PCT — California Section P
~7 days · 96.9 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT — California Section P is known for
PCT Section P climbs out of the Sacramento River canyon at Castle Crags and follows the Trinity Divide high country west and north to Etna Summit, about 100 miles point-to-point. Typically 6-7 days through some of far-northern California's best ridge walking.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,083 ft to 24,672 ft over 96.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 49.7 mi · 51%
- Downhill 39.6 mi · 41%
- Flat 7.3 mi · 8%
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 P?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — California Section P scores 47/100, 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 P take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section P in about 7 days (6 nights out) over its 96.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section P?
The PCT — California Section P climbs roughly 17,684 ft total — about 182 ft per mile, topping out near 7,664 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.