PCT Day 22: Silverwood Lake and Cajon Pass

Daily Miles: 24.7, total Miles: 342.1

Straightaway there were good views in the early morning of the upcoming San Gabriel Mountains.

Just before the Mohave Siphon Power Pant, I found a trail angel’s ice chest with some special treats. Apples, cherry tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs were certainly appreciated and unexpected! I soon arrived at Silverwood Lake State Park’s Cleghorn picnic area for shaded cabanas and water.

Warming up fast so the climb to Cleghorn Ridge seemed hard. Near a small stream, a large Southern Pacific rattlesnake suddenly fell from a rock wall onto the trail in front of me. As he was squirming and trying to coil, I quickly threw my hiking poles in front of me and backed up. Close call!

A mile further down the trail, I found a rattler stretched completely across the trail and not moving. He only continuing his journey after I prodded him with a hiking pole.

While approaching Crowder Canyon near I-15, Cajon Pass, a day hiker reminded me there was a Best Western just up from the traditional hiker’s stop at McDonalds on the freeway access road.

Too tempting with good hiker rates – an unexpected bonus! Dinner at Del Taco next door, a first time visit and not bad.