Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

One of the nicest sections of the PCT--wandering through granite boulders, pine forests, and wildflower meadows--yet somehow largely forgotten, this is the pinnacle of California hiking but without all the crowds. It's best done as a multi-day trip and with a car shuttle.

No permits are required for this segment of the PCT. The route has plenty of water for filtering, and suitable camps are easy to find. Parking at Carson Pass costs a fee but toilets are available. Ebbetts Pass parking is free but there are no facilities.

The trail begins with a pretty epic 8 miles, winding through craggy/volcanic landscapes of the true eastern Sierra, before you pop out to a view of the entire rest of the hike in front of you (looking north to Round Top and Elephant's Back). Save some gas for the last 7 miles, because they are difficult and fully exposed to the elements. The views are incredible, with grassy meadows full of wildflowers in the summertime.

This trail is all the splendor and solitude that the PCT can promise, and well worth the effort to set up the shuttle. There are countless locations to camp along its route, with regular creeks and lakes for water. Though described here in the south to north direction, you can do it the other way and have just as incredible an experience.

This section of the PCT intersects many of the historic wagon routes used to cross the Sierra in the 1800s.