Stretching from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail is a legendary route for ultra adventurous hikers and horseback riders. The entire 2,600+ mile trail is open to horses as it crosses California, Oregon, and Washington. A few people have successfully thru ridden the whole thing but if you don’t want to spend several months on the trail, you can just enjoy a nice day ride on a section. The trail passes through the Sierra Nevada making for an easy escape over the border to several different trailheads.
The Tamarack Trailhead is a popular spot for trail riders. It is easily accessible off Highway 88 south of Carson Pass. From this access point, you can ride the PCT in either direction for as long as your heart desires (and your supplies will last).
Unlike many sections of the long distance trail, this part of the PCT is only moderately technical. The elevation gain is mild and terrain challenges are mostly step ups, step downs, and water crossings. This section of the PCT is filled with water, crossing dozens of creeks and passing by several beautiful alpine lakes. The single track trails stays mostly under the tall pine trees and that, combined with the elevation, makes it much cooler than the desert next door.
There is tons of grass here and in the spring, this is a wildflower paradise. Keep an eye out for paintbrush, mariposa lily, lupine, larkspur, and much more. Black bears and deer do live here, along with lots of birds and smaller critters. This part of the trail is relatively popular with day hikers and riders, but is never terribly busy. Cell service is very limited so make sure you have your maps downloaded in advance.
As with most of the Sierra, wait to ride here until the snow is gone. Trail maintenance on this part of the PCT is very reliable so major deadfall or problem areas are usually cleared up pretty quickly.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The main parking lot off Sunset Lake Road is large but narrow, making it difficult for large rigs to turn around. There are two vault toilets. Small rigs only recommended here. If you have a larger rig, park across the street where there is a larger turnaround.
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