PCT Day 57 – PCT mile 750.7 to Crabtree Meadows (767.5)

May 31, 2026

Total PCT miles: 16.8

Non PCT miles: 1.1

Total: 17.9 miles / 28.8 km

Total elevation gain: 3094 ft

Total elevation loss: 3524 ft

Steps: 44070

Sleeping at elevation is not easy and often results in a poor outcome. Last night camped at 11119 ft, the highest we’ve been on the PCT so far, resulted in the worst sleep I’ve had on trail. Maybe 4 hours of broken, interrupted and not restful sleep. But at least the sun was out and hitting us at 0700 am warming us from the below freezing temperatures last night.

Today was another challenging day but as it progressed started to get more beautiful. It’s really starting to feel like we are in the High Sierra both in exertion levels required to move and in the beautiful landscapes.

We climbed almost to 12000 ft where we came across Chicken Spring Lake our first alpine lake. Apparently there is some sort of tradition to go swimming in it… but I had little desire to experience what hell freezing over actual feels like so I just continued on my way.

The forests here are interesting. Large pine and cedar trees with quite a bit of separation growing in sand or between rocks.

At times the trial provided beautiful views of green meadow valleys and the mountains in front. Today we had to cross our first two of many creek/river crossings on the PCT. The name of the game is keeping your shoes dry. The prize – dry feet. Rock creek was the first and fortunately there was a well placed narrow log that made the crossing easy. Whitney Creek was the second and rocks made it easy as well.

Coming down into Crabtree Meadows, the PCT gateway to Mount Whitney was beautiful. The view of Whitney and surrounding mountains was incredible.

Finished our hiking at 1700 and I am exhausted. Most of our group will hike to the Summit of Mount Whitney tomorrow but I am likley just going to take it easy. The elevation and miles have really taken a toll on my body the last few days and I probably should listen to it. Whitney is not part of the PCT, just a very popular optional side quest many hikers do. I had hoped to summit it, but not at any cost.