PCT Day 81 – PCT mile 1007.1 to Pinecrest Lake

June 24, 2026

Total PCT miles: 11.2

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 11.2 miles / 18.0 km

Total elevation gain: 2861 ft

Total elevation loss: 2323 ft

Steps: 20094

Today is a town day which means town food, town drinks, a bed, laundry and a shower that I most certainly desperately need. The only thing standing between me and all of the above is Sonora Pass.

The recent comments about Sonora Pass in Far Out were concerning. Multiple people mentioned lots of sketchy snow crossings on the switchbacks that were even worse on the north side going down to the hwy. High Stakes and I decided that we would start hiking at 0500 hrs in hopes that whatever snow there was would be firm allowing out microspikes to grip it better.

The climb up to the ridge was along the most gently graded switch backs I have hiked so far on the trail. As I hiked the glow of the rising sun began kissing the mountains behind me. As I started to reach over 10000ft I could see back into Yosemite Park and its the jagged granite peaks. Ahead of me the landscape was changing drastically. We reached the top at 10800 ft shortly after 0800 hrs and continued hiking around this elevation for 5 miles. The scenery ahead was green valleys and hopefully easier hiking ahead.

Surprisingly in all the videos I’ve ever watched about the PCT I don’t remember seeing much about this part. I’m not sure why it is honestly some of the most beautiful trail I’ve seen since starting the trail. I doubt my photos will do it justice.

Sonora Pass is widely considered the end of the Sierra Section of the PCT. Although depending on who you ask others may say South Lake Tahoe. Geographically speaking it’s not actually until PCT mile 1299 which marks the divide between the Sierra and Cascade mountains.

For myself I’m going with Sonora Pass and as such I have now completed the Sierra Section of the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ve been dreaming about hiking this part of the PCT for years and now I’ve done it. I’ve been to the top of Forester Pass, swam in an alpine lake, crossed rivers that took every ounce of strength and focus and been completely in awe of its beauty and its wildness.

The Sierra pushed me both physically and mentally to my breaking points but I’ve come out on the other side stronger as a result. Today walking out of the Sierra feels like closing one chapter of this crazy journey I am on.

Reaching Sonora Pass the plan was initially to go to Kennedy Meadows North then maybe to Pinecrest to a trail angles cottage that hosts hikers. We stood on the side of Hwy 108 for about 15 mins until we were joined by another hiker “Couscous” and shorty after we were picked up by someone on vacation who has been trail running various parts of the PCT/JMT. He was suppose to run a section with the hiker attempting the fasted known time but they are a bit off pace and he had to go back to work. Since he was driving all the way past Pinecrest we decided to just go there.

Pinecrest Lake is basically a giant campsite with cottages. Not much else in or around town. The one restaurant was closed but we got burgers at the lake snack shop before heading to “Cookies” cottage. I didn’t get a lot of time to talk with him as he was out most of the afternoon and evening but he seems like a very interesting person.

It’s a relaxing spot for sure and I am extremely grateful for the shower and bed. There are a total of 6 hikers here tonight and Rooster took the lead on making spaghetti for dinner. First home cooked meal in I don’t know how many miles.

I’m excited for a nice comfortable sleep in a real bed tonight 🙂