Читать книгу Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California - David Money Harris - Страница 13

1 Mexican Border to Lake Morena

SCENERY:

CHILDREN:

DIFFICULTY:

SOLITUDE:

DISTANCE: 20 miles (one-way with shuttle)

ELEVATION GAIN: 2,900'

HIKING TIME: 10 hours or 2 days

BEST TIMES: October–April

TOM HARRISON MAP: San Diego Backcountry

USFS PCT MAP: Volume 1

OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Start of the PCT

In April, hundreds of hikers from around the world make their way to a simple wooden monument at the Mexican border to begin their epic trek northward on the PCT to Canada. Although only about half reach their planned destination, none end their journey unchanged. This trip traces the first segment of the long journey. Though the trail weaves heavily around private ranchland, and the scenery is monotonous at times, the romance of the trip makes it hard to resist.

This trip is best hiked in the cool season, especially the winter or spring when Hauser Creek is likely to be running. Those hiking in April are likely to encounter a colorful cast of thru-hikers beginning their PCT adventure. The Annual Day Zero PCT Kickoff (ADZPCTKO) party held at Lake Morena in late April is a particularly good time to do this trip; you can go see hikers talking about gear, water, and bears and give your well-wishes to this year’s crew. See www.siechert.org/adz for more information, and make your reservations early if you want to join the fun.

If you plan to backpack this trip, be aware that in a typical year, there is no water available after March. Observant hikers will find small spots suitable for camping along the trail, with the best being alongside Hauser Creek. The section between Hauser Creek and Morena Butte is in Hauser Wilderness and technically requires a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight, but there is no good camping in this area anyway. Despite the mileage, the trip is gentle enough that day hiking makes an appealing alternative.

From the PCT monument marking the southern terminus of the trail, look north down the hill for a signpost where the trail actually begins. Follow the trail for 1.1 miles to reach Forrest Gate Rd. opposite a juvenile ranch facility. Hike north along the shoulder of the road for 0.2 mile to bypass private land in Campo until a sign indicates where the PCT veers off to the left (west).

Follow the trail through chaparral for 0.9 mile to cross Highway 94 and then cross seasonal Campo Creek on a wooden bridge. In another 0.7 mile, cross the tracks of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railroad. In 1.4 miles, cross another seasonal creek, watching out for the poison oak growing along the banks. The trail now follows a long and unremarkable course along the broad gentle shoulder of Hauser Mountain. As you pass through gates along the trail, be sure to close them behind you to keep cattle where they belong.

Pass above the historic oak-dotted Star Ranch. The slopes ahead burned in the Cowboy Fire of September 2010, an out-of-control signal fire started by disoriented illegal immigrants. The trail makes a long switchback to the south and crosses a jeep track, 4.3 miles from the creek, then another 2.0 miles beyond. Tolerable camping for small groups can be found in this area.

After rounding a corner, Morena Butte’s granite walls come into view to the north. The trail makes a long detour westward above Hauser Canyon before dropping to South Boundary Rd. in 3.1 miles. Turn right and follow the dirt road 0.6 mile back to the east before a sign on the left points out the continuation of the PCT, which drops abruptly down rugged chaparral-clad slopes to reach Hauser Creek in 0.7 mile. Water is available here in the winter and spring, though it is often dry by April. Small but attractive campsites are located near the creek; beware of poison oak.

Southern terminus of the PCT at the Mexican border fence

Cross the creek and a road on the far side marking the boundary of Hauser Wilderness. Switchback up steep sunbaked slopes. As you climb, enjoy the views westward to Barrett Lake, a reservoir for the city of San Diego. Reach a saddle southeast of Morena Butte in 1.5 miles. A small cairn marks the start of a milelong climber’s trail to the summit, which offers great views (see Hike 2), but the PCT continues north. In 0.2 mile, stay right at a junction with an unmarked trail shortcutting to the lake. Climb to a weaving ridge and follow it 2.8 miles back to the trailhead outside Lake Morena County Park.

DIRECTIONS This trip requires an 8.5-mile car or bicycle shuttle. Arrange for a vehicle at Lake Morena County Park at the northern end of the trip. From Interstate 8, take Buckman Springs Rd. (Exit 51) south for 5.5 miles, and then turn right on Oak Dr. In 1.7 miles, turn right again onto Lake Morena Dr. Continue 0.8 mile to the park. Trailhead parking is on the left by the PCT sign at the entrance to the park. Those without annual adventure passes may prefer day-use parking in the park for $3.

To reach the southern trailhead, follow Lake Morena Dr. 4.0 miles southeast to Buckman Springs Rd. Turn right and go 1.5 miles to a T-junction with Highway 94. Turn right again and proceed 1.5 miles, then make a left on Forrest Gate Rd. This road eventually becomes dirt and passes under high-voltage lines. In 1.5 miles, turn left and then immediately right up a hill to reach the monument along the border fence at the southern terminus of the PCT. The U.S. Border Patrol recommends parking 0.1 mile northwest of the monument at a PCT sign.

PERMIT Forest Adventure Pass required outside Lake Morena County Park. Inside the park, you must pay a day-use fee.

This hike briefly passes through the extreme southeast corner of Hauser Wilderness. In the unlikely event that you wish to camp in the wilderness area, a free wilderness permit from the Cleveland National Forest is required.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST Lake Morena County Park offers convenient camping. Train buffs will enjoy the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum (www.sdrm.org) in Campo, which features historic train rides on select dates.