Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass PCT Hike (Day 1)

Trip Date: 6/24-6/26/2022

Distance: 12.5 Miles

Vertical Gain: 1100'

Group Size: 4

Hike Rating: Easy Moderate Hard Strenuous

GPX for this trip

Start Coordinates:	N 38 32.669, W 119 48.703	End Coordinates:	N 38 41.697 W 119 59.363
Car Shuttle Req'd:	Yes	Parking Directions:	Start of Hike - Take Highway 4 to the parking area right across the road from the Ebbetts Pass elevation sign and just east of the Stanislaus National Forest boundary sign. There is a dirt parking lot here able to accomodate 8 vehicles. There is also a PCT parking area off the road a little to the east of this spot at the top of Ebbetts Pass. End of Hike - Take Highway 88 to the parking area at the Carson Pass information station on the west side of the road. Pay the day use fee (summer only) and find the trailhead just to the right side (north) of the information station itself.
Hazards of Note:	Varied terrain along the entire section of PCT, including many loose volcanic base parts.	Crowd Factor:	Moderate. The entire way is on the PCT and the number of other hikers will go up as you near popular trailheads such as at Blue Lakes Rd and Carson Pass.
General Notes: From the parking area head across Highway 4 to pick up the Pacific Crest Trail not far away to the north. On the day we travelled through this area there was a large area set up with 'trail magic' for full PCT hikers to get a good meal with pancakes and bacon on the menu. As section hikers we opted to just continue on and not take advantage of the kindness offered to these brave adventurers. Much of the first 5 miles of trail up to Raymond Meadow are open trail along the east side of the Reynolds Peak volcanic ridge. There are views galore to the east and south as you pass by the Kinney Lakes area, and wildflowers were abundant along this section. Once you reach Raymond Meadows the trail begins to climb up around the eastern side of Raymond Peak, then starts to head back down toward Thornburg Canyon, passing the scenic Raymond Lake junction which is a worthy 1 mile side trip option. Switchbacking back down the PCT bends to the west, and in this section of the trail that passes to the north of Raymond Peak headed toward Wet Meadow and Upper Sunset Lakes we found a nice campsite along the creek to spend the first night of this trip.

Starting off at Ebbetts Pass for our 3 day journey

Early reminder that our route will be on a section of this famous trail.

Making an early first climb you can look back the way we came to see Silver and Highland peaks in the distance.

Just a couple miles in the OGLE peaks Reynolds and Raymond become visible, towering high above our next few miles.

Lots of open trail and views on our way north toward Raymond Meadow.

Lower Kinney Lake is off to the south as we wind our way along the trail.

Raymond Meadow has recovered nicely from the damage caused by 4WD access many years prior.

Past Raymond Meadow is a picturesque climb up toward the Raymond saddle, just east of the lake and peak of the same name. This view is looking south from where we came.

Looking east from the area toward Hawkins Peak and Monitor Pass in the distance.

Taking a rest at a high point to monitor the progress of the team.

Passing Raymond Lake the trail starts back down again, with initial views into Thornburg Canyon and the distinctive peak of Round Top from the back.

Another look ahead as more of the Canyon comes into view. You can even make out parts of the old, abandoned trail down into the canyon from the PCT.

Setup of our first night's camp. Although we had ample water, we also had ample mosquitos.

Dinner is (almost) served.

My tent with the decorative lights my youngest daughter gifted me for Father's Day.

GPS Track of the full day 1 route.