Month: August 2010

PCT Trailheads on FS Road 7080 between Pyramid Peak and Government Meadows

Although trail work recently rerouted the Pacific Crest Trail off of Forest Service Road 7080 north of Government Meadows, the mileages in the Semb book are still spot-on for the northbound “trailhead” (more of a crossing, no facilities, minimal signage): From SR 410 near Greenwater, follow FR 70 10.2 miles until the pavement ends; continue 5.1 miles on now-unpaved 70 to the signed FR 7080 junction; turn left (N) and follow 7080 for 1.6 miles to the northbound crossing.  However, I could no longer find the “detour” sign mentioned by the Sembs – probably removed after the recent (2009?) trail work.  FR 70 was in good condition and 7080, although rougher, was easily drivable in a Subaru; passenger cars in general should be able to make it to the trailhead with a little bit of care.

Northbound trailhead just about at the top of Pyramid Pass – note small brown PCT signs:

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New trail work on the PCT, including a temporary sign at the old 7080 junction and a new bridge:

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The old (southbound) 7080 crossing still has a two-car parking turnout and was marked with a small cairn as of 8/11/2010; efforts have clearly been made to decommission the short connector trail from the PCT to 7080.  If I recall correctly, the mileage is slightly less than the 0.4 miles past the northbound crossing mentioned in the Semb guide book.

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Gate just beyond the old southbound crossing; if you get here, you’ve gone too far:

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Annotated locations on a Google Map, with a GPS trace from my hike.