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.
Description
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.
Map / Directions:
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