PCT Day 11 – PCT Mile 166.6 to Idyllwild

April 15, 2025

Total PCT miles: 12.8

Non PCT miles: 3

Total: 15.8 miles / 25.4 km

Total elevation gain: 4403

Steps: 39940

Today is a good day because it’s a town day. But first I must embrace the suck that are the mountains before me.

I was packed and hiking at 0600 thankful that I had slept at lower elevation and that my newly acquired ground sheet keeps my tent a little cleaner. The wind died down last night and it was a cool morning excellent for the hike ahead. I had only 1.25 liters of water to make it to the Tahquitz creek located at mile 172.

I didn’t hike this part of the trail in 2018 as I had limped off somewhere before this point. The first 2 miles were all uphill and I managed to make relatively quick work. From here the trail continued up along the side of the various mountains. I understand now why these trails can be treacherous. I’m not sure I would hike them if there were snow and ice. I was moving quite slowly for several miles as I fatigued but was not wanting to rest due to lack of water and the strong desire to get to town. As difficult as the trail was it was incredibly beautiful with amazing views of the sounding mountains and valleys bellow.

Somewhere around 8000 ft, thanks to the storm that passed here two days ago, the trail started to become snow covered. Fortunately this part of the trail was more in land and not sketch. I arrived at Tahquitz creek and was rewarded with nice cold glorious water and enjoyed a snack. There were several other hikers here all discussing if they were going to summit Mount San Jacinto or not. Of the group only 1 was planning to do so. Personally I have yet to decide if I will or not.

From here it was mostly downhill to Saddel Junction where I will take the trail down into town. On my decent I started to get some pain in my left calf like a strong cramp that continued to get worse until I had some difficultly walking. I slowly passed the parking lot and started walking into town. Fortunately the first vehicle that passed me stopped and gave me a ride to my hotel. They were a lovely couple from San Diego on vacation here in Idyllwild.

I checked into my hotel at around 1500. Later than I had hoped but early enough for me to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Blaze, a physical therapist who follows the PCT hiker crowd was in town so I bought some compression sleeves for my calves from her hoping it would help prevent future issues.

In the evening I enjoyed a whole pizza to myself. I had gone back to my room when I realized I had lost my power bank. I found it a several hiker I knew at the restaurant and chatted for a while. Tomorrow I’ll do town chores, laundry and resupply before starting back on the trail Friday before the Coachella madness hits the area.