Ever wondered what it’s like to hike through a landscape that feels like it’s straight out of a dream? Spoiler alert: it’s both breathtaking and brutally honest. Welcome to Day 114 of my PCT SOBO journey, where the world turned cotton candy pink and the miles whispered stories of resilience and solitude. Let’s dive in—but here’s where it gets real: this wasn’t just another day on the trail; it was a reminder of how fleeting moments of beauty can be, and how much grit it takes to chase them.
Day 114
Start: Hiker Town/Highway 138, mile 2138.2
End: Bear Campground, just off mile 2151.5
Miles Hiked: 13.3 miles
After a heartwarming lunch with my parents, it was time to hit the trail again. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy—especially for my mom, who eyed Hikertown with a mix of concern and curiosity. ‘Are you sure this is where you need to be?’ she asked, her voice tinged with worry. I smiled, reassuring her that this quirky, almost otherworldly spot was exactly where I belonged. As their car pulled away, three hikers strolled in, one of them the Aussie I’d hiked with days earlier. He’d been sidelined by an injury in Tehachapi but was now back on his feet, ready to conquer the trail once more. Our reunion was short-lived; they were off to grab a meal in town, leaving me to my own devices.
With my pack strapped tight and water bottles filled, I ventured back into the mountains. The day was warm, almost too warm, and my pace reflected the heat. The trail snaked through the hills, climbing at a pace that felt glacial. ‘Am I even making progress?’ I wondered. But progress I was making, one step at a time. I paused for a break, taking in the valley below—a sea of blonde brush and dusty trails that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was tempting to stay there, lost in the view, but the call of the miles was too strong.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky erupted into a fiery spectacle, painting the clouds in hues of orange and pink. It was a reminder of why I do this—for moments like these. After dark, I stopped at one of the last water sources to refill for dinner and the next morning. By headlamp, I found Bear Campground, an established site just off the trail. It was all mine for the night—a rare luxury on the PCT.
Settled into my tent, I chatted with Janitor over dinner, sharing stories of the day 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 the solitude of the trail a gift or a curse? Some hikers thrive in the quiet, while others find it isolating. What’s your take? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Jen! In 2025, I completed the Pacific Crest Trail SOBO, capping off my Triple Crown. Before that, I tackled the Appalachian Trail NOBO in 2024, the Continental Divide Trail SOBO (partly solo) in 2021, and the John Muir Trail plus Mt. Whitney in 2022. Join me as I share the highs, lows, and everything in between of my hiking adventures!
