PCT — California Section J
~5 days · 73.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section J is known for
PCT California Section J runs from Sonora Pass to Echo Lake near South Lake Tahoe, roughly 75 miles point-to-point through the volcanic crest country of the northern Sierra, including the Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wilderness areas. Grades are gentler than the High Sierra to the south, and most backpackers cover it in 4-6 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23,950 ft to 34,531 ft over 73.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 36.2 mi · 49%
- Downhill 28.8 mi · 39%
- Flat 8.7 mi · 12%
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 J?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section J scores 43/100, 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 J take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section J in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 73.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section J?
The PCT — California Section J climbs roughly 15,535 ft total — about 211 ft per mile, topping out near 10,538 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.