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.
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.
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
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=15109.
Mokelumne Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019063.
Tahoe Rim Trail Association: https://tahoerimtrail.org/.
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