Day 6 route overview

The trail literally follows the contours of the mountainsides for miles, occasionally switching over to the other side giving you a choice of views across the desert with mountain ranges and settlements in the distance. You’re soon at mile 100 and well on your way to Montezuma Valley.

Elevation

Gaining in elevation for half the day the level soon peaks at almost 4,500 feet before descending again into Montezuma Valley.

Waking at the cache

Waking up at the huge water cache was a blessing, for the day to come would be the hottest and dryest yet. All the snow had melted off at this elevation and we were on our way to mile 100.

100 miles!

This milestone took me back to my first thru-hike on the South Downs Way back home. I remembered how tired and worn out I was at the end of that, but the first 100 miles of the PCT had a much better effect on my body. I was much more prepared and better trained for the PCT than I was for the South Downs. I was ready for the next 100.

Montezuma Valley

Uppon arrival to the Montezuma Valley road, you’re greeted by a water trough surrounded by poison oak and signs saying to filter the water properly scattered all around. Before long, two hikers had a number for a pickup who took us to the Montezuma Valley market where we stocked up, drank some beers and camped for the night behind the market.

Gallery