PCT Day 32 – PCT mile 440.2 to mile 454.7

May 6, 2026

Total PCT miles: 14.5

Non PCT miles: 0.6

Total: 15.1 miles / 24.3 km

Total elevation gain: 2569 ft

Total elevation loss: 2733 ft

Steps: 38920

It was a warm but damp night resulting in a cool morning. But unlike the last few days the sky lacks clouds and the sun will soon be out and provide more than enough warmth. Our group of hikers packed up and were on trail in search of a sun bathed place to enjoy breakfast.

One mile in to the day we found just the place on top of a small ridge just above the trail. What does one eat for breakfast while on the trail? It seems everyone but me enjoys oatmeal whereas I tend to stick to smushed single packed muffins and pop tarts. I prefer not cooking in the morning as it takes less time but it’s also less nutritious. But two poptarts and a muffin are about 1100 ish calories and when Thruhiking calories matter. I’ve already lost over 15 lbs and my pants are looking baggier everyday.

The second stop of the day was just another 3 miles at the Los Angeles Camping and RV Resort. Located just 0.3 miles off trail we stopped here for iced cream and cold drinks before continuing on our way.

From here it was 11 miles to Agua Dulce the next town stop on the PCT. The temperature rose steadily until it reached 24 C but the steady breeze kept it feeling reasonable as I climbed the desert landscape. Town day meant there was only one thing on my mind… Town Food! And I was hiking with purpose.

I approached the tunnel that goes under HWY 14 and exited the other side in what almost felt like a different world. Here the trail goes from desert landscape to the Vasquez Rocks County Park and it’s famous rock formations. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here. The rapid and unexpected change from desert shrubbery to rock canyons and tress was almost jarring. I was easily distracted from the trail and took lots of photos. While walking I noticed one of my trekking pole tips is broken. I know you can replace just the tip but I’m unsure how easy it is to do it. The hardware store has some universal fit replacements so maybe I’ll try my luck. Or maybe I’ll wait until I’m somewhere I can just replace them. I’ve had these ones for a number of years now.

Vasquez Rocks neighbors Agua Dulce and the PCT uses the roads to walk into town. This entire town seems almost like a movie set with various houses displaying numbers for production companies to call if they want to use the property as a filming location. Out on the PCT it’s easy to forget that LA is only 45 mins away. I walked into town and got a cold drink and waited for my friends to arrive.

We are staying at Farmer John’s Serenity Oasis on the north side of town. 30$ to pitch your tent, have a shower and do your laundry. There are probably 20 ish hikers here today. On a busiest of days Farmer John says he can have upwards of 60. With only 1 shower and 2 washers and dryers line up’s were the name of the game. I opted to wait until after we had dinner to accomplish these tasks and as a direct result was up past hiker midnight. Despite the line ups this really is an Oasis in the desert and a great place to chill and chat with fellow thru hikers (minus the questionable electrical work).

Dinner was at the Mexican Supermarket, which is the only grocery store in town. The food was some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and highly recommend.

Tomorrow we will do our resupply and head out sometime in the afternoon. The later the better as they are calling for 29 degrees.