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 Reporter |
Summary: The Cedar Springs Trail is a beautiful trail that traverses gently through oaken wild lands and into a chaparral/desert highland up to the PCT. The views along this section of the PCT are breathtaking. you can see the entire Santa Rosa range to the south, the San Jacinto Wilderness to the north, the Coachella Valley to the east, and Garner Valley, Thomas Mountain along with Lake Hemet to the west. This is great high country especially for a day hike. The trail switchbacks up to the PCT but is graded very mildly. It is a bit rocky, so wear good boots, but the trail is as good as they come. This trail can be combined with the trip to Pine Mountain and Pyramid Peak as an all day peakbagging adventure, but be aware that the distance comes out to around 12.5 miles and should be considered strenous. Trailhead: The trailhead is very simple to find. Drive east about 4.5 miles past the Lake Hemet Store on the 74 Palms to Pines Highway. The road is clearly marked as Morris Ranch Road. Turn left. There is a fire station on the northeast side of the highway and a ranger station just down the road. The road is paved all the way to the trailhead, which is clearly marked, and has ample parking a few feet away from the gate. There are no trespassing signs, but they do not apply to hikers, just stay on the trail and you will have no problems. For the first 3/4 mile the trail alternates between trail and road, there are a few gates and you will have no trouble staying on the trail. Turn right onto the PCT at the junction. Follow this past Pyramid Peak and Pine Mountain. You will see Lion Peak looming in front of you, along with jaw-dropping views of the Santa Rosas. The side trail to the top is steep and marked by cairns (piles of rocks) and is very easy to follow. (Lat:33.64085 Lon:-116.57193) Trail Guides for Lion Peak: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: San Jacinto Ranger District (909) 382-2921 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by EdenScott on 10/2/2007 Great views during the entire climb. Best done during fall and spring, as there is no tree cover to shade you from the hot sun. Beware of Rattlers along the side of the trail as they are definitely there. 
Reviewed by JCR on 4/13/2004 Hiked this last Sunday, and was surprised to only encounter three other people along the trail. I'd recommend allowing six hours, not five. The last stretch up to the top seemed more like a steep scramble than a hike, but the views from the top were worth it. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
