Back to Pleasant View Ridge Trail Segments

Segment: Pleasant View Ridge: West Mt. Williamson to Pallett Mountain

Stats: West Mt. Williamson to Pallett Mountain: 1.9 miles, 780′ gain, 1268′ loss. Pallett Mountain to West Mt. Williamson: 1.9 miles,1268′ gain, 780′ loss.  Round Trip: 3.8 miles 2048′ gain and loss.

Last Hiked: 7-18-2016

Hikes: Under Construction.

This is a “use trail”, meaning it is fairly clear to follow but not maintained. This segment is very steep in many spots and is sometimes hard to follow. As a general rule, it follows the ridge. Thus, look along the ridge to find the trail when it isn’t obvious. It has an obvious starting point going down the west ridge of the west bump of Mt. Williamson.

West Mt. Williamson (left) with continuation of the Pleasant View Ridge Trail (right)

Typically steep segment of the trail. There are few switchbacks as it essentially follows the ridge throughout.

The way forward is pretty straightforward until reaching the saddle after the first bump after West Mt. Williamson. This area forms a junction with four directions of travel.

1. View toward to bump after West Mt. Williamson (the way forward if coming from Pallett Mountain).

The way forward is to face the next bump and take the path that initially goes up on the left. Not far up the trail it will turn and head down the ridge of that bump and head toward Pallett Mountain. For the most part it is clear how to proceed. However, there are some spots where the trail is hard to discern. Those spots are very short–no more than 10-20 steps. When the trail is hard to make out, look to stay close to the ridge. Fortunately, Pallet Mountain is always in view making it relatively easy to navigate towards.

2. Facing the next bump, go upward and to the left (the side facing Pallett Mountain) to continue to Pallett Mountain.

Do not go up and to the right as that path follows the ridge leading away from Pallett Mountain.

3. View toward the next bump facing right (the side facing away from Pallett Mountain). Don’t take this trail for this hike.

A common mistake (and one I’ve made) is to take a hard left at this saddle. This path stays on the first bump after West Mt. Williamson and leads away from Pallett Mountain.

4. A hard left at the saddle also leads in the wrong direction. (note: if coming from Pallett Mountain proceed up the bump as shown in the first photo of this saddle area).

The path continues to follow the ridge and goes over one more small bump before reaching Pallett Mountain.

Last bump before Pallett Mountain.

Follow the ridge the rest of the way.

View from along the ridge of Pallett Mountain near the summit looking east toward the first bump after Mt. Williamson (r), the saddle (m), and the last bump before heading down the ridge (l).

More photos here.