`PCT 2026 DAY 17 – CA Section B – Which way to the summit?

Thursday, April 16th 2026

The primary goal for these day was to get in position to climb Mount San Jacinto in the afternoon or the next morning.

The mountain was not on the PCT directly, but it was very close and worth climbing when you’re in the area. Both of the trails to the summit were about 3 miles long and about 1800 elevation change. It is that last number that really kills you. But it’s only half of the mileage and elevation change for climbing Mount Diablo, so why not climb it?

My feet had a whole bunch of responses for that question.🤣

After enjoying the Sunrise, I packed and returned to the trail. There was a little more ridge line to complete, but it was thankfully short.

After the ridge line, I entered a forested area and encountered my first ‘on trail’ snow! By the footprints, I was not the first one.

There was more snow around and on the trail, but nothing that really caused any concern (meaning there was snow and ice, but no steep drop on the sides of the trail to end this hike very quickly).

When I got to the first trail that led to the summit, it was midday, and I decided my legs and feet would prefer to do this the next morning. Well, they would prefer not to do it at all, but I have the final veto on where I go. 😀

Most of the time. 😀

The trail wrapped around the West side of San Jacinto Peak.

I reached the other trail that led to the top of San Jacinto Peak, left the PCT, and started up it as far as my legs lasted.

After a short time climbing up the trail to the summit, I found a nice place to camp. Which just happened to be the first place I found on the trail the summit. There was no reason to carry all my equipment up to the summit so I wasn’t that picky about where to camp.

But this site had a decent view and a big boulder to block the wind. It was a tight squeeze, but I managed to setup my tent and enjoy the evening.