If you are living in the greater San Diego area then boy do I have a nice little hike for you. Located about 20 miles north of Julian this is an hour and a half drive from where I live on the beautiful Point Loma peninsula. You’ll love the drive too! Plugin some good driving music and enjoy what is one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken.
7 miles there and back on relatively flat ground, this hike won’t inspire a legend to tell your grandchildren, but it’s a lovely way to spend the better part of your day. First things first though, you gotta find the trailhead!
For Maps type in Warner Springs Station #52 (Address: 31049 CA-79, Warner Springs, CA 92086, USA). Right before you get to the fire station (coming east on the 79) you will pass over a little bridge. Facing east the trailhead will be on the right-hand side of this bridge. Park on the road across from the fire station, get ready, and start hiking!
You will be spending the entire hike on the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Stretching 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, fewer people hike this trail in its entirety than people climb Mt Everest! (a little fun fact to impress your hiking buddies). I don’t know about you, but as someone who loves to hike this is really cool to think everyone who has hiked the PCT stepped where I stepped on that hike. If you see someone backpacking the trial be sure to ask them for their trail name and the story behind it!
The beginning of the hike will send you through some beautiful trees. The majority of the hike will put you in full sun exposure, so welcome the shade when you get it! The diversity this trail has to offer is amazing.
Once you hit the wide-open area, keep your eye out for a cluster of rocks on your left suspiciously resembling the side view of an eagle. There will be a short trail veering off into the direction of the rocks. You won’t miss it.
Now climb up onto the eagle’s back and enjoy an amazing spot for a snack or even lunch. This spot provides an amazing view. Sit back, relax, and enjoy nature. Just don’t forget to snap that super cool pic for your Instagram feed ;).
Cam & The Outdoors 