Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Hike #25 Boulder Oaks to Buckman Springs via PCT


52 Hike Challenge 2016 Adventure Series

5.25 miles | +200'






Stretching from Mexico to Canada, the 2,650 mile PCT is traversed by more than 350 thru-hikers annually. In addition, thousands of day hikers drop on and off the famed trail, officially designated by Congress on October 2, 1968.

As a native San Diegan, I've been so pleased to find the stunning beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail practically in my own backyard.


This hike is generally made only by PCT thru-hikers those on their way north towards the Laguna Mountains from Lake Morena. From Old Highway 80, the flat trail enters Boulder Oaks Campground, which has horse corrals and 30 campsites. The trail narrows leaving the campground and skirts large outcroppings of gray boulders, atypical of the red rock formations usually found in the Laguna Mountains. 

Nearly half of this hike parallels Buckman Springs Road, so the sounds of passing cars often intrudes on the solitude and tranquility. A meadow of live oaks provides welcome shade on sunny days. This section of the PCT ends just below a white bridge spanning over Cottonwood Creek at Buckman Springs Road. From here, the trail continues uphill towards Lake Morena.

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