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PCT: Campo to Lake Morena

The southernmost section of the PCT, beginning at Mile 0 on the Mexico border, going to Mile 20 at Lake Morena Park.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
31 km
Ascent
897 m
Descent
848 m
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
708 m
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
PCT: Campo to Lake Morena Map

This is the start of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail from its southern terminus at the Mexico border. As the PCT is formally divided, this begins California Section A (110 miles from Campo to Warner Springs). Section A rolls through the Mountain Empire of San Diego County––a landscape of seemingly boundless hills and canyons, studded with boulders and choked with desert chaparral, but also with mountains exceeding 6,000 feet that are cloaked in pine forest. The 20 miles from Campo to Lake Morena make a trying introduction to this rugged region of southern California. Overcoming rocky inclines in the desert heat, and with a long carry between water sources, PCT hopefuls must really test their mettle on these inaugural miles of the northbound trek.

Description

To begin your PCT journey here, you must first find transportation to Mile 0––a remote location on the border with Mexico. There you’ll capture your send-off photo with the PCT pillars and start walking a dirt track toward the small town of Campo. The “Campo Green Store” is your last chance to top-up water or supplies before continuing into the hills. The next guaranteed water source is Lake Morena, about 18 miles and perhaps more than a day away. You can check the PCT Water Report for the status of ephemeral streams along the route.

From Campo, the trail meanders northward as a well-traveled footpath, among rocky and brush-covered hillsides. Though the walking is not too difficult, these miles can be dusty and hot, even in early season. About 12 miles from the start, you’ll get a view into a sizable gorge just ahead. This is Hauser Canyon, and it presents the first major down-and-up of the trail. It’s also a popular spot for the first night’s camp. After descending into the drainage, you’ll find several good tent spots among trees near the creek (NB mile 15.4). If you plan to stay here, you should arrive with all the water you need, unless you have a reliable tip that the creek is flowing.

The climb out of Hauser Canyon is more than 1000 feet in just over 2.5 miles, on broad switchbacks that will really test the legs. Once at the top, you’ll see the Morena Reservoir in the distance, then it’s a relatively quick descent on the remaining miles to get there. Lake Morena County Park (NB mile 20) has a PCT trailhead and also public bus service to San Diego, in case you wish to start or finish a section hike here. The campground has tent sites available to PCT hikers for a small fee, as well as public restrooms, showers, and potable water. About half a mile along the road is the Oak Shores Malt Shop, a favorite of PCTers for refreshment and modest resupply.

Permits: Unless you have the PCT Long-Distance Permit, you will need a Cleveland National Forest wilderness visitor permit for dispersed camping within the national forest. Developed campgrounds do not require a wilderness permit, however. You may also need a California Fire Permit, regardless of where you camp.

Sources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=47566 https://pctmap.net/trail-notes/ https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/maps/

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Dog friendly
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area