Big Laguna Trail Best-of Loop Guide

No caption provided.

The view you get as you enter Laguna Meadows is pretty much exactly the same as it is in this photo taken in 1931. Today there are less pines. It’s not because of any fire, but rather because they were cut down to make room for cattle ranchers. Photo UC Be

We’ll do the hike in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with the mellow meadows and pine forests, and then heading back on the PCT along the dramatic escarpment separating the mountains from the desert below.

Even though you hit a mountain summit, the climbing is minimal on this hike. Overall it feels flat with some rolling terrain.

I know it’s tempting to hike up to the lake and check it out, but to protect the delicate meadows, please stay on the trail.

There are two parking areas at Penny Pines. This is the parking area on the east side.

In the winter, SR1 can be closed because of snow. Check for any closures before you go .

No caption provided.

We’ll do the hike in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with the mellow meadows and pine forests, and then heading back on the PCT along the dramatic escarpment separating the mountains from the desert below.

Even though you hit a mountain summit, the climbing is minimal on this hike. Overall it feels flat with some rolling terrain.

I know it’s tempting to hike up to the lake and check it out, but to protect the delicate meadows, please stay on the trail.

There are two parking areas at Penny Pines. This is the parking area on the east side.

In the winter, SR1 can be closed because of snow. Check for any closures before you go .

No caption provided.

No caption provided.