FRAZIER PARK, Calif. (KERO) — Ready to hike across county lines in a day? Mountain communities encourage locals and visitors to take a hike and explore nature.

• In winter, many people come to the mountain communities for the snow. However, in the warmer seasons, it is time for hiking.
• The Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce launched the 3-2-1 Challenge in 2018, which challenges locals and visitors to climb three peaks in two counties in one day.
• The 11-mile hike requires some planning, especially if you want to do the route in one day.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

Three peaks, two counties, one day. This challenge was launched about six years ago by the Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce.

BJ Saidi, President of the Mountain Chambers, said: “The 3-2-1 Hiking Challenge began in 2018 and was designed to attract tourists to the region.”

Since the challenge was announced, locals and visitors have been lacing up their hiking boots. But the number of participants is declining.

“There was an initial spike in attendance at the beginning,” Saidi said. “And then there was a historic low during COVID.”

But that didn’t stop 23ABC regional reporter Avery Elowitt and 23ABC deputy news director John Madden from making the 11-mile journey.

We started off strong and had to climb Mount Pinos – the highest peak in Ventura County. Next came Sawmill Mountain, the highest peak in Kern County. The final summit of the challenge was Grouse Mountain.

The hike requires some planning, especially if you want to do the route in one day.

According to leavenotrace.org, the “ten most important things” include food, water and sun protection.

Also follow the pack-in-pack-out rule.

“I think hikers generally clean up their trash regularly, but we ask people to be mindful,” Saidi said.

To improve accessibility, Sheep Camp offers day and overnight camping.

To meet the challenge, the Mountain Chamber website states:

1. Take a photo with the signs on all 3 peaks.

1. Send the photos by email to [email protected]Please allow up to 7 days for staff to approve the images.
2. Once your graduation photos are approved, you will receive your graduation certificate in PDF format and a link to purchase a commemorative patch. (Some little surprise items are included with the purchase!)

The route 23ABC took was an out-and-back, not a loop. Additional resources on the 3-2-1 challenge are available on the Mountain Chamber website.

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