PCT — California Section K
~4 days · 59.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section K is known for
PCT Section K climbs from Echo Lake near Lake Tahoe through the granite lake basins of the Desolation Wilderness, then follows the Sierra crest north to Donner Pass at Interstate 80. About 64 miles point-to-point, sharing tread with the Tahoe Rim Trail in its southern half. Typically 3-5 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 22,756 ft to 29,816 ft over 59.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 24.6 mi · 42%
- Downhill 28.8 mi · 49%
- Flat 5.5 mi · 9%
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 K?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section K scores 32/100, 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 K take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section K in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 59.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section K?
The PCT — California Section K climbs roughly 9,997 ft total — about 169 ft per mile, topping out near 9,377 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.