Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Monday, Jul. 15, 2024

I was lucky enough to do this hike with my 2 little Yorkies on Monday, July 15th before they closed Highway 20 Wednesday, July 17th.  We had a beautiful clear day so was able to get some good photos.  Actually I wasn't planning on doing the whole hike, maybe just go to the switchbacks. I'm an older hiker (I'm 80) so I know my limitations (usually). Then when I got to the switchbacks, I said well, I'll just go do a couple of them.  At that point I met a couple of ladies coming down and one of them said, well, there's only 6 or 7 (I can't remember which) and I had already done a couple so I kept going.  I'm so glad I did!  As some others have pointed out, the elevation gain is gradual so you just keep walking and before you know it, you're there.  Also a note to dog owners, there's plenty of water, lots of streams to cross and get drinks from.  I don't think I even got their water bowl out until we stopped at the top. My dogs have been drinking from running streams for all of their 8 years, so I don't worry about that.