4.9 mi to summit
17.7 mi total
3,016 ft start
5,778 ft max
3,726 ft gain
2 hr 0 min to summit
7 hr 16 min total
Hiked part of the PCT NORTH TRAIL today with a stop along the way to summit Kendall Peak. The Climber’s trail to Kendall Peak is barely visible, so you have to look carefully. It’s a steep, mostly dirt and rock trail with a small scramble near the peak. The view from the peak is amazing. Beyond the Kendall Katwalk the trail is stunningly beautiful, reminding me of hiking in the Alps earlier this summer. I stopped frequently to enjoy the blueberries that were abundant everywhere along the trail. Having complete only part of the trail, I am now super stoked about tackling the whole J segment. While the mountains are are as tall as the French alps, the hike brought back good memories of hiking along the Grand Balcon in Chamonix in July with the wild flowers and views down the steep slopes into the valley below.
If your goal is to get to the Kendall Katwalk and beyond more quickly, take the Old Commonwealth Trail as it intersects with the PCT more directly and eliminating a few zig zags in the PCT trail.