Ever wondered what it’s like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail southbound, where every step is a battle against gravity, and every sunset feels like a reward? Welcome to Day 114 of my PCT SOBO journey, a day that began with bittersweet goodbyes and ended with a sky ablaze in hues of cotton candy pink.
The day kicked off at Hiker Town, a quirky spot off Highway 138 at mile 2138.2, where my parents reluctantly dropped me off after a heartfelt lunch. My mom couldn’t hide her worry about leaving me in such an unconventional place, but I reassured her—this was exactly where I belonged. As their car pulled away, three hikers strolled in, one of them an Aussie I’d hiked with days earlier. He’d been sidelined by an injury in Tehachapi but was now back on the trail. Our reunion was fleeting; they were off to grab a meal in town, leaving me to my solitude once more.
With my pack strapped tight and water bottles full, I ventured back into the mountains. The day was warm, slowing my pace as the trail snaked through hills that seemed to stretch endlessly. The climb was gradual, almost deceptive—I felt like I wasn’t making progress, but every step was a small victory.
I paused for a break atop a ridge, gazing out at the valley below. The landscape was a tapestry of blonde brush and dusty trails, crisscrossing like nature’s own artwork. I could’ve stayed there all day, but the trail called.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky erupted in a fiery spectacle, painting the clouds in shades of pink and orange. I hiked on into the darkness, stopping at one of the last water sources to refill for dinner and the next morning. By headlamp, I found an established campground just off the trail—a quiet haven all to myself.
Settled into my tent, I shared stories with Janitor over dinner before drifting off to sleep. And just like that, another day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker came to a close.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is hiking solo truly the best way to experience the PCT, or does the camaraderie of a group enhance the journey? And this is the part most people miss—the mental battle of pushing forward when every muscle screams to stop.
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Now, I want to hear from you: What’s your take on solo hiking versus group treks? Do you think the mental challenges of long-distance hiking are underrated? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!**
Author Bio:
Hi, I’m Jen! In 2025, I completed the Pacific Crest Trail SOBO, capping off my Triple Crown after tackling the Appalachian Trail NOBO in 2024 and the Continental Divide Trail SOBO (partly solo) in 2021. I also conquered the John Muir Trail and Mt. Whitney in 2022. Join me as I share the highs, lows, and everything in between of my hiking adventures! [https://thetrek.co/author/jen-brown/]
