PCT — California Section I
~5 days · 72.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section I is known for
Pacific Crest Trail Section I, from Tuolumne Meadows north through Yosemite's remote northern canyons to Sonora Pass at Highway 108. About 75 miles point-to-point with repeated big canyon climbs and descents; typically 4-6 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 25,197 ft to 35,348 ft over 72.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 36.3 mi · 50%
- Downhill 33.1 mi · 46%
- Flat 2.7 mi · 4%
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 I?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section I scores 40/100, 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 many days does the PCT — California Section I take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section I in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 72.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section I?
The PCT — California Section I climbs roughly 14,127 ft total — about 196 ft per mile, topping out near 10,873 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.