PCT Day 52: Mathers Pass & the Palisades

Daily Miles: 21.2, Total Miles: 833.0

Another new day, another new pass!

We hiked five miles up the headwaters of the South Fork Kings River and started the ascent of the rock wall called Mathers Pass at 12,100 ft. The south side was relatively free of snow.

That’s me in the lower right-hand corner!

Took a nice break on the summit taking pics and eating a snack. Now beautiful views north to the rugged 14,000 ft. Palisades group and lakes below.

Coming down the north side was completely different. Quite a few snowbanks to cross and still early morning – icy and slippery. After one crossing, 5-Star yelled up to take the rocky talus slope down to avoid one particularly bad section.

5-Star heading down north side of Mathers Pass

We descended 4,000 ft down past Palisades Lakes, then Palisades Creek to the confluence with the Middle Fork Kings River.

The trail then followed this mostly whitewater river upstream. Made camp at Big Pete Meadows along the river.

Elizabeth now answers to the trail name of Cinco because she’s up at 5am every morning. She liked that choice better than my other suggestion of 5 O’Clock Shadow.