East Mesa Loop

Pacific Crest Trail

Distance: 10.5 miles loop Hiking Time: 5.5 hours Elevation Gain/Loss 1300′/1300′ Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Directions: Follow highway 79 15.2 miles south from Julian or 7.6 miles north from Interstate 8 at Descanso to reach the large parking are just south of the Sweetwater River Bridge. This trail head is located at mile 4.9 according to the highway 79 mile markers.

This is the grand tour of the East Mesa area.

From the Sweetwater River Bridge Trailhead, follow the Harvey Moore Trail south and east across a hill side, passing first through a band of oaks and pines and then through a chaparral.

The junction to Dyar Spring Trail you will have climbed 800 feet over 2.4 miles, the East Mesa is now ahead.
After climbing over low saddle you come to a junction (3.4 miles). Turn left, and shortly left again, to reach Granite Spring Primitive Camp (4 miles), off to the right side of the trail. There is a hand pump that dispenses somewhat potable water.

From Granite Spring, return to the Harvey Moore Trail north for another mile to the next junction, where Deer Park trail heads east. Swing left and follow the continuation of the Harvey Moore Trail north, heading towards the south rim of deep Harper Creek canyon.

It descends gradually at first, then much more sharply on a zigzag course.
At the bottom the trail turns west and follows Harper Creek downstream, after three crossings it climbs abruptly up the north slope to a position of about 100 feet above the creek. Leave the Harvey Moore Trail at this point, cross the creek and pick up the East Side Trail, for roughly 3 miles downhill until you reach the Sweetwater River Bridge Trailhead.