The Pacific Crest Trail was designated as one of the first National Scenic Trails way back in 1968. As it traverses the "high road" from Mexico to Canada, incredible views are not only commonplace but also uniquely diverse, because the trail connects six of North America's seven eco-zones. The PCT's familiar, well-worn path is a special place for hikers from all walks of life on walks of all lengths and for all reasons. Instead of guiding you through the arduous task of hiking the entire PCT, the goal of this book is to help you plan trips that incorporate hiking on the PCT in Southern California, whether you have just an afternoon to spare or you want to escape for the entire weekend. Carefully edited maps and elevation graphs generated with GPS data collected by the author on the trail will help make your trip a success. This cargo-pocket guide offers author-tested advice to help you make the most of your time away from civilization, however long (or short) that stretch may be. The PCT is on the bucket list of almost every through hiker in the planet. and this book contains the information all hikers need at the Southern end (Southern California) --gilberto d'Urso, Mountain N' Air Books David Money Harris has been roaming the California mountains since he was but a wee tot in his father's backpack. Later, he fell in love with the Sierra Nevada on Boy Scout backpacking trips and as a leader in the Sierra Club's Peak Climbing Section. During the past twelve years, he has been exploring the amazingly diverse mountains of Southern California. For much of the past six years, his own three sons have been riding along on these adventures. David teaches Engineering at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. He is also the coauthor of "Afoot and Afield Inland Empire" and "San Bernardino Mountain Trails." Combs Peak Scenery: *** - Children: *** - Difficulty: ** - Solitude: **** - Distance: 5 miles (out-and-back) - Elevation Gain: 1,200' - Hiking Time: 3 hours (possible overnight camp) - Best Times: October–May - Tom Harrison Map: San Diego Backcountry - USFS PCT Map: Volume 1 - Outstanding Features: Remoteness and views Laced with a web of trails, Laguna Mountain National Recreation Area in Cleveland National Forest is a playground for San Diego–area outdoor lovers. Perched atop a mile-high ridge, the trails are usually enjoyable year-round, although they may be hot in midsummer or icy after a winter storm. This popular hike combines the Noble Canyon and Indian Creek Trails with the PCT to form an appealing loop through many different ecosystems. The area was devastated by fire in 2002 and 2003, but this hike remains enjoyable. This trip starts on the west side of Sunrise Highway at the Penny Pines Trailhead. The trailhead is named for the Penny Pines program, started in California in 1941, in which private donations are raised for planting new trees in burned-over areas. Be sure you are on the right trail; several others start in the same area. Follow the signed Noble Canyon Trail west. The Noble Canyon Trail is popular with mountain bikers, who consider the lower segment to be one of the technical classics of Southern California. However, the gentle upper segment meanders through a forest of oak and pine. Stay right at a fork in 0.1 mile. The trail soon reaches the edge of a vast burn area. In hot, dry, and windy October 2003, much of Southern California was aflame; it was the worst firestorm in recorded state history. The Cedar Fire was started by a lost hunter who lit a fire to signal rescuers. The blaze was driven by fierce Santa Ana winds and firefighters were stretched thin by fourteen other major fires burning at the same time. The Cedar Fire soon grew to consume 280,278 acres, killing 15 people and destroying 2,232 homes. The Laguna Mountains were one of the casualties of the fire. The trail leads through ribbonwood and other chaparral that is recovering well in the first stage of plant succession. However, the forests may not return for decades. In 1.1 miles, cross Pine Creek Rd., then recross it twice more soon after. Continue on Noble Canyon as it climbs slightly onto the edge of a hill, then descends to meet Indian Creek Trail. Turn right and follow Indian Creek Trail northwest through a burn area for 1.0 mile to reach the grass-lined creek. Indian Creek is rarely more than a trickle. Drinking the untreated water is not recommended. Immediately after crossing the creek, leave the trail and turn right onto defunct jeep tracks. Follow the tracks up a steep hill, then alongside a grassy meadow. The tracks improve into a dirt road (not shown on park maps). Pass various side roads as you head northeast on the main road. In 1.3 miles, reach Sunset Highway at a junction with Pine Mountain Trail. Cross the highway, jog right, and follow a paved road down to Pioneer Mail Trailhead, where you’ll find an outhouse, picnic tables, and access to the Pacific Crest Trail. At the trailhead sign, pick up the southbou