PCT — California Section D landscape

Photo: Photo by Megan Clark on Unsplash

PCT — California Section D

7 days · 109.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance109.7 mi
Days out7
Elevation gain30,633 ft
Gain / mile279 ft
High point9,262 ft
Difficulty index68/100

What the PCT — California Section D is known for

176 km (110 mi) of the Pacific Crest Trail from Cajon Pass (I-15) across the San Gabriel Mountains past Mount Baden-Powell to Agua Dulce and the Vasquez Rocks. A 7-day mountain section between two desert gaps.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the PCT — California Section D on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 7,405 ft to 29,094 ft over 109.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 50.7 mi · 47%
  • Downhill 50.2 mi · 46%
  • Flat 7.9 mi · 7%

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 D?

68 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section D scores 68/100, 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 D?

The PCT — California Section D climbs roughly 30,633 ft total — about 279 ft per mile, topping out near 9,262 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.

Plan the PCT — California Section D Plan Free →