PCT — California Section E landscape

Photo by Megan Clark on Unsplash

PCT — California Section E

7 days · 111.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance111.4 mi
Days out7
Elevation gain23,123 ft
Gain / mile208 ft
High point6,312 ft
Difficulty index48/100

What the PCT — California Section E is known for

178 km (110 mi) of the Pacific Crest Trail from Agua Dulce through the Sierra Pelona and the western Mojave — including the Los Angeles Aqueduct walk — to Tehachapi Pass at Highway 58. A 7-day section defined by wind farms and water caches.

Route map & campsites

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

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 8,353 ft to 20,548 ft over 111.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 40.6 mi · 37%
  • Downhill 41.1 mi · 37%
  • Flat 28.4 mi · 26%

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 E?

48 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section E scores 48/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 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 E?

The PCT — California Section E climbs roughly 23,123 ft total — about 208 ft per mile, topping out near 6,312 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.

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