and mapped takes you only as far as these signs.

Happy running!