• Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
  •  

SoCal Hiker

  • Find a Hiking Trail
    • All Areas
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Los Angeles
    • Orange County
    • Oregon
    • San Francisco Bay
    • Washington
  • Trail Guides
  • Six-Pack of Peaks
    • Colorado Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Bergen Peak
      • Rocky Mountain
      • Birthday Peak
      • Horseshoe Mountain
      • Grays Peak
    • New England Six-Pack of Peaks
    • NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mount Umunhum
      • Mount Saint Helena
      • Mount Tamalpais
      • Mount Diablo
      • Mount Sizer
      • Rose Peak
    • Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Tumalo Mountain
      • Black Butte
      • Black Crater
      • Maiden Peak
      • Mount Bachelor
      • South Sister
    • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mt. Wilson
      • Cucamonga Peak
      • Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy)
      • San Bernardino Peak
      • San Jacinto Peak
      • San Gorgonio
  • Backpacking
    • High Sierra Trail
    • John Muir Trail
      • Overview of the John Muir Trail
      • Training
      • Day-by-Day Itinerary
      • Resupply Addresses
      • JMT Discussion Forum
    • Lost Coast Trail
    • North/South Lake Loop
    • Rae Lakes Loop
    • Red Peak Pass Loop
    • Theodore Solomons Trail
    • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear

Book Review: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California

November 3, 2017 By Jeff H 1 Comment

Book Review - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California

My longest thru-hike (so far) is the 211-mile John Muir Trail, which I’ve hiked twice. The Pacific Crest Trail  beckons me, but at 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, it would take a five-month commitment to thru-hike, and that’s if I were lucky enough to avoid calamity along the way. Fortunately for those of us who don’t have five months to go for a walk, there is another way–section hiking the PCT.

SoCal hiker Shawnté Salabert has authored Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California: Section Hiking From Campo to Tuolumne Meadows, one of a new four-title series from Mountaineers Books that focuses on section hiking the PCT.

Having read through the book over the past two days, I’m impressed. First off, the book itself is hefty–larger and heavier than most guidebooks. Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is not designed to be carried on the trail (though there is a Kindle edition available); it’s designed to inspire, inform and equip you with the knowledge that you’ll need for a successful section hike.

The book begins with solid advice for successfully section hiking the trail, with tips for calculating how much water to carry, hazards to be aware of (and how to deal with them), information on permits and other red tape required.

Each section is clearly illustrated with full-color photos, maps and elevation profiles. Shawnté provides additional color in her description of the trail, so you get a great picture of each section. Campsites and water sources are clearly identified on the map, and each section includes a table with campsite-to-campsite mileage.

Cover: Hiking the PCT: Southern California
Hiking the PCT - Southern California - Book Sample
Hiking the PCT - Southern California - Book Sample

Areas where special attention to water sources are noted, as well as resupply spots, alternate routes and bail-out points. Best of all are several suggested itineraries for each section, depending on the daily mileage and time you have to cover it.

Some of these segments I’ve hiked portions of, but the part that I’m most familiar with is where the PCT joins the John Muir Trail near Crabtree Meadow. Having thru-hiked this section twice and hiked sections of it numerous times, I can tell you that she’s done a great job of describing the trail with enough detail to give you a really good sense of what to expect on each of the 70 legs of the trail described in the book.

If your adventure plans include backpacking in Southern California or up into the Sierra Nevada range on this magnificent trail, get a copy of this book. 

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California: Section Hiking From Campo to Tuolumne Meadows is available from Mountaineers Books.

I also had a chance to chat with Shawnté about her experience researching and writing the book. Be sure to check out our interview. You can also learn more about Shawnté at her website: shawntesalabert.com

We use affiliate links to some of the books and products mentioned on SoCalHiker. If you end up purchasing, it doesn’t cost you anything additional, but it does help support SoCalHiker. Thanks!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: book review, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Southern California

Like what you found here at SoCal Hiker? This site is a labor of love. Share your support for the site and help us development of new trail guides and expanded coverage -- make your next outdoor equipment purchase through our advertisers.

You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Miriam says

    February 22, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    Hello, I will be 59 in April and my dream is to hike the Appalachian mountains but my hiking years are lo g gone. I would like to start hiking again. I am in good shape physically although my age is something my knees cannot ignore. Your site has ignited my curiosity and I hope to start going out on the weekends again. I live in Gardena CA near the South Bay. Any advice for this old lady? I have a 15 year old who could potentially can come with me.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About SoCal Hiker

Jeff on Mount Rainier

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking and backpacking trails with enough detail to make it an enjoyable experience for you. And while I started with trails in Southern California, I’ve expanded across the west. We hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more…

Connect with SoCal Hiker

  • 22,734 Fans
  • 11,901 Followers
  • 21,640 Followers
  • 1,716 Followers
  • 5,281 Subscribers
  • 340 Subscribers
SoCalHiker was selected one of USA TODAY's 10 Best Hiking and Outdoor Blogs
Get our day-by-day guide to thru-hiking the John Muir Trail
Get up-to-day wildfire status throughout California

Products

  • #MuirTaco stickers Muir Taco Stickers (2-pack) $3.00
  • Mount Wilson Benchmark Mount Wilson Benchmark $39.95
  • Cucamonga Peak Benchmark Cucamonga Peak Benchmark $39.95
  • 2017 Six-Pack of Peaks Sticker 2017 Six-Pack of Peaks Sticker $3.00

Sponsors

Sponsor SoCalHiker and see your banner here

Featured Posts

Mobil odeme secenekleri sunan casinolar 2023

Bu sebepten dolayı da kimi zaman erişim engelleri alma durumları olur. Fakat buna … [Read More...]

Sustanon 250 steroid: tutto cio che devi sapere

Sustanon 250: Una panoramica sullo steroide Cos'e Sustanon 250? … [Read More...]

Certain medications are better than others for managing spine pain

Certain medications are better than others for managing spine pain In the event of a … [Read More...]

Lastest Comments

  • Farzan on Hiking Mt San Jacinto via Humber Park in Idyllwild
  • Jeff H on Hiking Mt San Jacinto via Humber Park in Idyllwild
  • Farzan on Hiking Mt San Jacinto via Humber Park in Idyllwild
  • Jeff H on Hiking Black Crater
  • Tammy on Hiking Black Crater
Get your SoCalHiker stickers now

Get your SoCalHiker stickers!

Latest Posts

  • Mobil odeme secenekleri sunan casinolar 2023 September 20, 2023
  • Sustanon 250 steroid: tutto cio che devi sapere September 19, 2023
  • Certain medications are better than others for managing spine pain August 23, 2023
  • La pharmacie en ligne en Belgique est devenue une solution de plus en plus populaire pour les personnes cherchant à acheter des médicaments August 7, 2023
  • Las 5 mejores farmacias en línea1. Farmacia en línea Farmalisto: Esta reconocida farmacia cuenta con una amplia August 6, 2023

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series gives you an opportunity to explore your world while supporting a great cause. There are eleven challenges around the country. Hike or run them at your own schedule.

Flex your adventure muscles!

Learn more here.

 

Search

Tags

3-6 miles 6-8 miles 8-10 miles 11+ miles Arizona Backpacking coastal dog-friendly easy family-friendly High Sierra Trail hiking Hiking The John Muir Trail inspiration JMT John Muir John Muir Trail Kings Canyon National Park LA County moderate Mount Rainier National Park Muir Monday National Forest National Park Orange County Oregon out of bounds Pacific Crest Trail peak peakbagging quote scenic Sequoia National Park Sierra Nevada Six-Pack of Peaks State Park strenuous Thru-hiking Utah vista Washington waterfall wilderness Wonderland Trail Yosemite

Copyright © 2023 SoCalHiker.net · Metro Theme on Genesis Framework with WPEngine Hosting · Contact SoCal Hiker · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

 

Loading Comments...