Near Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)
Trail Sign above Hauser Canyon
Near Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)
Across Cottonwood Vly to Lagunas
Near Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)
Valleys in the distance
Near Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)
Lake Morena
Near Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)
Hauser Canyon

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Campo to Cottonwood Creek (PCT)

4.0 (3 Ratings)
A very southern portion of the 2,600 mile Pacific Crest Trail.
21
mi
Distance
3,411
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
21.02mi
Distance
3,411ft
Elevation Gain
2,818ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
3,518ft
High Point
2,317ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail offers magnificent views for hikers to enjoy and varying grades of difficulty which makes for a more interesting hike. The beautiful southwestern environment makes for one of the best trails to hike year round. Feel free to stop at any portion of the trail or the lakeside of Lake Morena for a more refreshing pit stop.
History & Background
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail closely aligned with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, which are roughly 100 miles east of the U.S. Pacific coastline. The trail's southern most point is on the U.S. border with Mexico, in Campo near San Diego.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section A

Lake
extreme
104.37 mi
+16,431 ft
Kitchen Creek Falls

Hike Route

Kitchen Creek Falls

Less Crowded
easy
4.78 mi
+819 ft
Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Hike Route

Lawson and Gaskill Peaks

Views
strenuous
7.17 mi
+2,732 ft
Lawson Peak

Hike Route

Lawson Peak

Views
moderate
2.23 mi
+1,555 ft
Cottonwood Creek Falls

Hike Route

Cottonwood Creek Falls

Views
easy
1.75 mi
+460 ft
Desert View Trail via Burnt Rancheria Campground

Hike Route

Desert View Trail via Burnt Rancheria Campground

Views
easy
2.09 mi
+247 ft
Contributors
Justin S.