PCT — California Section M
~6 days · 89.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section M is known for
147 km (91 mi) of the Pacific Crest Trail from Highway 49 at Sierra City to Highway 70 at Belden, along the quiet northern Sierra crest. A 6-day section ending with the long plunge into the Feather River canyon.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,470 ft to 24,446 ft over 89.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 33.3 mi · 38%
- Downhill 43.9 mi · 49%
- Flat 11.6 mi · 13%
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 M?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section M scores 49/100, 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 M take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section M in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 89.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section M?
The PCT — California Section M climbs roughly 18,819 ft total — about 211 ft per mile, topping out near 7,480 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.