PCT Day 39 – PCT mile 541.6 to Tehachapi (566.6)

May 13, 2026

Total PCT miles: 25.0

Non PCT miles: 0.0

Total: 25.0 miles / 40.2 km

Total elevation gain: 5253 ft

Total elevation loss: 6211 ft

Steps: 58352

I’m sure you the reader will see a theme here and you will unsurprised to learn that I did not sleep well last night. Between the deflating air mattress and strong winds I struggled to stay asleep even with ear plugs in. I was up consistently between midnight and when my alarm went off at 0430 hrs. I had some oatmeal, packed up and was on my way at 0540.

The goal today was to put myself in a good spot to get into Tehachapi tomorrow morning. I’m not sure if it was the sleep deprivation, the hunger, the cooler temperture or if I was just hiking angry but I was absolutely crushing the miles.

The morning was the most significant elevation gain of the day. Which thankfully I managed to mostly complete before the sun hit this side of the mountain. The climb was accompanied by the final views of the desert valley below and the damned aqueduct section that I am very happy to not have to hike again. It was however kinda awesome too look down the valley and to the mountains on the other side and think I had hiked all of it.

My first break was at a water cache located at mile 549. There were reports of fruit being left here for hikers but by the time I arrived there were only chips… but they were delicious all the same. From here I started descending and was really making good time. I was trying to catch Ness who had hiked further yesterday.

As i descended the winds started to pick up eventually reaching gusts in excess of 40kph. Entering into Tehachapi pass a massive wind farm started to appear. The mountains here combined with the heating of the ground creates a Venturi effect accelerating the wind making the area prime for this type of energy generation. I’m not actually sure how strong the winds actually were. The forecast said 40 kph but at times it was strong enough to blow me around on the trail and I had to use my trekking poles to stay on course.

Around this time Ness messaged to tell me she changed her plans and was getting a hitch from the first road (Willow Springs) to Tehachapi. I continued hiking to the next water source contemplating what I would do. It was only 1300 hrs and another 6.5 miles to Highway 58, the second access point for Tehachapi. If I could do it that would make a 25 mile day and mean an easier start when back on trail due to shorter water carry. I was feeling good so I went for it.

I finished my 25 mile day at 1600hrs. I had only taken 2 real breaks and 2 smaller stops to change my socks out. I had only eaten oatmeal, a protein bar, a small bag of chips and some gummies. I had not slept well in longer than I can remember. But I did it – 25 miles! The longest I had ever hiked in one day and it included over 11000 feet of elevation change. It’s amazing how I can go from wanting to leave the trail one day to absolutely crushing it the next. I even think I could have done another 5 miles today without much issue. Honestly I was hiking angry and by the end of the day I had been successful in burning all that anger away.

I had a trail angle pick me up at highway 58 (thanks to Ness organizing) and went into town for much needed shower, food and rest.