PCT Day 25 – PCT mile 343.6 to Mile 358.6

April 29, 2026

Total PCT miles: 15

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 15.0 miles / 24.1 km

Total elevation gain: 4534 ft

Total elevation loss: 676 ft

Steps: 33721

Kia Ora! Hello in Maui! Today was a slog.

Woke up with a significant amount of condensation on my tent which surprised me. It probably shouldn’t have but it did none the less. The first few miles to the water cache was relatively easy. Thank god for this well stocked and reliable water cache. The water carry from McDonalds would have been way to much. Our little group stopped here for breakfast and to fill up for the next stretch. After the cache it is more than 15 miles to the next water source and 6000 ft ish of elevation gain. I made the decision to carry 6 liters of water and am I ever glad I did.

Shortly after the cache there was a trail register. These are neat because you can see who is ahead of you and by how much.

The sun was out in force the entire day with no clouds and very little wind. It was only in the low 20s Celsius but it felt much much hotter. I deployed my sun umbrella but it did little to help with the heat.The uphill climb was gradual but relentless with little shade to be found. What made it even worse was that it basically was the same view of the same canyon all day long. At some point we passed the 350 mile mark which means we are now 1/2 way done the desert section of the PCT!!!!!

Out group split into two both with plans to camp at different locations. Myself and Ness had a more ambitious goal to put us closer to Wrightwood where our next resupply and zero day is.

We found the tiniest bit of shade for lunch and carried on. Shortly before 1600 my body decided it had enough. I felt dizzy and nauseated. Was it the heat, the elevation, the 800 mg of caffeine I had drank today from these most delicious electrolyte powders I found in a hiker box I’m not sure I’ll ever know. But I did something I rarely do and stopped, told Ness and took a break. We formulated a new plan and decided to camp nearby about 3 miles short of our goal. It’s not a nice camp spot and it’s very rocky. I lost my ground sheet so I’m using rain gear underneath my air mattress to protect it.

After some rest, lots of water (thank god I packed out 6 liters) and some food I am feeling better. 10 miles to walk tomorrow to we get to the access point for Wrightwood!