PCT Southern Terminus mile 0 - Lake Morena (20 miles in 1.5 days)

(Day 1) Saturday March 15, 2025 [mile marker 0 - 15] 15 miles, option for 11 miles.
-Campo Southern Terminus to Hauser Canyon.
Approx 6-7 hours of hiking with lunch break stop, you should arrive at Hauser Canyon before 4.30pm to set up camp before dark.
Please note also that this will be a long and arduous hike with no sweep and it’ll be up to you to have the necessary training. Although we’ll try to regroup frequently, you should be comfortable with the idea that there is a possibility that you may be hiking parts of the trail on your own. Do not expect others to wait for you to catch up. Trail is pretty much established and you’ll likely see PCT Thru-hikers on the trail. Average pace 2.5 miles an hour. May require ‘dry camping’ meaning no water sources all day, overnight and potentially until arriving at Lake Morena the next morning. This would mean a 5-6 liter water carry from the start. Potential to filter water at mile 4.4, check the "FarOut" app. (option for you to stage some water in Hauser Canyon, before Saturday, by hiking 5 miles (10 roundtrip) from the SoBo side at Lake Morena, so that enables just a water carry of 2-3L on the day of the Meetup). There are options to camp before you drop down into Hauser Canyon, *mile 11.4 has several nice spots, this would mean you are dropping down and climbing out of Hauser Canyon on Sunday morning for the 9 miles to Lake Morena.
Day 2 Sunday March 16, 2025 (mile marker 15 to 20.3) 5 or *9 miles.
-steep climb out of Hauser Canyon, with only 5 miles to Lake Morena.
LOGISTICS:
Saturday arrive 06:30am to park and leave vehicle 'outside' Lake Morena CG entrance in the large gravel round parking area. No permit needed. We will be co-ordinating rides from Lake Morena to the Southern Terminus (MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW I'm working on transportation options). Vehicles should not be left at the Southern Terminus. Other options: include 1/. camping on Friday night at Lake Morena. 2/. on Friday taking and paying for the www.pctsouthernterminusshuttle.com from Old Town Transit Center in San Diego on Friday 09:30am or 2pm $75 one way (return service is $75 at 08:00am or 12:30pm) they have a PCT campsite, so Friday night at "CLEEF" Camp Locket (a great experience and you will meet Thru-hikers getting ready for their adventure!)
Once you arrive at the Southern Terminus, take a photo, and you can start hiking. (The PCTA have a volunteer collecting permit data, if asked you can tell them "I'm on a Section Hike with a Meetup group heading to Lake Morena".
Please note that this is not a guided trip, it is a Meetup. We are amateur hikers and do not have any outdoor leadership; navigation; safety; rescue; or first aid training or knowledge. You are solely responsible for your own safety and return (see waiver below). Be self sufficient with maps, GPS maps and apps. (FarOut), water report at www.pctwater.com.
DISCLAIMER: I consider Safety to be the most important part of any event. However, there are inherent risks in any activity. By signing up as a member of “Wild West Pacific Crest Trail - Section hikers and backpackers” and attending any event hosted by this group, you are agreeing to abide by the terms of the disclaimer. Be aware that organizers and event hosts are not tour guides and are not paid. They are not trained in any rescue procedures nor do they carry emergency medical supplies. You assume the same risks and must take the same precautions you would take if you were alone. You may be screened for compatibility with other group members and your ability to complete any particular event; nonetheless, each person who signs up for a trip/hike/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for and/or attending any of this group's events, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that these activities can be dangerous and could cause bodily injury or death. The organizers of this group and current or former members are not responsible or liable in any way. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage or injury to their property, themselves or their guests. This group, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers, and members are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from this event, or for any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. By signing up for any of this group's events, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you and your family knowingly and voluntarily agree to not bring any type of claim against the organizers or any members of this Meetup group, past or present.