Pacific Crest Trail: Best Dayhike – Sonora Pass, CA

Getting PCT cognoscenti to agree on the trail’s top dayhike might seem like a Sisyphean effort, but there’s surprising consensus on the 8-mile walk from 9,628-foot Sonora Pass south to Leavitt Lake Pass. Here, the PCT straddles a windswept ridge high above treeline, with 100-mile Sierra views. In the foreground, shimmering alpine lakes dot glacial cirques among towering cliffs and hillsides bursting with lupine, green gentian, and other wildflowers. Gnarled whitebark pines claw the air in mute testimony to their own staying power. And off in the distance, in every direction, are regal stone giants. On a good day, you’ll see Mts. Conness and Lyell in Yosemite. Cap off your hike with the half-mile scramble up 11,570-foot Leavitt Peak, leaving the PCT at 10,880 feet on the peak’s east shoulder. Then, to reach your car at Leavitt Lake, descend 1.7 miles on an old, closed jeep track called Horse Meadow Road, which is 8.1 miles south of Sonora Pass near 10,640-foot Leavitt Lake Pass.
LOCAL WISDOM Create a shorter, partial loop back to Sonora Pass by linking Latopie, Koening, and Leavitt Lakes via cross-country routes.

Trail Facts

• Distance: 14.4

Waypoints

PCT001

Location: 38.327835, -119.63723

To begin, head S from Sonora Pass.

PCT002

Location: 38.320191, -119.643576

Potentially dangerous slope if covered in snow

PCT003

Location: 38.293995, -119.637208

Cross through a notch on E ridge of Leavitt Peak

PCT004

Location: 38.27909, -119.643559

SE shoulder of Leavitt Peak

PCT005

Location: 38.260356, -119.61427

L on jeep track down to Leavitt Lake

PCT006

Location: 38.276108, -119.617424

Leavitt Lake

On the ridge

Location: 38.262277, -119.616491

Views stretch deep into a glaciated canyon. ©Jack Haskel

Ridge walk

Location: 38.26499, -119.622853

A PCT’er clings to a rocky, exposed ridge. ©Jack Haskel