Cajon Pass to Mile 358 – 17 miles (27km) – 358 miles total
From Cajon Pass to Wrightwood there is 2000m of ascent. I originally thought that I might be able to make it to Wrightwood in one day, but when I saw the elevation gain. I knew I would be pushing it, so instead I opted for a slightly more relaxed day.
The hotel offered a continental breakfast and it was the most amazing breakfast I’ve had in a while. Yoghurt and a banana. A cup of tea, plus the most amazing raisin bagel, I’ve ever had. I was in heaven. It was 8.30am by the time I finally hiked out of Cajon Pass and with no natural water between the pass and the summit down to Wrightwood, I had a very heavy bag with water.
The first part of the morning was spent going under interstates and railway lines which was fun. Then I arrived at a water cache, which allowed me to top up my water for the continual uphill climb. There was a predicted thunderstorm for mid afternoon and as I sat at the water cache I could see dark clouds in the distance. So with vain hope, I set off up the hill hoping the dark clouds would move in the opposite direction. They didn’t. By mid afternoon I could hear the thunder off in the distance, then the rain drops started. So out came my umbrella, which I sat under all tucked up while the heavy rain fell. Then I used to continue to hike and stay dry for the rest of the afternoon until the sun came back out.
By late afternoon I had 6 miles to go to a campsite at 8000ft, but 3 miles short of that I came across another unmarked campsite and decided to stop for the night 1000ft lower in the hope that I would be slightly warmer at lower elevation.
Today I am thankful for my umbrella.
