PCT Day 48 – PCT mile 669.9 to 688.4

May 22, 2026

Total PCT miles: 18.5

Non PCT miles: 0.0

Total: 18.5 miles / 29.8 km

Total elevation gain: 5325 ft

Total elevation loss: 2411 ft

Steps: 44010

Good morning from the Pacific Crest Trail! I’m honestly not entirely sure what to write today. It was pretty much just an average day out on the trail. Started the day in the Owen Peak wilderness area at 0600. It was another warm day so I wanted to get the first climb of the day done and over with while it was still cool out.

The 2500 ft climb over a few miles was well graded but I struggled a bit. Just overall felt tired and had a hard time getting the old legs to move as quickly as I’d like. Once at the top I found a shady spot for second breakfast.

I arrived at the first water source for the day in Chimney Creek Wilderness area around noon after a 12 mile water carry. This water was located near a dirt road and there was a cooler with ice and beer! A little bit of trail magic keeps the spirits going. I don’t normally drink beer on trail…. Especially when I have another uphill to do, even less so when it’s hot and sunny. But today I couldn’t resist the temptation! Apparently later on there was a full on trail magic set up here but I left before it was up and going.

I sat in the shade with a group of hikers for almost two hours. Then clouds started to slowly fill the sky and a light breeze picked up! This was perfect timing to hike the next climb up to 8000 ft. The acent was really gradual over 6 miles and thanks to the change in weather I made really good time.

There are 15 miles left until Kennedy Meadows South and the official end of the Desert section of the PCT and the start of the Sierra. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to get some good intel on the weather conditions in town that will help guide my strategy.

Well that’s it for me today.