PCT Day 49 – PCT mile 669.9 to Kennedy Meadows mile 703.4

May 23, 2026

Total PCT miles: 15.0

Non PCT miles: 0.7

Total: 15.7 miles / 25.3 km

Total elevation gain: 1470 ft

Total elevation loss: 3310 ft

Steps: 34512

Today is the day I officially say good bye to the desert section of the Pacific Crest Trail and hello to the Sierra section. The small mountain town of Kennedy Meadows South, PCT mile 703.4 has traditionally marked this transition and today I will arrive.

I woke up today feeling a sense of excitement after one of the better sleeps I have had in this journey. Didn’t eat much for breakfast but stuffed my hip belt full of snacks and was on trail shortly after the sun crested the nearby mountain. Although not officially in the Sierra section of the PCT yesterday we had entered its foothills and the transition had been evident. Pine Trees and shrubs grew next to each other and the elevation had started to get higher. Lizards still scurried about and the threat of rattle snakes remained. Actually, Yukon, a guy I have been hiking with was bit in the shoe yesterday by one. Fortunately it was only his shoe and nothing worse.

The hike was mostly downhill for the bulk of the day and I made excellent time reaching the valley below and 10 miles around 0930. Somewhere around here you officially enter Sequoia National Forest but the sign is long gone. I reached the South Fork of the Kern River and the most water I’ve seen in what feels like hundreds of miles. Eventually, in the Sierra, I’ll cross the Middle and North Fork of this river. It had started to get hot and I stopped to filter some water.

A short while later I passed the 700 mile marker on the PCT! Only 3.4 miles left to Kennedy Meadows! I was passed by a man with the smallest pack I’ve seen so far on trail. I swear I would have more in a day bag then he had. It takes skill, confidence and honestly a little bit of luck to travel with so little. I was instantly jealous of how much better his back must feel compared to mine.

The trail arrives at Sherman Pass Road where it is a 0.6 mile walk to the Kennedy Meadows General store. It is a tradition that when a hiker arrives here all the other hikes cheer them on for successfully completing the desert section. I won’t lie it was an emotional moment for me and one I won’t soon forget.

There are two places hikers can stay at Kennedy Meadows, the General Store or Grumpy bears. We had decided to stay at Grumpy Bears even though they were having a large Memorial Day weekend party tonight so I retrieved my package from the General Store and waited for the shuttle. My package carefully put together by Mel back home had my bear canister (required for the Sierra), new shoes (thank goodness), some town clothes (sick of wearing rain gear when doing laundry in town), warm hat and mits, new socks and a few pieces of home with personal touches. Without her unwavering support I could not be here. Thank you.

The shuttle to Grumpy Bears was an interesting event. The shuttle never leaves anyone behind space or not. So I and two other people (Cry Baby and Chef) ended up in the trunk of this dodge caravan. The drive is only 3 miles… It was funny at first but then it was uncomfortable and then honestly quite painful. But we all arrived in one piece.

In 49 days of hiking I have:

-Taken 10 zeros (5 due to injury)

-Done one Nero

-Hiked 673.85 miles (PCT and Non PCT)

-Averaged 17.25 miles per day (not including zeros).

-Climbed 123787 ft (as per my watch)

-Taken 1.6 million steps

Here I am 700 miles and the desert section of the PCT completed. It’s been too hot, too cold, too sunny, too dry, too windy but also, in its own way beautiful. I’ve over come injury and embraced the suck more times than I can count. With the exception of some of my experiences at work this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Spending so much time with nothing other than the contents of my pack has given me appreciation for the little things I take for granted everyday. Along the way I’ve met so many interesting people and been the recipient of so much genuine kindness.

Next up the Sierra and the beauty and adventure it holds.