Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California. David Money Harris
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.
2 Morena Butte
SCENERY:
CHILDREN:
DIFFICULTY:
SOLITUDE:
DISTANCE: 8 miles (out-and-back)
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,500'
HIKING TIME: 4 hours
BEST TIMES: October–May
TOM HARRISON MAP: San Diego Backcountry
USFS PCT MAP: Volume 1
OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Views
Morena Butte is an attractive granite outcrop overlooking Lake Morena. This moderate hike follows the PCT from the lake to the flank of the mountain, and then takes a straightforward climber’s path to the summit. Go on a cool clear day to enjoy the panoramic views. The origin of the butte’s name is lost in history. It may come from the Spanish word for “brown” or may honor an early settler of the region.
Morena Butte has three distinct summits. The trail leads to the first one, which is the highest. The other two summits are also easy to reach and offer their own unique vistas.
On the return, you may consider making a semiloop by taking the unmarked Morena Butte and Ward’s Flat Trail that you passed on the way up. It leads north through a pleasant glen and then joins a road that takes you back along the shore of Lake Morena.
DIRECTIONS 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 Lake Morena County 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.
PERMIT Forest Adventure Pass or county park day-use fee required.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST Lake Morena County Park offers convenient camping.
3 Indian Creek Loop
SCENERY:
CHILDREN:
DIFFICULTY:
SOLITUDE:
DISTANCE: 9 miles (loop)
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,000'
HIKING TIME: 4 hours
BEST TIMES: All year
TOM HARRISON MAP: San Diego Backcountry
USFS PCT MAP: Volume 1
OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Diverse scenery