Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
11,973.00 ft (3,649.37 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
73.10 mi (117.64 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 J  is a 73-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Sonora Pass to Echo Lake. This section of the trail is characterized by volcanic mountains and flower-filled meadows along a gentle terrain. Day hikers and section hikers will find this section easy to access due to numerous road crossings and trailheads. The trail is moderately rated, multi-use, and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

Heading north, this section begins with a climb up from Sonora Pass.  The trail traverses lush forests and wildflower-filled meadows throughout the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. In between Highway 4 and Highway 88, the trail dips in and out of the Mokelumne Wilderness. 

The PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail meet at Highway 50 / Echo Summit and remain together for approximately 22 miles. Two miles past Echo Summit is Echo Lake, which marks the end of this section.  

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

Carson-Iceberg Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=15109

Mokelumne Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019063

Tahoe Rim Trail Association: https://tahoerimtrail.org/

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

5

Pros

Lush forest. Wildflowers. Echo Lake.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

9,633.00 ft (2,936.14 m)

Highest point

14,190.00 ft (4,325.11 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

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