Big Laguna Trail 

Features: Meadows, Big Laguna Lake (seasonal), wildflowers.

Length: 4 miles (Laguna Campground to Penny Pines), 17 miles including Spurs.

Elevation gain/loss: +300'/-300'.

Hiking time: 2.5 hours (main trail).

Users: Hikers, bikers, equestrians.

Difficulty: Easy.

Best time of year: Any time except during storms.

Potable water: None.

Access points: Penny Pines parking area, Sunrise Highway, Laguna Campground.

Description: The Big Laguna Trail is technically termed a "trail complex" consisting of the main trail, and 8 "spurs" that radiate from the main trail and link to other trails. Parts of the trail complex utilize the roadbed for the old Sunrise Highway. This description includes part of the BLT from the Laguna Campground to Penny Pines.

The marked trail across from the Laguna amphitheater leads westerly, skirting Little Laguna Lake and passing through enormous oaks to an opening in a fence. If you go left, you can follow the BLT across Los Huecos Road and Sunrise Highway to the southern terminus of the trail at the Pacific Crest Trail. Going right from the fence opening, you cross the meadow and over a wooden bridge to the intersection with the El Prado Spur, one of eight along the trail. Trending left (westerly), the trail follows the contours within the pine forest, and branches at the lower end of Big Laguna Lake. Going left takes you to Water of the Woods Spur, the Sunset Trail, and a northerly lane of the BLT on the far side of the meadow. Turning right at this point, the trail follows the eastern contours of Big Laguna Lake, meandering in and out of shaded forest and meadow. You will soon come upon the northern end of El Prado Spur. Continuing north, you reach the top of the meadow where you can circle back to the westerly path, if desired. Continuing northerly, you come to the intersection with the Filaree Flat Spur. The trail trends easterly then northerly for about a mile, when you come to a horse gate and the intersection of the Noble Canyon National Scenic Trail. It's only about 200 yards from here to the Penny Pines parking area, where you can arrange for a ride back to the campground.