Paulette's Hike to Apache Peak

This Saturday, Paulette led a hike to Apache Peak by way of the Zen Center Trail. She had called ahead and the very nice people at the Zen Mountain Center said it was OK if we parked in their parking lot. The Zen Center Trial is a mostly unmaintained trial that goes from Garner Valley to the PCT. To access it, it is necessary to go through the Zen Center. We meet some of the people and most of us donated, as requested, 5.00 to help maintain the road. They were kind enough to tell us where the restroom was and pointed out a drinking fountain.

The Zen Center Trail is very steep, about 1,300 feet in 1.5 miles to the top of the ridge. The rest of the hike is a gentle climb going south on the PCT to The top of Apache Peak, about 7 miles total. It is a great hike with wonderful view of both the desert and east toward Lake Hemit.

The hike took about five hours. We had a lunch at the Sugarloaf Cafe.