PCT from HWY74 to I-10

[halhiker]

Oh, one more thing. Some guy said there are three access points to the PCT in Garner Valley. Actually, there are five.

There's Tunnel Spring Trail at the end of the Gold Shot Mine Road (I've always ignored the "No Trespassing" signs on the road. I've been told the NFS has right of way but the landowner tries to discourage passersby with his large signs. I haven't been shot yet so that's a good sign). It's a short trail and comes out near Live Oak Spring Trail.

There is also the Apple Canyon Trail. This crosses the Zen Mountain Buddhist Retreat but they have allowed hikers to pass through their property if they remain silent so as not the disturb people in meditation.

[Hikin_Jim]

I did a nice hike a few years back hitting Red Tahquitz, South Peak, and Antsell Rock, and then descending via the Apple Canyon Trail. I was told that one should seek permission first from the Zen Center, but I don't know if that's an official policy or a courtesy or ?

[some guy]

I don't know if this is a new occurrence, but there is a locked gate on the road to Gold Shot Mine, way down where private land meets forest service. So I'm not sure that's a viable route anymore

But I wasn't familiar with the Zen Center trail. Thanks!

[halhiker]

It's been a few years since I've been up the Gold Shot Mine Road. It has been latched before but never locked. I'll have to get up there sometime and check it out. My father-in-law lives in Garner Valley and might know some landowners up there so I'll ask him next time I get up there.

[BigTitan]

Thanks everyone
I really appreciate your help.

[KathyW]

A few years back we went from Fobes to 74 - 16 miles including the Fobes trail up to the PCT - it was a nice day.

That section from Fobes junction to Idyllwild is really nice too, but it holds snow from Apache Peak north for a while into spring.

Without snow, you can make pretty good time along that trail and it's just beautiful along the Desert Divide. Typically there's water stashed at the Fobes/PCT juntion for thru hikers.

I want to go do the section from 10 south up and up. If anyone wants to do that section once the snow melts off and set up a shuttle so it's a one way uphill hike, let me know. I might go check out the lower part of it pretty soon.