Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California. David Money Harris
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Lucky hikers may encounter a tarantula on the trail. Tarantulas are harmless to humans. Please leave them alone so that they can go about their business.
You may face as much risk from your fellow human as from the beasts of the forest. During hunting season (especially October and November), wear bright colors, stay on the trail, and keep alert. Most ATV and motorbike riders are responsible, but a few have been known to recklessly and illegally stray onto the PCT. All considered, hiking is a relative safe activity, and you should be as concerned about accidents on the drive to the trail as you are about injury on the trail.
Trail Etiquette
A few simple rules of trail etiquette protect the trail and make the outdoor experience more enjoyable for everyone. By government regulation, the PCT is restricted to hikers and equestrians. Bicycles, strollers, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. The PCT was not constructed to handle mountain bike use. Parts of the trail have suffered severe damage from mountain bikes, requiring costly reconstruction and even rerouting. Report illegal bicycle or ATV use to the local ranger.
Stay on the trail. Don’t cut switchbacks. Straying from the trail creates a confusing maze of side paths and causes erosion.
Leave no trace. Take only pictures and leave only footprints. Don’t litter. If you see garbage, you can be a hero by carrying it out.
Bury human waste at least 200 feet away from any water source.
Neither fellow hikers nor wildlife enjoy being barked at or threatened by dogs. If your dog isn’t trained to behave well on the trail, leave it at home.
Don’t feed the animals. Keep the wildlife wild.
Student Conservation Association trail crew working on the PCT
Hiking with Children
One of my greatest pleasures has been hiking with my children. Infants love the rhythmic motion of hiking and the comfort of being snuggled against a parent’s chest. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy new sights and the chance to explore. Hiking and camping is a healthy and fun way for families to bond.
Fun along the PCT
If you are new to hiking with children, start short and work your way up gradually. Listen to cues from the children. But don’t worry about the storm before the calm as little ones fuss before they fall asleep. Infants are the most portable and may happily ride with you for much of the day once they become accustomed to the trail. Ages two through five are a bit more challenging because the child will want to walk but will get tired quickly. Keep the trips fun.
There are many products on the market for carrying your children on the trail. My personal favorite for ages ten months through three years is the Ergo. In this particular carrier, young children can ride on the front of your torso, while older ones prefer your back. The Ergo holds your child close to your body, which is comforting for the child and helps your balance.
OTHER TIPS:
Few children enjoy having sunscreen applied, but do so thoroughly anyway. And put a hat on them, if they’ll tolerate one.
Keep your children nearby. Don’t let them wander off.
Hold hands when near cacti, steep drops, or fast-moving creeks.
1 SAN DIEGO BACKCOUNTRY
1 Mexican Border to Lake Morena
1 Mexican Border to Lake Morena
SCENERY:
CHILDREN:
DIFFICULTY:
SOLITUDE:
DISTANCE: 20 miles (one-way with shuttle)
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,900'
HIKING TIME: 10 hours or 2 days
BEST TIMES: October–April
TOM HARRISON MAP: San Diego Backcountry
USFS PCT MAP: Volume 1
OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Start of the PCT
In April, hundreds of hikers from around the world make their way to a simple wooden monument at the Mexican border to begin their epic trek northward on the PCT to Canada. Although only about half reach their planned destination, none end their journey unchanged. This trip traces the first segment of the long journey. Though the trail weaves heavily around private ranchland, and the scenery is monotonous at times, the romance of the trip makes it hard to resist.
This trip is best hiked in the cool season, especially the winter or spring when Hauser Creek is likely to be running. Those hiking in April are likely to encounter a colorful cast of thru-hikers beginning their PCT adventure. The Annual Day Zero PCT Kickoff (ADZPCTKO) party held at Lake Morena in late April is a particularly good time to do this trip; you can go see hikers talking about gear, water, and bears and give your well-wishes to this year’s crew. See www.siechert.org/adz for more information, and make your reservations early if you want to join the fun.
If you plan to backpack this trip, be aware that in a typical year, there is no water available after March. Observant hikers will find small spots suitable for camping along the trail, with the best being alongside Hauser Creek. The section between Hauser Creek and Morena Butte is in Hauser Wilderness and technically requires a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight, but there is no good camping in this area anyway. Despite the mileage, the trip is gentle enough that day hiking makes an appealing alternative.
Follow the trail through chaparral for