W6/SC-161 Townsend Peak

I was back in southern California for work, so I decided to get some SOTA peaks while I was down here. First up was Townsend Peak. This mountain is easy to get to. From I-5, get off at the Templin Highway, then cross over to the Golden State Highway. Turn left, and you'll quickly come to the end of the road. Park here, and the trail continues past the end.

Looking back at the trailhead.

The trail is an old jeep trail. It is not too steep as it winds its way up to the top. There are a few junctions, but it is easy to tell which way to go. There is a gate partway up to stop the vehicles. It is a noisy hike, with the interstate just below you, but once it gets to the other side of the ridge the noise drops significantly.

The rugged Transverse Range.

The road does not go over the summit. but it is easy to bushwhack up to the high point. Take the road past the summit, to where the embankment is only waist high. Scramble up, then walk back to the high point.

The highest point was atop of this clearly defined knob.

I got my antenna set up, then checked to see if there were any good summit-to-summit opportunities. KX0R was on, so I got him on 17. I then went down to the usual bands and worked the regular chasers. As the proximity to the highway would lead you to expect, there was excellent cell coverage the entire hike.

Some interesting rocks at the top.

It was quite toasty in the sun, especially having just come from the Bay Area, so I packed up and headed down to the air conditioned car. Overall, this is a fairly easy hike, with great views at the top.

Trailhead: South end of Golden State Highway.
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Follow the jeep trail from the end of the road up to the top.
Red Tape: None.

The Bay Area mountains are not quite so dramatic.