5 min
Overview
One of the most common questions I get regarding hiking in San Diego after “where can I hike with my dog?” is “can you tell me any good backpacking spots?” People are often surprised to find that there are so many potential backpacking opportunities so close to the city. This shouldn’t be a surprise given that the county features 133 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, two separate districts of the sprawling Cleveland National Forest, and endless camping opportunities in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Pacific Crest Trail with Hot Springs Mountain in the distance Of all of these backpacking locations, few are as accessible, user-friendly, and pleasant as Agua Caliente Creek. In this scenic canyon just north and east of Warner Springs, the Pacific Crest Trail follows a reliable source of running water for a little over four miles beneath the shade of sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, coast live oaks, and Engelmann oaks. Lovely camping spots along the south bank of the creek present appealing options for backpacking. The Palomar District of Cleveland National Forest recently abandoned their lack of red tape backpacking policies, meaning you now have to fill out a permit request, fax it in to the Palomar District, and wait for your permit. Spring wildflowers on the PCT As this is the Pacific Crest Trail, you can expect a possible seasonal barrier to a pleasant backpacking excursion during April and May when thousands of thru-hikers make their way out of Warner Springs on their way toward Canada. You may still be able to find spots at this time, but don’t expect to find solitude. At any time outside that period, you can expect to have a reasonable degree of solitude with perhaps a modest amount of traffic in and out of the canyon. Agua Caliente Creek One other thing to bear in mind is that the creek can dry up during the drought months of summer. Hiking in the North Inland region of the county can be painfully hot as well, so this may not be a great option for summer backpacking. PCT through the Warner Ranch easem
Trail Stats
7.0 km
335 m
1047 m
889 m
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Photos
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