Hike #42 Kitchen Creek to Fred Canyon via PCT

52 Hike Challenge 2016 Adventure Series

8.75 miles | +1000'

Another adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail! Working away at completing the entire route in San Diego County. Starting at Kitchen Creek Road, this hike offers its best views along the initial climb, which overlooks Cameron Valley. A gradual ascent passes chaparral slopes lined, in season, with wildflowers.

Jutting from the hills like massive crystal formations are rust colored gneissic rocks. Several of these rocky platforms offer ideal points for taking in the view, which spans from the Mexican border to the valley below. On this day I could see a massive smoke cloud from a fire that appeared to be burning in Mexico.

The trail continues to climb, finally leveling off around 4300 feet. After dipping into a small oak grove containing a nice backcountry campsite, crossing a normally dry creek bed, the trail ascends on the west side of Fred Canyon. The final climb, past thick chamise shrubs, concludes at Fred Canyon Road, 0.6 miles from Cibbets Flat Campground.

After retracing my steps back to where I parked, I crossed Kitchen Creek Road and made my way south along the PCT for another mile to where a user trail branches off towards Kitchen Creek Falls. While the Creek was dry, I could see areas where the water level rises over polished stone that would provide tranquil swimming holes in the Spring. A number of bats flying overhead kept me company on my way back to the trailhead... along with what sounded like a female mountain lion calling in the distance.