Red Mountain (Commonwealth Basin) — Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024

Our goal was to hike the PCT to the Commonwealth Basin cutoff which took us through the rocky trail area where, true to expectations, a pica called to us. The fog lifted from Red Mountain providing spectacular views. At Commonwealth Basin intersection we met a hiker who explained that we could return to the parking lot via an unmaintained trail going down into the Basin and make a loop of about 5 miles. Definitely unmaintained! Beware of difficult but navigable descents, water crossings, and side trails that probably go to a camp site. This trail is not on the map at the trailhead. I remembered it from 35 years ago. A real pleasure. At the picnic spot by the Commonwealth Creek, the bugs were pretty bad, but it was beautiful and lush.