PCT Day 58 – Crabtree Meadows (767.5) to Tyndall Creek (775.9)

June 1, 2026

Total PCT miles: 8.4

Non PCT miles: 1.1

Total: 9.5 miles / 15.3 km

Total elevation gain: 1946 ft

Total elevation loss: 1640 ft

Steps: 23169

What a difference a day and a change of pace can make. Ultimately I decided against an early morning start and sumitting Mount Whitney. I would have preferred to have done the summit but I was in no physical or mental state to do it. It would have just been miserable and only served to continue to darken my mood. Instead of getting up at some ungodly hour and completing an exhausting zombie hike I slept… decently until 0700.

When I got out of bed I learned that Ness had also made the decision not to do the early morning death march. We decided together we would have a lazy morning, leave camp around 10ish and hike to Tyndall creek. This would put us in good position to hike Forester Pass, the offical highest pont on the PCT, the next day.

The extra sleep, combined with the relaxed pace really lifted our spirits. Hiking 18 plus miles a day in the Sierra is grueling both physically and mentally and I personally can not recommend that approach unless you are an athlete. I am far away from being an athlete and even my ability to embrace the suck has its limits.

The hike today was beautiful high Sierra and at times left me without words. The first obstacle was Wallace Creek which I almost successfully navigated the rock hop across. I celebrated the dry crossing a little early and ended up with one wet shoe. Shortly after was Wright creek where I was successful at keeping both feet dry.

From here we climbed and with each step the Sierra became more and more beautiful Until we reached the Bighorn Plateau. I was greatful for the slow pace today that allowed us lots of time to take in the beautiful scenery. All around us Were mountains. In the rear we could still see Whitney and in front Forester Pass was came into view and in between nothing but mountains And marmots. I think we counted a dozen or so marmots running around the plateau. This is truly the Sierra and what everyone has been telling me to look forward to.

From here it was a short distance to Tyndall Creek in which there was no way for me to cross without getting my feet wet. So across I went, shoes on (this will suck tomorrow). The water was knee high and moving quickly. I can’t imagine what this creek looks like in a high snow year!

We arrived at camp at 1600 just as the sky began to darken and thunder could be heard from the direction we came. Fortunately we only got a few rain drops at our location.

Tomorrow will be an early start over Forester Pass, one I am actually nervous for. All the reports we have been able to get on trail don’t make it sound too bad. One of the hikers camped here has friends who bailed yesterday. They are in town and have spoken with PCT hikers who said we shouldn’t be concerned. I guess I’ll find out for myself soon enough.

Although I missed out on Whitney today was a great day. I don’t feel emotionally, mentally or physically exhausted. Now I can’t only do 8 PCT miles a day through the rest of the Sierra. But there sure is a better balance to be found. The rest of the group are hiking part way here today and will probably meet up with us tomorrow.