Backpacking PCT Section A – Day 1

I have thought and wondered about hiking the PCT a lot of the years. Living in Southern California, not far from the trail, I had hiked on short sections of it, out and back. I had not yet backpacked or thru hiked an entire section before. Section A starts in Campo, CA and is 107.1 miles long, ending in Warner Springs, CA. The prospect of hiking 100 miles was exciting to me. I knew the time to do it was in spring, after the nights warmed above freezing, and preferably after the winter time rains ended.

The Boo Hoff Trail

I decided to hike the Boo Hoff Trail in La Quinta, CA in late February. The trail begins at The Cove trailhead, which is the jumping off point for a network of several other trails, such as the Cove to Lake Trail, and the Bear Creek Oasis, along with some unmarked ones. There is a free parking lot, restrooms, and a shade structure there. 

The San Clemente Ridgeline

There is a four mile long paved trail along the ridge in San Clemente. There are several other unpaved, un-named trails that branch off from the main paved one. It is possible to hike up to 7 miles, all the way to "The Nob." I went on a 6 mile trail run at sunset, and… Continue reading The San Clemente Ridgeline

Cattle Crest and Rabbit Run from Quail Hill

From the Quail Hill parking area in Irvine I set out to enjoy the Bommer Canyon Open Access Day. Registration was not required, and it was free to park at the trailhead here, unlike some of the other nearby trailheads. Hope this guide is helpful for planning your hikes on Bommer Canyon Open Access Day.

Turtle Rock Ridge

The hike to Turtle Ridge begins at Bommer Vista Point Trailhead in Irvine. There are parking spots, and restrooms. It is a 3.5 mile advanced beginner hike to a ridge, with beautiful scenic views of the mountains, and Catalina Island.