Thomas Guide: 430: B7
Kitchen Creek Road reaches into the lower Laguna Mountains traversing steep slopes clad in chaparral. A narrow strip of trees is present along the namesake creek. We will start by hiking a short section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Hoped for birds include California Thrasher, Western Scrub-Jay, Sage and Black-chinned Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, Scott’s Oriole, and, best of all, Gray Vireos. Bring water for sure. Restrooms at the Cibbet’s Flat Campground.
Directions: Go east on I-8 past the Buckman Springs Rest Stop to the next exit at the Cameron Ranger Station. Turn left and north about 3 miles. Meet in the small dirt lot on the left side of the road where it rises to a high point by a fence, and intersects the Pacific Coast Trail.
