PCT in Laguna Mountains

[rpm4463]

I'm planning to do a one or two nighter on the PCT section in the Laguna Mountains. I have not decided exactly what part, but some area between I-8 and HWY 78 (or maybe not that far north). I've done some research online and read sections of "Pacific Crest Trail, Southern California" and found a little information. This is probably one of the less popular sections of the trail. The primary information I'm looking for is camp spots and water sources. I'm planning to hike the week before Christmas.

I've also considered hiking the section in the San Jacinto Mountains (HWY 74 to Idyllwild). Are the springs and water sources on this section reliable? Snow conditions will probably determine this route.

I still need to get a map for Laguna Mountains, that will probably answer some of my questions. Any suggestions for resources or a enjoyable trail section to do?

[Rob D]

Hi,

I did some section hikes over past year or so in that area (I-8 to Ca-78). Here are some camping spots / water location which might help. Hard to say on water though as I've not been up there in few months. As well some of the campsites close for season or close portions - so best to call.

Maps - for online, download google earth and then Half miles PCT tracks and waypoints. You can google it - it's free download. He marks good camping spots, road crossings etc. Great to get an idea of trip ahead of time.
Also Cleveland national forest - I have a detailed trail map, can't recall company, but I found online and they put that plastic coating on it so ok in rain.

Here's a web showing Laguna Mt Recreation Area. note that remote camping is NOT allowed in this area. I've never seen a ranger enforcing - but best to avoid - just camp before or after this area.
http://lmva.org/trails/map.htm

Camping and water sites (listed from I-8 heading north). Mile listings are from Hale mile's goole earth track.
- Mile 32/33 (Fred Canyon Rd). Camp just before crossing Fred Canyon, nice flat spots where PCT crosses the creek
- Water usually at Cibbet's flat campground, about 1 mile off trail - take Fred Canyon Rd West.
- Mile 36-38 - bunch of good flat sites to camp - marked as "CS036" etc on map. PCT follows some season creeks in this area
- Mile 41 - Burnt Rancheria Campgound - might have water, but not sure if closed for the winter. Camping here is costly $20 (I see no reason to pay this when such great areas nearby).
-Mile 47.5 - Cross road to Laguna campground - usually have water, but best to check ahead
- Mile 56 - can camp amongst large boulders, long as you have good pad, it's a nice area. Sometimes strong wind though
- Mile 59.5 - Sunrise trail - less than 1/2 mile west are bathrooms, no water though. You can camp in field next to Sunrise trailhead but it can be very windy
- Mile 64 - really nice flat area in chariot canyon - especially good if winds are blowing, very protected in the canyon
- Mile 68 - Rodriguez spur truck trail - near fire tank
- Mile 77 - Scissors crossing, some areas to camp - though not great

good luck, Rob

[rpm4463]

Thank you for the information. Google earth is great because you can zoom in/out for a good view. I was thinking of the Sunrise Trailhead to I-8 or Kitching creek road (about 30 miles). Would you recommend south-north or north-south? Start on december 22 and finish xmas morning. I'll continue my research and saturday morning drive up to Laguna visitor center for information they have there. I've heard some of the campgrounds are closed this time of year but open to pct (Are they going to write me a parking ticket??) Also check on water sources along the road and in campgrounds.

Looks like several areas on Sunrise HWY to hide water, but I think there are enough water sources along the way.

[lkelly]

From Sunrise TH going south there will be no water til you get to Laguna CG. You can stash some water at Pioneer Mail, they have bathrooms, no camping technically but have run across PCT hikers there overnight. about 3ish miles up is the Laguna CG, must cross Sunrise Highway but is literally just off the trail, water and they are open year round. next stop for water is Mt Laguna proper with Visitor Center, bathroom, water and the store. Burnt Rancheria CG is closed, the water and bathrooms are closed. You should find water in Long Canyon at the crossing, not a lot but usually runs year round. Cibbets Flat CG is open year round with water and Kitchen creek may have some water in it. The falls are on the other side of Kitchen Creek road on the way down to the 8 and Boulder Oaks CG. I personally like the Hiker Trash Haven maps.
It may not snow a lot up there but if it does, it gets cold but also very!! windy.

[halhiker]

ALL the springs along the PCT on the Desert Divide are reliable. I've never found on to be dry. However, there is some snow past Apache Spring on the north side of the ridge where the PCT goes. This area can be very treacherous and icy. A women fell to her death there a few years ago.

[bluerail]

The section or spot where Hal is talking about, I believe, is very bad. It's north of the zen center trail junction. The ledge is almost non existent, and when there is snow it is just a steep chute. we have spent several times trying to negotiate around the section when it had snow on it and it's real crappy. be careful.

[Brett]

I hiked a short section of the PCT on Sunday from Saddle Junction south. The trail was 100% covered with snow but not bad hiking in most spots, however I was postholing through thigh deep powder at Chinquapin Flats. I suspect that further south the trail on the north facing slopes would require snow shoes.

[rpm4463]

I've read Lower Morris Meadow is a popular camp spot and there is water? What is the best method to use for stashing water? I was thinking of Pioneer Mail and Burnt Ranch camp ground. Gallon jugs with my name and date on them?

[asabat]

I would say for water go to my site
http://pct.4jeffrey.net
but I haven't received many updates lately, most PCT hikers do this in the spring.

But, if you go, please let me know what water you find and I can update the website.[/url]

[avid]

I was at Scissors Crossing three weeks ago and there was at least six gallons cached south of S2. There was also a milk bottle with an arrow pointing to under the 78 bridge but we didn't investigate.