Hike #46 Fred Canyon to Desert View Picnic Site & Burnt Ranchita via PCT

52 Hike Challenge 2016 Adventure Series

12.5 miles | +2660'

Cradled deep in the belly of Fred Canyon is the secluded Cibbets Flat Campground, which is often used by PCT thru hikers on their few days on the trail. Fred Canyon Road skirts the campground, ascending a half mile before reaching the intersection with the PCT.

It was here where our hike began, after dropping off another vehicle at our end point at Burnt Ranchita Campground. Making our way north, sage covered hills roll away from us and multiple twist and turns give way to views of Morena Butte to the south. As the trail drops into Long Canyon the arid landscape gives way to an oak shaded area along a creek.

As the route climbs higher it becomes more exposed, with slopes of yucca, chamise, and manzanita. After several more switchbacks the trail parallels Thing Valley Road. The scenery begins to transform once again as piñon pine and black oaks abound in this area, adding lushness and shade as the trail ascends. Echoing high above is the sound of woodpeckers chiseling holes into the trunks of Jeffrey pines.

Eventually the trail merges with the Desert View Trail, which makes a loop around Burnt Ranchita Campground. The gradual climb follows a ridge lined with prickly pear cactus and chaparral. Here, hikers are treated to spectacular views of neighboring canyons and the Anza-Borrego Desert below. After lunch and taking in the sights, we loop back into the Desert View Trail where it splits away from the PCT. Our final stretch descends through thick forest along a pine-needled path, finally returning to the campground where we parked early that morning.

In the late 1800's, cattlemen invaded the Laguna Mountains, which were inhabited by the Kumeyaay Native Americans. In protest, the natives burnt the ranch house; hence the name Burnt Ranchita. Today the area is a popular campground for families.