PCT — California Section F landscape

Photo: Photo by Austin Filippi on Unsplash

PCT — California Section F

~6 days · 84.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance84.7 mi
Days out6
Elevation gain15,128 ft
Gain / mile179 ft
High point6,988 ft

What the PCT — California Section F is known for

PCT Section F crosses the western Mojave and the Piute Mountains from Tehachapi Pass to Walker Pass, about 85 miles point-to-point. Water sources are few and far between, making this one of the drier stretches of the southern PCT. Typically 5-6 days.

Route map & campsites

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

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 12,595 ft to 22,592 ft over 84.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 43.4 mi · 51%
  • Downhill 30.3 mi · 36%
  • Flat 10.6 mi · 13%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the PCT — California Section F take?

Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section F in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 84.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section F?

The PCT — California Section F climbs roughly 15,128 ft total — about 179 ft per mile, topping out near 6,988 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.

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