Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

The trail begins with a pretty epic 8 miles, winding through craggy/volcanic landscapes of the true eastern Sierra, before you pop out to a view of the entire rest of the hike in front of you (looking north to Round Top and Elephant's Back). Save some gas for the last 7 miles, because they are difficult and fully exposed to the elements. The views are incredible, with grassy meadows full of wildflowers in the summertime.This trail is all the splendor and solitude that the PCT can promise, and well worth the effort to set up the shuttle. There are countless locations to camp along its route, with regular creeks and lakes for water. Though described here in the south to north direction, you can do it the other way and have just as incredible an experience.

This section of the PCT intersects many of the historic wagon routes used to cross the Sierra in the 1800s.