PCT Day 9

Bushcamp to Idyllwild

18.5 miles (reroute added 4 off trail miles)

Mile 179.4

Rolled out of the tent at 5 and was on the trail before 6. We had planned to get an early start, as we each only had 1 liter of water for the 18 mile day. Between the cool weather, light packs (all our food had been eaten) and mostly downhill day, we figured we’d be alright.

We enjoyed a killer sunrise as we made our way along the mountains ridge.

The day started with a drop of about 1000 ft, followed by an intense climb back up to over 7000 ft as we entered the San Jacinto Wilderness.

We took a short break at a high point to jam out to some funky tunes while geeking out to the sunrise.

Shortly after we arrived at the Spitler Trailhead junction where the trail closure began. Leaving the PCT, we took a mountain bike trail all the way down the west side of the mountain until we reached the desert valley below.

The trail ended on a paved road, which we walked on for the next few miles while entertaining ourselves with kick the pine cone.

The last few miles into town turned out to be pretty brutal. The trail was more of a sandy wash than actual trail. Between the steep incline and heat we were hurting for water when we finally stumbled into town.

After chugging a blue Gatorade and devouring an ice cream cone I was back to feeling reaaaaal fine.

When we rolled up to check into our room at Silver Pine Lodge we were greeted by two dogs lounging near the door. The location couldn’t be better. The post office, grocery store and brewery were all just a stones throw away. The cabin itself felt like a palace. After drying/cleaning my gear on the patio, a shower was next on my to do list.

Squeaky clean, I collected our dirty cloths and dropped them off at the office to be laundered. A local we met named Jay came over to tour guide us around town. We were all craving dinner by this point, so he took us over to the local Mexican joint, La Casita. The food was incredible! As a southern AZ native…I have some experience in this area. The nachos, fajitas and margaritas were all on point.

Guts expanded to nearly nuclear levels, we wandered our way back to our cabin to claim a bed. Sleep came quick and oh boy was it good.

P.s. I highly recommend the Silver Pine Lodge to all thru hikers. The experience was awesome. Immaculate cabins, laundered clothes, hiker discount and the location couldn’t be better.