PCT Day 23: San Gabriel Mountains

Daily Miles: 22.5, Total Miles: 364.6

From the I-15 underpass and crossing railroad tracks, it was straight into the San Gabriel Mountains, all uphill for a 5,000 ft elevation gain over 22.5 miles to the Guffy CG at 8,225 ft elevation.

Great views in nearly a 360-degree panorama, Swarthout Canyon and the San Andreas Rift to the north.

Thank goodness for the two trail angel provided water caches on the way up. I’m sure I would have come into camp bone dry.

I know I have to watch carefully for rattlesnakes and poison oak on many sections of the PCT. Today, another one was added to the list – the poodle dog bush, smells kind of skunky, which can apparently be as bad as poison oak. Dodged my way through an infested section growing in a burnt out area.

There are eight of us sharing a picnic table and camping here tonight. Ran into Chief who I haven’t seen since the early days on the trail.