State: California
Location: Cleveland National Forest
Length, One-Way: 6.7 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5400 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5960 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The access to the Big Laguna trail is via the Nobel Canyon trail that departs the western turnout and is marked by a small sign. Follow the Nobel Canyon trail about 100 yards to reach the Big Laguna trail junction. The other end of the Big Laguna trail makes a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail about mile northeast of the Laguna Station (the Forest Service fire station).
Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January. Ducks and other birds can be found at the lake. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north.
Directions
From San Diego:
To reach the upper end, take Sunrise Highway from Interstate 8 (near Pine Valley) and drive north 13.5 miles to just past the second cattle guard on the highway. Vehicles should park on either side of the highway on the paved turnouts. The access to the Big Laguna trail is via the Nobel Canyon trail that departs the western turnout and is marked by a small sign.
