In the picturesque Mount Laguna area of San Diego County, you’ll find the Barrel Springs Section of the Pacific Crest Trail, a hiking option that works well if you’re traveling with your dog. The trail starts at Barrel Springs along Montezuma Valley Road—S22—and heads north through chaparral and open range land that feels genuinely remote despite being in San Diego County.

The first stretch crosses San Ysidro Creek, which typically has seasonal water flow depending on the time of year you visit. This creek crossing can be straightforward or require a bit more care depending on conditions, so it’s worth checking ahead about what to expect. As you continue north, the landscape shifts into oak woodland near Cañada Verde Creek, where the temperature often drops noticeably and you’ll get some welcome shade.

The diversity here is actually one of the trail’s strengths—you’re not hiking the same terrain the entire time. The open range sections give your dog room to move, while the wooded stretches provide relief from sun exposure. San Ysidro Creek and Cañada Verde Creek both offer water sources, which is helpful for refilling and letting your dog drink, though you’ll want to carry enough water that you’re not completely dependent on finding it.

The northbound direction means you’re moving generally away from the Mount Laguna area proper, so plan your distance based on how far you and your dog want to go. Many people do out-and-back hikes rather than attempting the full section. The Cleveland National Forest manages this trail, and referring to their maps before you go will help you get a clear sense of mileage and terrain difficulty. The oak woodlands and creek areas make this genuinely pleasant hiking rather than a grinding ridge walk.