Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Arrived to the trailhead around 730 with only a few other cars in the lot - most looking like they were there overnight. The trail had a few muddy patches at the beginning but was mostly snow covered. Snow was packed down and easy to walk on. We did bring micro spikes and poles but ended up being fine in our trail runners and never used them. Most larches have lost probably half of their needles at this point but the views were still there and absolutely worth it.

The seasoning of layering is definitely here! It was about 30 degrees when we arrived and 48 once we got back to our car around 1230. It’s also obviously a bit chillier in the shade, warmer in the sun, and pretty breezy at the top of the pass.