As horses pass thru tunnel under 14 frwy and come out it is now safe for horses to go thru here without having to climb onto large rock area which had caused a number of horse accidents over the years. Trail has been changed to bypass rock area and water runoff has been diverted to stop damage.
Three big trees down on the north side of Mt Gleason, mile 430. The trees will block equestrians but can be climbed over by hikers. Numerous small trees down between Santa Clara Divide road and the north Fork ranger station. One of these must be climbed over or crawl under.
I was there in early May. It was a terrible part of the trail from mile 449 just after the top going down to the underpass to Vasquez Rocks.
The trail was the worst I have seen on the desert section. Totally damaged with big holes made by horses right on trail and erosion on the sides of the trail, also from horses. Really really bad. These holes could break an ankle on hikers. Especially if they hike in the dark.
Message I rode my horse on the PCT south from Tamarack Trailhead to Wet Meadows yesterday. There are a number of trees across the trail and user created trails to get around them. I was specifically concerned about a tree which has fallen along the trail at a stream crossing. 38.61039, -119.88997 are the coordinates of the pin I dropped. My concern is the erosion happening when equestrians drop down a soft steep bank to cross the stream. It is also very unsafe for the horses and riders. We tried to find an alternate crossing point however there was nothing else available.
After coming out of tunnel under 14 freeway heading north bound there is a dangerous rock cropping shortly after that requires a horse to go up a slanted rock cropping at an angle and several horses have fallen there and riders injured. It is being looked at but will be some time before repairs will be done. There is another traIL FOR HORSES TO USE TO GO AROUND BUT IT HAS BEEN TOTALLY OVER GROWN DUE TO EXCESSIVE RAIN.
38.62321 – 119.84653
PCT in Alpine County, CA, about 3 mi in from trailhead at Wet Meadows Lake. Tree leaning over the trail. Hikers can duck under, horses cannot, and no go-around.
Retaining wall has failed in a narrow, slabby section of trail just north of Donner Pass Rd. (Old Highway 40). This is immediately after you cross the road. The trail is located just above the road, creating extreme challenges for equestrians and even some hikers. Take caution as you cross this section of trail.
BIG blow down on PCT Section “O” just up from Cabin Creek bridge crossing or just down from top (convergence of several FS Roads 38N94/38N92/39N21, PCT crosses over forest service road 39N21 at the top and convergence of roads before heading up to hike over Girard Ridge.) Hikers can scramble over or under but impassable with horses… Was riding this section on horseback and had to turn around and back track A BIG bummer…