I did the "3-2-1 Challenge" in the Frazier Park part of Kern County, not far from Gorman/Lebec. The challenge involves 3 peaks, 2 county highpoints (Kern and Ventura), and 1 hike. The usual direction is from east to west so you hit Pinos first. I instead took the "Mount Pinos via Vincent Tumamait Trail" (link) which goes from west to east so you visit Grouse, Sawmill, and then Pinos.
For an unknown reason, AllTrails gives that its super scary "proceed cautiously" rating. I was expecting a grueling Class 3 climb or similar but it's a Class 1 trail in good shape. There are some rocks but for the most part the trail is smooth enough that you can go fairly fast on it. The only complication with the trail is that it's steep in parts and rollercoaster. You have to gain about 800' on the return. That's spread over two segments, but the last segment is all uphill. Depending on where you park, you might get about a foot of downhill at the very end.
I'd done the two highpoints years ago and I was still thinking of that hike when I did this. So, when leaving Grouse (which I did cross country), I was going in the wrong direction. I ended up going partially back to my car before I realized my error. Don't be like me: remember which way is left and which is right. There are a the few forks in the trail, but other than that the trail is quite easy to follow.
I hit all the possible highpoints on Sawmill, but I might need to go back since the highpoint of Kern could actually be 100 yards from Pinos (link). Other than the long drive, going back to that area isn't much of a chore. I haven't tried it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this - or perhaps the hike in the other direction - makes a good winter hike or snowshoe.
