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California Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail


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Map Key

75.9

Miles

122.2

KM

Point to Point

10,524' 3,208 m

High

7,230' 2,204 m

Low

11,474' 3,497 m

Up

13,690' 4,173 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

Overview

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section J is a 73-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Sonora Pass to Echo Lake. This section of the trail is characterized by volcanic mountains and flower-filled meadows along a gentle terrain. Day hikers and section hikers will find this section easy to access due to numerous road crossings and trailheads. The trail is moderately rated, multi-use, and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. - Overview by Lani Advokat, Outdoor Project.

Section Of

Description

Heading north, this section begins with a climb up from Sonora Pass. The trail traverses lush forests and wildflower-filled meadows throughout the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. In between Highway 4 and Highway 88, the trail dips in and out of the Mokelumne Wilderness.

The PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail meet at Highway 50 / Echo Summit and remain together for approximately 22 miles. Two miles past Echo Summit is Echo Lake, which marks the end of this section.

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#1213

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#187

in California

#1,213

Overall
11 Views Last Month
3,168 Since Sep 18, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View from the boundary between Stanislaus National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Oct 11, 2019 near South L…, CA
Silver Peak from Pacific Crest Trail
Oct 11, 2019 near South L…, CA
Noble Lake
Oct 11, 2019 near South L…, CA
Looking towards Tryon Peak from Pacific Crest Trail
Oct 11, 2019 near South L…, CA
Forestdale Creek drainage
Jan 24, 2022 near South L…, CA
Views far into the north from below Tryon Peak
Oct 11, 2019 near South L…, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2021
Tilman Giese
Forestdale Divide to Carson Pass
Aug 17, 2019
Glen White
Oct 27, 2018
Tilman Giese
Ebbetts Pass to Lower Gardner Meadown
Aug 25, 2018
Kyeongmog Kwon
Jul 7, 2018
Danny Landry
Great trail. Surprises at every turn. Lots of wild flowers. Plenty of water/streams.
Aug 15, 2017
Tara Veldman
Aug 13, 2017
Tara Veldman
Aug 12, 2017
Tara Veldman
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