From Kitchen Creek PCT South to Kitchen Creek Falls​

Elevation changes: 
Distance:
Pets Allowed:
Fees: None
Normal Ride Time:
Difficulty:
Best Seasons: 
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Ranger District: Descanso Ranger District 619-445-6235
Trail Description:
Short Easy trail is great start for beginners wanting to get use to hiking before heading out on the whole PCT. Only moderate incline. Short hike round trip. Trail is commonly used and almost entirely maintained unless you try to go down to the base of the falls. Camping available at the bottom.
  • Head South from Kitchen Creek parking area to top of falls for great views.

Details

Boulder Creek Campground - Staging Area 1
  • CAMPGROUND, BOULDER OAKS - Longitude: 116°29'0.43"W  Latitude: 32°43'43.81"N  some websites say that Equestrian Campsites must be reserved ahead of time but some don't. The ranger I talked to said it is unnecessary, but it does seem like it might be a good idea during busy seasons.
town of Mount Laguna -  Staging Area 2
  • CAMPGROUND, Mount Laguna - I will stay in one of the campsites at this campground with my horses. Will stock up at the general store. Could get a cabin at the lodge if I need better rest or a motel room. Also will look into a place to board my horses for a couple nights while I rest if needed.
  • Town of 57 people, mostly over 65 years of age. 6000 feet above sea level, at high point of a scenic drive on Sunrise Highway from Interstate 8 to Highway 79. Has small general store, rustic lodge and cabins, local restaurant, rural post office and campgrounds.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Laguna,_California
  • Mount Laguna Mountain Lodge and Store - 10678 Sunrise Hwy PO Box 146 Mt. Laguna, CA 91948 619-473-8533. 7 days a week 9am-5pm PCT. 17 cabins and 12 motel units. 
  • Mount Laguna Campground - 104 campsites. Information Center on Laguna Mountain 619-473-8547. National Forest. Reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232279  

Additional Trails in this Area
  • Burnt Rancheria to Cibbets Flat - 20miles round trip
  • Desert View Trail - 1.3 mile loop
  • Monument Peak - 3 mile round trip
  • Foster Point - 1.3 miles round trip
  • Oasis Springs - 2 miles round trip
  • Big Laguna Trail Loop - 10 mile loop
  • Indian Creek Loop - 8 mile loop
  • Nobel Canyon Trail
  • Garnet Creek Trail - 2.8 miles round trip
  • Kwaaymii Point to Pioneer Mail - 1 mile round trip
  • Kwaaymii Point to Sunrise Highway - 10 mile round trip
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MILES 27-32 (1-5)
  • CAMPGROUND, BOULDER OAKS - Longitude: 116°29'0.43"W  Latitude: 32°43'43.81"N  some websites say that Equestrian Campsites must be reserved ahead of time but some don't. The ranger I talked to said it is unnecessary, but it does seem like it might be a good idea during busy seasons.
  • WATER - There is running water at Boulder Oaks Campground
  • CAMPSITE AT 5 MILES  - (Longitude: 116°26'19.02"W  Latitude:  32°45'53.57"N)  Great campsite area right at 32 miles (5 miles in). One of few you will find so take it. This is a creek bed/draw that cuts through the mountains. Probably dry most of the year, but makes for a good flat spot.

ADDITIONAL TRAILS IN THIS AREA
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MILES 5 - 10
  • At 6.6 miles pass over small, seasonal stream
  • At 7.4 leave public land
  • At 8.7 miles you enter public land again. Just after is a pipe gate, dirt road and another pipe gate.
  • Dirt road at 9 miles
  • At 9.6 miles leave public land
  • CAMPSITE AT 10 MILES - (Longitude: 116°31'10.14"W  Latitude: 32°38'34.00"N)  Just before 11 Miles, you cross a dirt Road. Take that road to the RIGHT until you come to a relatively flat, treed area.

ADDITIONAL TRAILS IN THIS AREA
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MILES 32-37 (5 - 10)​​
  • CAMPSITE AT 37 MILES - (Longitude: 116°25'11.04"W  Latitude:  32°48'46.45"N)  Great flat area where a few creek draws meet. Great campsite.

ADDITIONAL TRAILS IN THIS AREA
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MILES 37-42 (10 - 15)
  • Just past mile 42 is Mount Laguna town.
  • CAMPSITE AT 42.5 MILES - (Longitude: 116°25'11.93"W  Latitude:  32°51'58.98"N). 
  • CAMPGROUND, Mount Laguna - I will stay in one of the campsites at this campground with my horses. Will stock up at the general store. Could get a cabin at the lodge if I need better rest or a motel room. Also will look into a place to board my horses for a couple nights while I rest if needed.

ADDITIONAL TRAILS IN THIS AREA
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see the trail!

Erin turned each week of her ride into a video, showing the terrain and some of her adventures along the way. Check out the videos here...
  • Mile 1 - 125
  • Mile 125 - 250
  • Mile 250-400
  • mile 400-450
You can also jump ahead by going to:
  • Gear for the trail
  • Different Equestrian Approaches to the PCT
  • Maps and Media
  • Resources
  • Creators of this website
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