Pacific Crest Trail: California Section I

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section I is a 71.7-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Tuolumne Meadows (Tioga Pass) to Sonora Pass (Highway 108). This section of the trail runs through designated Wilderness within the northern half of Yosemite National Park. This section is scenic and remote. It features quintessential Sierra Nevada landscapes filled with sheer granite cliffs,jagged peaks, lush meadows, flowing creeks, and cascading waterfalls. The trail rises and falls between an elevation range of around 7,600 feet and 10,800 feet throughout this section. Before reaching Sonora Pass, it passes through Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Wilderness, Hoover Wilderness, and a small portion of Emigrant Wilderness. It is a multi-use trail that is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.BEAR COUNTRY: Yosemite National Park is home to many American black bears, which unfortunately have become used to human visitors. Keeping food properly stored is essential for both your safety and the bear's. Visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/containers.htm for more information about appropriate food containers. WATER: For information about the crowd sourced water report for the Pacific Crest Trail please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/water/pct-water-report/. PERMITS AND FEES: For information about regional and/or long distance permits along the Pacific Crest Trail, please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.Yosemite National Park - Wilderness Permit InformationPermits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite National Park. 60% of wilderness permit reservations become available by lottery 24 weeks in advance.There is a fee to enter the national park. For information about qualifying passes, ways to pay, and more please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm. HALFMILE MAPS: Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONYosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.