Friday, 20th of November 2009 at 08:03:32 PM
 Barker Valley |
| Distance: 6.2 miles round trip Hiking Time: 4 hours Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000′/1000′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous |
Directions: Turn west on Highway 79 at a point 6.5 miles northwest of Warner Springs (mile 41.9), and continue up the mostly unpaved Palomar Divide Road for 7.8 miles to the Barker Valley Spur Trailhead on the left (west) side.
Start off on the old roadway, which gradually descends west down a hillside. Hike for 1.7 miles on a gradual descent until the old roadbed switches back sharply to the left. Continue around the U-curve and within .1 miles veer to the right on a newer trail that zigzags down a dry slope and into oak-rimmed Barker Valley, 3.1 miles from your starting point.
This is a great camp spot if you’re looking for one.
A second trail descends into Barker Valley from Deer Flats, from the direction of the metal look out tower on High Point.
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I really like and appreciate your post.
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I haven’t done this trail since I was a kid! Do you think that mountain bikes can get in on this trail?
Thanks,
James
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James, sorry for the late reply.
Yes you can mountain bike it, there may be a few areas where it’s gets a little tight, but overall you sure can!
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How’s the water sources?
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Water sources are not so great during the spring/summer months, bring plenty!
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I’d appreciate any clarififaction about water availability. I was under the impression that the west fork of the San Luis Rey was runing down there and that I’d able to get water (at the end of May) while camped in the valley bottom. Am I wrong?
Also, does anyone know if any permits are needed? The state park’s website and phone number are useless!
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I cant answer the water question, but yes you will need an adventure pass if you’re going to park at the trail head. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/rec-fee-sites-cnf.shtml and the number 760-788-0250, which may or may not be manned.
For what it’s worth I found this link with a report of water at the meadow where the camping spot is http://www.outdoor.com/activities/backpacking/california-barker-spur-trail/
If you end up going Id love if you camp back and reported your experience
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Contact the CLEVELAND National Forest for a Visitor’s Pass to camp in this area. The phone number is 858-673-6180. The pass if free. No campfires are allowed but you can take a camp stove with a separate permit. You can come into the office in Rancho Bernardo, give the info on the phone and have the permit emailed to you (saves time) or you can find the application on their website (www.fs.usda.gov/cleveland), print it out and fax it in (858-673-6192) or scan and send to their email (mailroom/r5_cleveland@fs.fed.us).
Happy trails,
Owlseeker
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