Pacific Crest Trail-Sonora Pass to Dorothy Lake

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, better known as the Pacific Crest Trail or "PCT", is a 2,653 mile long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that spans from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canadian border along the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges in California, Oregon, and Washington. The trail was designated by the U.S. Congress in 1968 under the National Trails System Act. Approximately 70 miles of the PCT are managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, with 50 miles falling within the Carson Ranger District and 20 miles within the Bridgeport Ranger District.

From the south heading northbound on the Bridgeport Ranger District, the PCT enters the Hoover Wilderness from Yosemite National Park near Dorothy Lake. The trail continues northward passing dozens of alpine lakes, eventually crossing a large trail bridge over the West Fork West Walker River at around the 6 mile mark. Continuing north, the PCT passes through Kennedy Canyon before ascending back to the ridge line following along the boundary between the Hoover Wilderness and Emigrant Wilderness (Stanislaus National Forest). Eventually the trail exits the Hoover Wilderness before descending down to Sonora Pass and the Sonora Pass Trailhead off California Highway 108.

Continuing north from Sonora Pass, the PCT crosses onto the next section of the trail (Sonora Pass-Carson Pass) managed by the Carson Ranger District.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

2000

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the Hoover Wilderness on the Bridgeport Ranger District. ALL permits must be purchased through Recreation.gov. Permits are not required for day hikes. Please visit our Hoover Wilderness Permit webpage for additional information.

For more information on Pacific Crest Trail long-distance permits (people doing 500 or more continuous miles in a single trip on the PCT), please visit the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Wilderness restrictions apply within the Hoover Wilderness, including motorized vehicles and equipment, bicycles/mountain bikes, and other wheeled/mechanized transport which are prohibited in Wilderness.

Address: 75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Phone: 760-932-7070
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

The Pacific Crest Trail can be easily accessed on the Bridgeport Ranger District from the Sonora Pass Trailhead located off California Highway 108. This trailhead area is co-managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Ranger District and the Stanislaus National Forest, Summit Ranger District.