The plan was to hike one-way down along Pine Valley Creek into the Pine Valley Wilderness area, camp midway overnight, then continue southward to our destination trailhead. The planned point to walk out of the Wilderness Area was a point 6.5 miles south of I-8 on Hwy 79. So, one of the two vehicles was taken and dropped there to provide transportation back.

We began at the Pine Valley trailhead and hiked south underneath the I-8 freeway bridge. We missed the poorly marked trail that ascends up the northern slope of the canyon starting just south of the big bridge and we soon found ourselves bushwhacking our way along Pine Valley Creek for about three miles. (See map below) We had discovered the error fairly early but decided to continue along the creek bed as it would also take us to our intended camping spot where Nelson Creek meets the Pine Valley Creek.

We had lunch along the creek at a big rock outcropping just above were Oak Creek enters the valley. But, it soon became apparent why the trail takes the higher route and not through the creek bottom. The terrain was rugged, with huge boulders, water, and brambles. It became clear we would not get to the camping area by sundown, so at N32 48.0, W116 34.7 we hiked North up the very steep slope of the canyon to find the trail. This was a really tough ascent through thick brush, as the sun was going down. We had to scramble up huge rock outcroppings and work our way through chaparral without a trail. We finally found the trail and later some trees to camp under at around N32 48.4, W116 34.8. Total of 5.2 miles, but much of it very tough going. We set up camp and had some dinner (rice and curry chicken for some and mexican food for others). We used our backpacker stoves and water we had carried in. The campsite was well protected in the trees, but no water was available this high above the creek. We had to save water for the trip out. Everyone was asleep by 7:30PM, as it had been dark for 2 hours. It was 37 degrees overnight, but most were warm in their tents and sleeping bags. Larry lost his sleeping bag in the tough uphill bushwhack, so we all lent him clothes to assemble a makeeshift sleeping bag.

Sunday 14 December 2003 – Most of us were up with sun. We had breakfast of oatmeal and packed up for the return. Since the destination Trailhead was still 9-10 miles away we decided to take the trail back north under the bridge. We made much better time going back since we were on a trail, rather than down in the creek bushwhacking. Tired!