Pacific Crest Trail: California Section K - Echo Lake to Donner Summit

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section K is a 63-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Echo Lake to Highway 80 / Donner Summit. There are 22 miles of this section that are shared with the Tahoe Rim Trail, another long distance scenic trail. In this section, the trail is multi-use and is open to hikers, runners, backpackers, and horseback riders. This section of the PCT runs along the west side of Lake Tahoe, the largest lake in the Sierra Nevada. The trail passes through the Desolation Wilderness, one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country, as well as Granite Chief Wilderness, which features steep glacier-carved valleys, fragrant pine forests, and lush meadows with spectacular spring wildflower displays.MILES AND WAYPOINTS (South to North)03.00 - Enter Desolation Wilderness 24.00 - Leave Desolation Wilderness37.00 - Enter Granite Chief Wilderness46.00 - Leave Granite Chief Wilderness59.00 - Donner Pass RoadPERMITSFor information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.Desolation Wilderness: Permits are required for both day and overnight use. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev7_019072. HALFMILE MAPSLon 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 INFORMATIONTahoe Rim Trail Association: https://tahoerimtrail.org/. Desolation Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786. Granite Chief Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11819.