Hike Garnet Peak via PCT

4.2 miles - Moderate Effort
2 Hours (Total)
650 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 5,900 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Garnet Peak offers commanding views from the Laguna Mountains over the Borrego Desert and surrounding mountains. It's one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area. In this hiking guide, we'll take the PCT to the Garnet Peak Trail, the most scenic route that offers plenty of parking at the trailhead. Don't let the short distance fool you; the views on this hike are worth it.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for Garnet Peak via PCT
Where to Park for the Hike
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links: Cleveland National Forest - Weather Forecast - Top Gear Picks (May 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Where is the Garnet Peak Trail?

We're not going to take the Garnet Peak Trail directly to the summit. The parking for that trail is limited, and the approach lacks views. So instead, we'll park a short way down the road at the Penny Pines Trailhead, follow the PCT along the escarpment to the Garnet Peak Trail, and then climb to the summit. Use this trailhead address:
Penny Pines Trailhead, 12031 Sunrise Hwy, Mt Laguna, CA, 91948

Don't confuse Garnet Peak with Garnet Mountain, which is about 3 miles north of the trailhead and lacks a trail. You can still scramble to the summit there if you'd like, but I won't cover it in the guide here.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 1 — Penny Pines has a wide parking area on both sides of the road. I usually park on the west side.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 3 — The east side generally gets tourists pulling in and out to look at the interpretive display.

You need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park here.

Gear For the Hike

If you're not familiar with the Laguna Mountains, they can be extreme. In the winter, there can be snow and cold temperatures. In the summer, it can get pretty warm (but usually there's a breeze). So check the weather before you go. You can do this short hike in fitness or light hiking gear. The summit of Garnet Peak can be extremely windy.

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Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
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As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

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Garnet Peak Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools: GaiaGPS - AllTrails

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)

How To Read a Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Elevation — The first half of the hike along the PCT is rolling, and then you have a steep 500 foot climb to the summit. Then you follow the same path back to the start.

3D Map

Garnet Peak Trail Hike Directions

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Video Directions

Turn by Turn Directions

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 4 — There are several trailheads at the parking lot. Look for this one at the southeast edge of the parking area.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 2 — We'll be following the PCT until we reach the Garnet Peak Trail. The PCT is well marked.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 5 — When you get to the first junction, shortly after the start, bear to the left.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 6 — There are several cutoffs and unofficial trails in this area. Just stay on the PCT.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 7 — And soon, BOOM, you are treated to views across Storm Canyon.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 8 — The high point across Storm Canyon is Monument Peak.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 9 — And as you continue you'll get views into the Vallecito Valley and Borrego Desert.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 10 — And then the PCT winds uphill to crest a ridge.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 11 — At the top of the ridge you'll see Garnet Peak ahead of you.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 12 — Continue hiking on the PCT toward Garnet Peak.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 13 — Off to the left (west) is Cuyamaca Peak.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 15 — You'll see several side trails to tent sites along this stretch. These are some of the nicest camping spots along the PCT.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 14 — You can explore the views from some of these tent sites and viewpoints.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 17 — When you reach the junction with the Garnet Peak Trail, at about 1.5 miles, make the hard right.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 19 — You'll see a sign for the Garnet Peak Trail.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 18 — Start the steep climb.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 20 — The views from the climb are great.

Garnet Peak first appeared on the USGS topographic map in 1942. The peak is named after the gemstone, commonly found in red, that was mined in the area.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 21 — It gets rocky as you approach the summit.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 23 — And here you are at the summit. Here you can see to San Jacinto and San Gorgonio in the distance.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 25 — There's a small sheltered area at the summit where you can escape the wind.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 24 — To the south you can see Monument Peak and the area where you started the hike. On a clear day you can see from the Salton Sea to coastal San Diego.

Hike Garnet Peak Via Pct Directions 26 — That's the hike. Try to make sure your head doesn't blow off and just head back the way you came.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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