NEW Lollipop: PCT to Spruce Draw then hiking the Leona Divide Fire Rd west to the intersection of Lake Hughes Truck Trail; We will take a snack break at the Intersection then return counter-clock wise hiking east on the PCT back to our cars on San Francisquito Cyn Rd.
DISTANCE / GAIN:
~ 8.5 miles Round Trip / 1732′ gain.
RATING: Moderate +
You need to be in good physical condition to complete these, due to some reasonably significant gain over a short distance (mainly near the start).
Hike duration: ~ 4 hours total.
Meet: At the trailhead at 8:15 AM for a 8:30 AM start up the trail.
Description:
This is a great local hike on a well maintained portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) single track, only 25 minutes from the SCV! This hike area is popular due to its remote nature and rapid access to some great views of surrounding areas including the Mohave desert, Lancaster, Martindale Ridge and the distant Tehachapi Mtns.
We start near Green Valley Ranger station using the PCT heading North. We will cross the fire road leading up to Grass Mtn, stop briefly if it is clear to enjoy the views of the Mojave desert and Tehachapi.
We will stay on the PCT and continue North. This is a beautiful shady portion of the PCT that takes us to remote Spruce Draw canyon then on to the Fire Rd returning back via the PCT.
Note: The return leg on the PCT has some loose rocks and minor washouts from the recent rains so please wear boots with good treads.
Directions to the trail head (34.634482, -118.390112):
The trailhead is where the PCT crosses San Francisquito Canyon Road, using these numbers in Google, or WAZE.
Leader’s note: No restrooms at trailhead, plenty of bushes. There is a bathroom in the gas station on corner of San Francisquito Cyn Rd. and Spunky Cyn Rd. in Green Valley.
Directions from Copper Hill Dr, in SCV to trail head:
Find the light that is the intersection of San Francisquito Canyon Road and Copper Hill Dr. Reset your odometer here – the trailhead is 17.7 miles (about 25 mins.) from this light. When you arrive in Green Valley, at Stop sign, go straight through intersection on San Francisquito Cyn Rd. The Ranger station is on the left, 2 minutes later. The trailhead, where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses San Francisquito, is 0.2 miles beyond that – look for PCT signs and parked cars. Park on the gravel shoulder, on either side, near where the PCT crosses the road – this is our “trail head”.
Hike Starting Place/ Time: (34.634482, -118.390112)
Adventure pass: Not required.
BRING: Hiking poles are helpful for the hills. Bring a snack and at least 2L water and 1L Gatorade/ Salt sticks; camera, cap and sunscreen. Dress in layers as it can be windy and chilly in the shady areas.
Leader: Nancy Harrison
