PCT — California Section C
8 days · 127.1 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section C is known for
207 km (128 mi) of the Pacific Crest Trail from San Gorgonio Pass (I-10) through the San Bernardino Mountains — Mission Creek, Big Bear, and the Deep Creek hot springs — to Cajon Pass at Interstate 15. Typically a 8-day section.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,423 ft to 28,310 ft over 127.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 45.9 mi · 36%
- Downhill 58.8 mi · 47%
- Flat 21.6 mi · 17%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the PCT — California Section C?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section C scores 56/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section C?
The PCT — California Section C climbs roughly 22,562 ft total — about 178 ft per mile, topping out near 8,734 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.