While San Diego itself has SO much to do, as you know we are always up for a little day trip adventure, and it was finally time to explore Eagle Rock! This incredible trail along the infamous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is perfectly named as you arrive at your destination to encounter an uber climbable rock formation in the shape of a giant Eagle! Let’s show you this sweet trail and then we’ll share all the details you need to tackle this gem yourself.
Eagle Rock trail is located in Warner Springs which is about 15 minutes outside of Julian, California. This is about 1.25 hour drive from downtown San Diego. While it’s proximity to Julian may seem irrelevant, after hiking for almost 7 miles (round trip) it becomes very relevant indeed as you can reward yourself with some of their famous apple pie. Gotta replenish those burned calories right?
Now don’t let the fact that I said 7 miles deter you. The trail is relatively flat and really beautiful, so it’s a great option for adults and kids alike as long as you have a little stamina and as in our case, lots and lots of snacks. Estimate 3 – 4 hours depending on how leisurely your pace is. Let’s get started…
Eagle Rock Trail
Two adults and three 10-11 year old girls (Sydney and her besties) took the 1.25 hour easy drive to the unassuming start of this trail. When you arrive, it really doesn’t appear to the untrained eye that this is the way to an incredibly cool place. But yes, you start at this gate. Now, make sure you start at the RIGHT gate (as we almost went through a different gate, on a completely different trail, that looked exactly like this.) It’s right next to (not across) from the Warner Springs Fire Station. And here begins our journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
We went in early April, which is a great time to go (before it gets too hot) and while everything is still green! Pretty soon it will be brown…still pretty, but brown. The beginning of the trail has you walk along a stream which is quite peaceful, and a great place to take one of several breaks if you have kids who need it.
You will then get to a second gate, of the three gates you will go through on Eagle Rock Trail. You might be wondering….why all these gates? More on that later…I’ll keep you in suspense for now!
The first third of the trail is this beautiful woodsy feel. Very serene and peaceful and even on a Sunday morning it wasn’t very crowded.
All of a sudden, the woodsy feel comes to an end and the landscape opens up! For a moment there it looked like a scene from the Sound of Music because the hills were definitely alive…what’s that? Yodeling do I hear? No…just the sound of some Pacific Crest Trailers making their way from Mexico to Canada.
The landscape then turned to a desert bush feel. As we were walking, right in front of us raced a GIANT Jack Rabbit. I seriously felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland because I have never seen a rabbit so big. We were stunned, that was a first! Of course it moved so fast there was no way I could capture a photo. So you’re gonna have to take my word for it. This trail has been so fun so far and we haven’t even made it yet to the Eagle Rock!
The desert bush scene lasts a short while and then things really open up where you can start to see the windy trail all the way in the distance, with shadows of Pacific Crest Trailers moving closer.
This open landscape provides more opportunities to give the little ones a rest and diversion as they may start to feel the big Eagle is never coming. Oh, but it is…very soon.
I cannot recommend March or April enough as the time to go. With everything green and the wildflowers blooming, including the California Poppy, it’s definite eye candy along the way.
As we rounded the bend, we could see an unassuming rock formation in the distance. We are close. And these girls are enjoying it every step of the way. Although they did express to us that ideally we’d call an Uber to take us the way back!
One of the coolest parts of the hike was walking past these groups of Pacific Crest Trailers. In packs like this, I just wanted to stop them all and ask their story. I wondered what motivated them to do this…when they started…how far they were going…how heavy their packs were…and more. And as we passed them, every single group of them was so friendly, offering big “hellos” and smiles as we shared this great experience with them, even if only for a short time for us.
And then we arrived. When you approach it, you are viewing it from the backside…which just looks like random boulders. Until you walk up front and there it is in all it’s glory, an unmistakable Eagle Rock. I don’t think the kids even stopped to take it in because they immediately ran to the rocks to climb. And that’s what is so cool….Eagle Rock is so easy to climb. Sydney, my cautious child, was a bit hesitant to get to the top…but when she went around the back she found it to be so simple, indeed.
I believe it’s the easy breezy vibe of the Pacific Crest Trailers, because even with the few people there at the same time as us (not too many) everyone was so supportive and respectful of giving each other a chance to climb the rock alone to take a photo with just you in it and not random strangers. Everyone cooperated and took turns and even swapped cameras to help each other capture the moment with their entire party in the photo.
Our Eagle Rock crew.
After we enjoyed Eagle Rock, it was time to let others have it and we found a lot of great sitting areas next to it with spectacular views to relax and have a snack, and of course let the kids climb some more. Now remember all of those gates? Well, right there we had very close views of free roaming cows. Now we didn’t get too close but I have heard stories from others that the cows were right on the trail on the way in. So keep your eyes out!
While hanging out at Eagle Rock we also saw TONS of lizards. It was really fun to spot them everywhere.
When it was time to head back, the girls were admittedly tired and asking for us to call an Uber. A little while into the way back, we can thank the YMCA for them being fully entertained. The others around us may not have enjoyed all of their songs and chants, but it saved us from hearing whining and it made for a fun return hike!
Woohooo ladies, we did it!
On the way home, we definitely earned a treat at the Julian Pie Company!
What you need to know:
We hope you are inspired to pay a visit to Eagle Rock! Here are the details to make it a successful day trip.
When to go: Eagle Rock can get pretty warm, so we recommend avoiding May through October. If you do go during those months just be sure to check the weather (Warner Springs) and bring plenty of water. Our crew who brought big water bottles finished them before the hike was done and it was about 79 degrees for us in April. If you have CamelBaks this would be a great investment for this hike (we have them for us and our kids).
What to bring: Comfortable shoes with good support as it’s a long hike. Sunscreen because once you get past the woodsy area there is no shade. Bug spray – we’ve heard of people bringing home ticks and there are some gnats in the woodsy area. Definitely a hat for sun protection and avoiding ticks. Lots of snacks, especially if you have kids. Plan on hanging at Eagle Rock for a bit, it’s a great place to have a picnic lunch.
About the trail: The trail is well marked and you basically want to follow the PCT. At one point there is a 4 way intersection – stay straight to follow the PCT trail markers. There are no restrooms on the trail. Use the restroom at the Warner Springs Resource Center where you will park before you head out to the trail. Also, make sure your free wheeling kiddos are paying attention to the trail as the trail is pretty filled with horse manure.
Getting there: Easy peasy. Just put Warner Springs Fire Station #52 in your Google Maps. 31049 Highway 79, Warner Springs CA 92086. It’s right next to the Fire Station. You’ll see cars parked across the street where the Resource Center is (which has bathrooms). We drove through Ramona through the 78 and then to the 79. The roads were a little curvy at times but not bad at all.
Let us know how your visit to Eagle Rock goes! Do you have any questions or comments? We are listening!
