Pacific Crest Trail: California Section F

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section F is an 83.8-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. This section extends between State Route 58 (SR 58) and State Route 158 (SR 158). This section is rugged and remote with no major roads crossing between the southern and northern trailheads. The Pacific Crest Trail is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. 

Heading north from Tehachapi this section begins with a long and scenic climb onto the Sierra crest where it remains until the end at Walker Pass. This section is known for its hot, rugged terrain and long stretches without water or shade. The landscape is characterized by unobstructed views with corrugated hills, deep valleys, desert plains and distant mountain peaks. The terrain varies from juniper woodland, to pinyon-pine and oak woodland, up to Jeffrey-pine forest in the Piute Mountains, and back down to pinyon-pine woodland at Walker Pass. 

MILES AND DESCRIPTIONS 

00.00 - Highway 58

16.00 - Gold Oak Spring: A piped spring that may provide water. 

34.50 - Road to Robin Bird Spring: Generally considered to be reliable for much of the year. Spring is 

located a short distance to the west of the PCT. 

54.30 - Road to Willow Spring: This spring is generally considered to be reliable, however it is located 

  about 2 miles northwest of the PCT along Dove Spring Road.

69.50 - Road to Yellow Jacket Spring: Seasonal spring that is located about ¾ of a mile northwest of the 

PCT.

76.20 - Road to McIvers Spring: Cabin and spring located ¼ of a mile off trail. 

83.00 - Walker Pass Campground: Large campground located off Highway 178.

WATER

This section has very little reliable water year-round. To access the crowd sourced water report, go to https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/water/pct-water-report/.

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.

HALFMILE MAPS

Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. 

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Walker Pass Campground - https://www.blm.gov/visit/walker-pass-campground.