PCT Day 34 – PCT mile 478.3 to Sawmill Camp (mile 498.2)

May 9, 2026

Total PCT miles: 19.9

Non PCT miles: 0.3

Total: 20.2 miles / 32.5 km

Total elevation gain: 4226 ft

Total elevation loss: 2418 ft

Steps: 45784

It was another early morning in a futile attempt to beat the day time heat. Up at 0400 and on trail at 0445. I could feel heat radiating from the ground as we started our first climb of the day. I felt tired and slow, my body aching from yesterdays near 20 mile day. But I pushed upwards and onwards… the miles certainly won’t hike themselves.

I reached the top of the first climb just as the sun was beginning to rise over the desert valley below. It was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have seen in a long time irregardless of the fact that I would curse that same sun for the remainder of the day. I stopped briefly to take it all in before starting my decent to Lake Hughes Road. On the way down my ankles, calves, quads and hips were sore. I place at least part of the blame on my air mattres that slowly looses air overnight.

At the road there is a small water cache and a picnic table. All the caches I saw yesterday and this one were built by an Eagle Scout troop who never had any intention of maintaining them so that work has fallen on local trail angles. Fortunately there has been plenty of water so no need. But those sources will all soon mostly be dried out and they will be invaluable to hikers. I stopped here and had breakfast knowing every minute I stayed here the hotter the next climb would get.

The next climb was slow as I took breaks in as many shaded areas as possible. Coming across a spring i stopped and drank 2 liters of water. At the top of the climb I was rewarded by small group of trees that provided ample shade. I channeled my inner hiker trash and rolled out my tyvek ground sheet and took a short nap. Later an interesting older cyclist came by and remarked the whole area used to be covered with pine and oak trees. Most now long destroyed by various forest fires.

3ish hours later I decided it was time to start moving again even though I’m sure I could have spent the rest of the night there. I waked through a burn area with significant poodle dog bush careful to avoid touching it. Eventually I returned to pine forest and the glorious shade it provided. Over the last two days I’ve noticed a significant increase in bitting insects Which adds a whole new layer of fun and excitement to the trek. Fortunately I am carrying bug spray but I’ll also likely buy a bug net in the next town stop.

I reached Sawmill Camp around 1900 and came across two car campers. They offered me Carne Asada Tacos and I could not resist. Soon there was beer and cola as well. The food was absolutely incredible and probably the best meal I have had on trail. The generosity I have experienced on this hike has in some ways honestly restored some of my faith in humanity. Thank you Juan and Jessica for the food, conversation and making me smile.

Although it’s going to be hot tomorrow as well I plan on getting a full night sleep. I’m planning for a shorter day to better line up with Hikertown and not having to spend the night there before the notorious Aqueduct section.