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This comprehensive guide provides in-depth coverage of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from the Mexican border to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Plan day hikes, weekend backpacks, or an extended thru-hike adventure with this indispensable resource.Our PCT gurus supply maps, photos, resupply access routes, side trips, and updated trail data. Learn about rocks, plants, animals, and human history along the trail. Plan for, trouble-shoot, and enjoy your PCT adventure with this authoritative guide. Over 200 maps included. Winner of the Classic Award in the 2008 National Outdoor Book Awards.
| Acknowledgments | ix | |
| Introductory Chapters | ||
| Locator Map | xii | |
| Chapter 1 | The PCT, Its History and Use | 1 |
| Chapter 2 | Planning Your PCT Hike | 7 |
| Trekking Days or Weeks versus Trekking Months | 7 | |
| Organizations Relevant to the Pacific Crest Trail | 9 | |
| Mailing Tips (including post offices along or near the route) | 14 | |
| Federal Government Agencies (with south-to-north listing) | 15 | |
| Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail--Dayhiking/Backpacking | 18 | |
| Trail Advice | 18 | |
| Items to consider for your backpack | 19 | |
| Animal and Plant Problems on the PCT | 23 | |
| Weather | 29 | |
| Hypothermia | 31 | |
| High Altitude Problems | 32 | |
| Chapter 3 | PCT Natural History | 33 |
| Geology | 33 | |
| Biology | 42 | |
| Plant Communities of California's Pacific Crest Trail | 50 | |
| Chapter 4 | Using This Guide | 57 |
| Our Route Description | 57 | |
| Icons Used in this Book | 59 | |
| Following the Trail | 60 | |
| Map Legend | 61 | |
| California PCT Mileage Table | 62 | |
| Trail Sections | ||
| Section A | Mexican Border to Warner Springs | 64 |
| Section B | Warner Springs to San Gorgonio Pass | 96 |
| Section C | San Gorgonio Pass to Interstate 15 near Cajon Pass | 124 |
| Section D | Interstate 15 near Cajon Pass to Agua Dulce | 160 |
| Section E | Agua Dulce to Highway 58 near Mojave | 190 |
| Section F | Highway 58 near Tehachapi Pass to Highway 178 at Walker Pass | 226 |
| Section G | Highway 178 to Mt. Whitney | 254 |
| Section H | Mt. Whitney to Tuolumne Meadows | 296 |
| Recommended Reading and Source Books | 342 | |
| Index | 345 |
Overview
This comprehensive guide provides in-depth coverage of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from the Mexican border to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Plan day hikes, weekend backpacks, or an extended thru-hike adventure with this indispensable resource.Our PCT gurus supply maps, photos, resupply access routes, side trips, and updated trail data. Learn about rocks, plants, animals, and human history along the trail. Plan for, trouble-shoot, and enjoy your PCT adventure with this authoritative guide. Over 200...