What is the distance of the Eagle Rock Hike?

The Eagle Rock hike is about 4.2 miles roundtrip. The hike offers an easy adventure with gradual slopes and beautiful scenery along the Pacific Crest Trail.

What should I bring for the Eagle Rock Hike?

For the Eagle Rock hike, bring at least 1L of water, insect repellant, and wear suitable footwear. It can get hot and buggy in the summer, and be prepared for cold temperatures at the trailhead, which is at over 3,000 feet.

Is parking available at the Eagle Rock trailhead?

Yes, parking is available across the street from the Cal Fire station. The trailhead has a small parking lot, and if full, there is additional parking along the road and at the nearby larger lot.

What are the highlights of the Eagle Rock hike?

The Eagle Rock hike offers scenic views of oak groves, babbling creeks, and expansive grasslands. The highlight is Eagle Rock itself, perched on a hillside and offering views of the surrounding area. The hike is peaceful and a great way to explore the PCT.

Can I camp along the Eagle Rock trail?

Camping is allowed in the area, and the trail passes several camping spots, especially near Cañada Verde Creek. However, there are no designated campgrounds along the hike, so make sure to check the area for camping regulations before you go.

Is the Eagle Rock hike family-friendly?

Yes, the Eagle Rock hike is easy to follow and relatively flat, making it a great option for families and those looking for a moderate hike with plenty of payoff. It is also suitable for beginners with some hiking experience.

PLAY VIDEO

Eagle Rock Hike on the PCT (San Diego)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 17, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: 2:30-3:30 Hours
Total Climbing: 990 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Quiet
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Vista Irrigation District

The Eagle Rock hike, near San Diego in Warner Springs, is an easy adventure on the legendary PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). You'll meander up a babbling brook in the shade of oaks, and then cross grasslands offering views of San Diego County's high points. At the end, you are treated to Eagle Rock, perched on a hillside and overlooking this remote area. Overall Eagle Rock is a great hike with lots of payoff for not much effort.

Where is the Eagle Rock Hike?

First of all, there are dozens of Eagle Rocks, with a few being in Southern California, so make sure you are going to the one in Warner Springs, CA. Warner Springs is pretty remote, and the services are limited. Use this trailhead address:
31049 CA-79, Warner Springs, CA 92086

You are going to park across the street from the Cal Fire station on the side of the road. Don't park at the fire station or block their driveways. You might be saying "duh!" but after talking to some firefighters there, you'd be surprised at the dumb stuff that goes on with people parking.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 3 — Here's the fire station, park across the street from it.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 1 — There's a wide dirt shoulder where you can park. When it's empty like in this shot, you can park parallel with the road. When it's busy, park head in.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 2 — The parking area ends at the PCT sign on the southern end of the lot. If this area is full, drive down the road in this direction for a minute and there's another big parking area on the shoulder.

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead or on the trail.

The land you are hiking on is mostly owned by the Vista Water District's Lake Henshaw area. It's not a public park, but you are permitted to hike here on the PCT.

Gear for the Hike

This is a mellow hike and there isn't too much that's technically challenging. In the summer, it can get hot and buggy, so prepare accordingly with insect repellant and at least 1L of water. And you might not realize it, but the trailhead is at over 3,000 feet, and it can get cold. On the day that I shot the photos for this guide, it was 25F when I started at the trailhead.

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Eagle Rock via the PCT Trail Maps

There's nothing too tricky about this hike. You start on the PCT and you end on the PCT. One thing you might notice is that the actual trail (as documented in the map and GPX file below) doesn't always fall nicely on the official trail line for the PCT. My guess is that the official trail line has been simplified and smoothed a bit.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Pct Sign On Eagle Creek Hike — There are a fair number of PCT markers along the trail. You'll be on the PCT for the whole hike.

Elevation Profile

Eagle Rock Pct Elevation — This one-way elevation profile is a little deceiving. The hike is generally uphill with some rolling terrain, but the distance makes all of the uphill sections seem very gradual and tame.

3d Map

Eagle Rock (San Diego) Hike Directions

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 4 — The hike starts at this livestock gate, just south of the Cal Fire station, across the street from the parking area.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 5 — Head through the gate and make sure that you close it all the way.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 6 — The very start can be a little confusing. Just go straight on the big trail, ignoring the PCT sign on the right.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 7 — In a minute you'll merge onto the PCT proper by heading left.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 8 — You'll hike through the tall oaks along Cañada Verde and will pass some PCT markers.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 9 — Head through the next gate and go straight, avoiding the trail to the left.

This area is a popular spot for PCT hikers to camp. The trail to the left in the last photo heads to the post office where PCT thru-hikers often resupply. If you want to learn more about the PCT, visit their website and watch the popular Darwin on the Trail videos documenting what hiking the whole thing is like.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 10 — Head through the last gate on the way to Eagle Rock.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 11 — You'll likely see small side trails to the creek or to camping sites. Stay on the main trail, which is always easy to spot.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 12 — Hike up along peaceful Cañada Verde Creek and enjoy the shade.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 13 — You'll see a few nice resting and camping areas on the side of the trail along this stretch.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 14 — The trail veers away from Cañada Verde and heads uphill.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 15 — To your left in the distance is Hot Springs Mountain, the highest point in San Diego County at 6,535 feet.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 16 — And behind you is High Point and the Palomar Observatory, which is the white dome peeking above the ridge.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 17 — When you get to the junction with the old dirt road, hike straight through.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 18 — As you crest the ridge you'll get nice views into San Jose del Valle, once all part of Warner Ranch. From here you have a little downhill stretch.

Warner Springs has an interesting history. If that's your thing, read about it in my guide to the nearby Oak Grove Trail.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 19 — The trail winds around some boulders and trees before heading into the grasslands.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 20 — As the trail starts to head uphill again, stay straight on the main trail. Avoiding the trail to the right. When you come back, make sure you don't hike down to the right. This turn, in reverse, sometimes gets missed.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 21 — From here on out you'll be rolling over the grasslands on the well-defined PCT.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 22 — You'll be sharing the trail with grazing cattle. They generally will move away if on the trail.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 23 — The trail starts to climb up toward a series of boulders. You can't see Eagle Rock from here.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 24 — Hike up the first path to the left and head to the other side of the boulders.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 25 — From here you get great views of Eagle Rock. It really does look like an eagle. No imagination required.

Please do not climb on Eagle Rock. The rock has cracks and at some point will break. Don't be the one makes the news because you destroyed this special place for a photo.

Eagle Rock Pct Hike Directions 26 — From Eagle Rock, just go back the way you came. The views are great on the hike back so enjoy!