For nearly 400 miles, the PCT stretches across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, crossing at least ten major passes reaching between 9,000 to 13,000 feet in elevation.

Although the highest passes were behind me in the southern Sierras, the area north of Yosemite National Park to Sonora Pass could arguably be considered the hardest, steepest terrain on the PCT. This meant that every time I got to go downhill, I knew I had to slog uphill again! Luckily it was beautifully distracting!

But then, one day, something amazing happened. A mileage marker announced 1000 miles! I had walked a 1000 miles on the PCT. I never could have imagined such a thing!

Within a few days, we arrived at the most northern pass of the Sierra Mountains, Sonora Pass, during a dramatic wind and rain storm. It was really the second time I’ve donned my raincoat during my whole trip. 

 Jana and I on Sonora Pass

Crossing over Sonora Pass was a bit bittersweet as it is symbolically (not geologically) considered the end of the Sierras on the PCT. We celebrated with good food, a lot of soft serve ice cream, and a days rest at Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. 

Dinner with Jana (South Africa), Boba (California), Double Check and Pogo (Washington).

Although I loved the dizzy-ing altitudes of the high Sierras, I really enjoyed this transition zone where granite walls gave way to intrusive basalt peaks and forests, and wildflower-filled meadows burst with diversity. This stellar scenery and warm weather continued into Northern California as I headed toward Lake Tahoe.

At Carson Pass, volunteers at the Eldorado National Forest Ranger Station provide “magic” for all the PCT hikers.

Then, the next day, a father-son team of hikers, who had completed the Appalachian Trail and the PCT, brought all kinds of yummies for us, too! This was a “magical” section to hike!

Dibs and Kentucky with hikers Giggles, Birdie and myself

The areas around Carson Pass and west of Lake Tahoe are considered a National Heritage Site for its diversity of wildflowers. Imagine meadows of Arrow-leafed Balsam Root as far as you can see! I walked through colorful meadows for miles and sometimes the flowers reached over my head!

Soon after, I crossed into the beautiful area of Echo Lake.

Then, I began the climb into the infamous Desolation Wilderness, known for its stark beauty of glaciated granite walls and gouged lakes. Unfortunately, I arrived at the same time as a dramatic hail storm so I had to huddle under a tree!

But soon, the clouds moved on and the sun highlighted the glories of this beautiful Wilderness area.

By this time, the PCT was walking in conjunction with the Tahoe Rim Trail and I had some spectacular views and campsites above Lake Tahoe.

In the next couple of days, I arrived at the historic and beautiful Donner Pass (1,154 miles!). It is here where I decided to take a short leave from trail, have a little rest, and get ready for the rest of the adventure! Stay tuned for more about that!