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California Trails

Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 4

CA 78 to WARNER SPRINGS: Best done during the cooler days of spring and fall, this 25.8-mile stretch runs through the shrubby San Felipe Hills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 41.6

Waypoints

PCT045

Location: 33.097900390625, -116.47193145752

CA 78: the road to hitch to Julian. Plenty of camping here although it’s likely windy due to exposure.

PCT046

Location: 33.0982666015625, -116.472297668457

Undrinkable water in San Felipe Creek. Unfortunate because the upcoming section is high and dry. Hitching to towns of Julian or Banner for water is option.

PCT047

Location: 33.1407661437988, -116.507766723633

First gate

PCT048

Location: 33.1480827331543, -116.517799377441

Second gate

PCT049

Location: 33.1667671203613, -116.543502807617

Third gate and the “third gate” water cache

PCT050

Location: 33.1759490966797, -116.551666259766

Fourth gate

PCT051

Location: 33.2153511047363, -116.588119506836

Barrel Springs: large trough with good water and nicely shaded camping

PCT052

Location: 33.2159652709961, -116.588165283203

Barrel Springs

PCT053

Location: 33.2186508178711, -116.589950561523

Trailhead area

PCT054

Location: 33.2480316162109, -116.59992980957

Beautifully flowing creek under oak trees

PCT055

Location: 33.2547988891602, -116.611434936523

Eagle Rock protrudes from the expansive grasslands

PCT056

Location: 33.2712821960449, -116.642646789551

CA Hiking and Riding Trail into Warner Springs.

More PCT: Next Section | Previous Section

Eagle Rock

Location: 33.2550811767578, -116.612503051758

©Jack Haskel

Desert scene

Location: 33.1523361206055, -116.52507019043

©Jack Haskel

Ridgline and Mountains

Location: 33.1545715332031, -116.529312133789

©Jack Haskel

Sky Art

Location: 33.1568069458008, -116.531997680664

Interweaving cirrus bands form intricate patterns. ©Jack Haskel

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