Potrero Trail to Hurricane Deck
Portrero Trail is a challenging climb up to Hurricane Deck, where there are amazing vistas of the rugged, remote back country wilderness. It is very very hot in summer and the trail, after it begins climbing out of the river bed, has no water at all and very limited shade. For this reason it is best not to attempt this hike in summer, when temperatures can reach into the 90s and 100s.
Portrero Trail hike follows the Manzana trail toward the schoolhouse, then veers to the right to climb Hurricane Deck to a pleasant vista. The total mileage is around 8 miles round trip.
Mile measurements for this hike are approximate.
Begin the hike at the sign marking the trail just across the river from the parking area. It is best to cross the river just below the road, because the road gets slick with moss.
The trail parallels the river, moving up the side of the hill.
At about 1.25 miles you reach a small, primitive camp called Potrero camp. Cross the creek.
There is a trail junction here just after crossing the creek marking Portrero Trail and Hurricane Deck to the right. It is marked by a rusty metal sign.
The trail winds uphill through sparse vegetation and chaparral that closes in on the trail here and there to tear at your skin and clothes
At about the 3 mile mark you come to an interesting rock at 2899 ft. The trail begins to descend a bit from here into a pretty meadow filled with oak trees.
The trail begins to head up again, winding through bunchy grass and overgrown sage.
At about the 4 mile mark is a last chance for some shade if you need to rest.
At approximately 4.5 miles, reach the junction with Hurricane Deck Trail. The junction is a little confusing and somewhere there is a sign. You need not find the sign to go the correct way. Hurricane Deck trail traverses the prominent ridge here between the San Rafael Mountain Range from whence you came and the Sierra Madre Range north of you. The trail goes east-west.
You can stop here or try to climb to a highpoint on Hurricane Deck, another half mile to the east.
To return to your car, head back the way you came.
Total distance: About 10 or 11 miles.