Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
30,561.00 ft (9,314.99 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
175.00 mi (281.63 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section H is a 175-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This section, which runs from Mount Whitney to Tuolumne Meadows / Yosemite National Park, is considered to be one of the most scenic in the world and is certainly a favorite along the PCT. It includes a significant portion of the John Muir Trail and passes through Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Yosemite National Park. In addition to being one of the most scenic, it is also one of the most strenuous sections with an overall elevation gain exceeding 30,000 feet, including a climb over Forester Pass (13,1153’), the highest point on the entire PCT. The PCT is a multi-use trail that is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

This section is set entirely in the awe-inspiring High Sierra, a region full of 13,000'-14,000' granite peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and deep canyons. It offers unobstructed views and 200 miles of roadless terrain.  And, when compared to other major mountain ranges, this region has some of the sunniest, and mildest climates.

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.

HALFMILE MAPS

Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm



 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

10

Pros

High Sierra peaks. Alpine lakes. Unobstructed views.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

10,825.00 ft (3,299.46 m)

Highest point

13,153.00 ft (4,009.03 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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