by zippetydude » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:32 pm
People usually park just before the A shaped sign on the main road. I've always parked there, and I've never had any trouble. You'll stay left on the DWP road, pass through a gate, and then go up a fairly steep incline for about a mile. The PCT cuts off to the right, and there's a clearly marked boulder indicating the trail. Yes, there's a water fountain right there, and they have a disclaimer sign saying it's up to you to filter it. I never have, and the water is fine.
The trail is wonderfully graded, and is one of my all time favorites. Watch out for snakes, however, as the trail can be somewhat overgrown between miles 3 and 10. I have seldom made a trip up this trail without encountering snakes, so plan on it and be extra aware.
Incidentally, I have some gatorade cached about 17 miles up if you want to make a through hike of it, I'll try to help you locate it. It's well hidden in three different spots, so I'm pretty sure at least one cache or two remain - probably all 3 are there.
It works out to 31 miles, but it's very pleasant. If you do end up scouting it out, the down trip isn't bad because the incline is so mild. Hope this helps.
z