Sonora Pass TH

This free seasonal trailhead offers direct access to the PCT at the crest of Highway 108/Sonora Pass. There are a few dozen paved parking spaces available for day or overnight use. More unpaved spaces may be used along the highway. Two vault toilets are on-site. There is no water. A dumpster may be available seasonally. Access to the Emigrant, Hoover, and Carson-Iceberg wildernesses can be found here. Overnight permits must be obtained in-person at the Stanislaus National Forest: Summit Ranger Station on Highway 108 in Pinecrest, CA. Overnight camping is not permitted at the trailhead. Note for equestrians: There is one long pull thru suitable for a 15' horse trailer. Additionally, two back-in spaces can accommodate short trailers.

Heading north on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Sonora Pass (Hwy 108) kicks off Section J. You will immediately climb above 10,000 feet into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. This high-altitude, exposed volcanic terrain requires careful footing due to steep, crumbling switchbacks. Heading north out of the parking lot, the trail switchbacks up the shoulder of Sonora Peak to an elevation of nearly 10,500 feet, where you cross the crest.

Heading south on the PCT from the Sonora Pass trailhead you are in Section I. The trail initially traverses along volcanic, windswept ridges with 100-mile sweeping views of the Sierra. The PCT passes striking alpine lakes and traverses near Leavitt Peak. Eventually strong backpackers prepared for a multi-day expedition will enter the spectacular high-country of northern Yosemite National Park, ending at Tuolumne Meadows, approximately 70 miles south of Sonora Pass. 

• Trailhead Access: You must check for winter closures and snow removal with Caltrans, as the pass typically opens in late spring or early summer.
• Trail Updates: Before heading out, review current snow levels, trail conditions, and closure alerts on the Pacific Crest Trail Association website.
• Water & Exposure: You will be hiking mostly above the tree line. Make sure to carry enough water, as water sources can be sparse along the high-elevation ridges. Check PCTA's water report.
• Wildflowers: If you hike in the summer, the alpine meadows in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness burst with colorful, high-altitude wildflowers.
• Humboldt-Toiyabe NF has a full description of the PCT from Sonora Pass north to Carson Pass and the PCT from Sonora Pass to Dorothy Lake