Elevation Gain
750
Distance
3.6 miles roundtrip
Pets Allowed
Yes
Fees
None
Hike/Ride Time
2 to 3 hours
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Best Seasons
Fall, Spring, Winter - Not recommended for Summer
Ranger District
Descanso Ranger District - (619) 445-6235
This short and easy trail is a great start for beginners or those new to the PCT. With 3.6 miles and total elevation gain of 750, this trail is relatively flat with only moderate incline. Hiking south from the Kitchen Creek parking area, the trail takes travelers to the top of the falls for great views of the valley before descending down a social trail to the bottom. This trail is well-groomed and well marked, taking place almost entirely on maintained grounds unless heading down to the falls. If hikers are looking for a good camping spot, many prefer to setup camp at the bottom. Though this 3 mile round trip is marked as fairly easy, hiking during the summer months is not recommended as this are can get extremely hot. It is recommended that hikers bring enough water (roughly 2 to 3 liters per person) as heat-related rescues are common in this area and deaths have occurred.
For a list of other PCT hikes, please see our designated Pacific Crest Trail page. For a list of other hikes in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide.
Link to Map: https://goo.gl/maps/H7sQheioK7n