`PCT 2026 DAY 20 – CA Section B – Desert descent to the Freeway

Sunday, April 19th 2026

So the goal for this day was mostly to get down to the I-10 freeway. All downhill but a whole bunch of switchbacks and variety of rocky and sandy trails. That all made it a somewhat annoying descent.

Shortly after hitting the trail, I did pass a more official looking 200 mile marker.

It also served Southbound hikers as a distance they had hiked from Canada.

The last water fill up I would need for the day was this faucet in the middle of the desert. It was a good opportunity to take a break and fill up with just enough water to get me to the freeway.

Once I got on level ground, it was mostly just a walk across a paved road, a flood basin, and some hard to follow trail markers.

A little Trail Magic (just a quick Coke) before the last bit of trail before hitting the Interstate highway.

As the end came in to view. I saw the freeway bridges that formed the underpass for the PCT.

Once there I had completed the entire PCT California section B!!!

209.5 miles finished!

After relaxing a little bit, I picked up my resupply packages and found a hotel to stay at for a Zero Day. That would allow me to take some showers, wash my clothes, and sort and clean my gear. And get some real food and several Cokes, of course.

I had hoped to soak away my body’s soreness in a hot tub at the hotel, but I discovered too late that their hot tub was broken. Hot, but no jets. Still used it a couple times.

Mile 200.5 to 209.5 – 9 miles total hiked

+1 Zero Day = 4 Total Zero Days

PCT 2026 Day 20 Photos and Movies