Description:
This self-guided nature trail (pick up a pamphlet key at the Visitor Information Center just north on Sunrise Highway) is a small slice of the Pacific Crest Trail, which winds from Mexico to Canada. It captures the unique transition from pine forest to desert landscape, with awesome views of the desert and the trails of past adventurers, including the Vallecito Stage Station of the Butterfield Stage Company who ran the Southern Overland Stage Route. The majestic black oak, wild lilac, mountain mahogany, Pinyon and Jeffrey pines, and manzanita vegetation are in stark contrast to the rugged La Posta Creek canyon visible below. Part of this trail was hand-cleared by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a fire break.