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The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail in the U.S. and Canada, following the highest portion of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Learn about its history, route, challenges, and thru-hiking culture.
Learn about the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Canada. Find out how to hike, camp, permits, maps, closures, regions and more.
- What Is The Length of The Pacific Crest Trail and Where Does It Start and End?
- What to Expect When Thru-Hiking The Pct
- How Long Does It Take to Hike The Pacific Crest Trail?
- How to Prepare For Thru-Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail
- What Foods Do Pct Hikers Eat?
- When Should I Start My Pct Thru-Hike?
- What About Flip-Flops?
- A Guide to Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail in Sections
- How Much Does It Cost to Do The Pacific Crest Trail?
- Can You Hike The Pacific Crest Trail with A Dog?
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The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long (4,265 kilometers. Starting in Campo, a small town on the United States-Mexico border, it goes through California, Oregon, and Washington before reaching its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border in Manning Park, British Columbia. The trail is divided into 30 sections: 18 sections in Califo...
Obviously, you’re not going to carry all of your supplies and food with you when you start out. In fact, you won’t carry more than about 10 days worth of food at any time during your trek, and you’...One month you’ll walk in 110 °F weather (44 °C) and the next you’ll be treading through snow in temperatures under 20 °F (-6 °C).You’ll sleep in your tent in the wilderness for the larger part of your thru-hike, but once in a while, you’ll enter towns along the trail and spend a civilized night in a motel or hostel.Of all the things to be scared of on the PCT, bears and mountain lionsare the least of your worries. Lightning strikes may have you running for cover; bees in Northern California and Oregon may sti...Thru-hiking (hiking a trail its entirety in one season) is a long-term commitment. For the average hiker, it takes about 4-6 months. However long you take, plan on finishing before winter’s inhospitable weather strikes. Hiking anywhere from 10-20 miles a day is the norm, but most people walk faster in the dessert and slower in the snow. Don’t worry...
Which Direction Should I Travel on the PCT?
Going northbound or southbound is an important choice, because the weather will be starkly different depending on whether you start in Canada or Southern California. You should start in late April if you’re going northbound and late June if you’re going southbound. Map out anticipated weather for each location (state, geographic area, or resupply station). It helps with your resupply strategy, so you’ll know exactly what sort of gear to send yourself on the trail. Keep in mind that 90% of PCT...
Do I Need Permits on the PCT and How Do I Apply for Them?
You’ll need three permits. All of these are free and easy to obtain. 1. If you’re planning on walking 500 continuous miles or more, then you will need a thru-hiking permit. The official permit information page includes everything you need to know about permits as well as a link to the application. 2. Going northbound? Then you will need a permit to enter Canada. Note that it is illegal to enter the U.S. from Canada (though there is no one there to stop you). 3. If you’re planning on cooking f...
What Is the Ideal Pacific Crest Trail Timeline?
You should plan to complete the hike within 6 months, otherwise you’ll freeze to death (possibly literally) during the colder months. Most people over 10-20 miles a day, with a 16-mile-a-day average. Some days you’ll walk more; some days you won’t walk as much. Create a rough plan of where you’ll be each week and each month, and consider the weather when planning. Keep in mind that once you’re on the trail, your rigid plans will likely derail, and you’ll rely on spontaneity to make it through.
The following are general recommendations. These foods are all high in calories, fat, protein, and nutrients and are easy to pack. Note that you will need to eat an additional 2,000 calories a day on top of your normal calorie intake. Most hikers pack: 1. Oatmeal packets 2. Dried fruits/dehydrated vegetables 3. Nuts and seeds 4. Beef jerky, tuna, s...
Consider your health and fitness level when choosing. NOBO thru-hikers should start in late April and SOBO thru-hikers should begin in mid-June or early July for the best chances of successfully completing the entire trek.
An increasing number of hikers are choosing to flip-flop—to begin the trail at a midpoint, hike in one direction, then return later in the season to complete sections they skipped. Flip-flopping has a few advantages, especially in a heavy snow year when mountain passes may be difficult to cross and river fords can be hazardous or impassible, or in ...
Here are the PCT’s 30 sections. You can hike just a few sections, or if you’re planning on thru-hiking, this list can serve as your itinerary.
If you think grazing on ramen out in the wilderness with no electricity sounds like a cheap way to spend 6 months, then you are wildly mistaken. The average cost of a PCT thru-hike, including gear, food/resupply, and other end-to-end trail expenses, is roughly $8,000 per person for an average thru-hike. That said, it’s not uncommon to hear stories ...
Dogs are allowed on most parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, but before you take your canine buddy along, consult our guide on safely backpackingwith dogs to make sure the experience is enjoyable for both you and your pal. Remember, you are sharing the trail with other people. Dealing with dog poop is an additional inconvenience that could slow you d...
Learn everything you need to know to prepare for the hike of a lifetime on the PCT, from length and sections to weather and permits. Find out what to expect, how to resupply, and how to choose your direction on this epic trail.
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Jun 15, 2018 · A comprehensive guide to everything you need to know before embarking on the 2650-mile thru-hike through California, Oregon and Washington. Learn about the terrain, weather, permits, preparation and more.
The Pacific Crest National Scenic trail is a continuous path along the spectacularly scenic crest of the Pacific Mountain ranges between Mexico and Canada. The Pacific Crest Trail connects people to world-renowned desert, alpine, volcanic, and forested landscapes, and favors lands that appear wild and free from development.
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the best trail experiences on Earth. We’re on a mission to protect it forever.
You're beginner's guide to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. From gear, to food, to maps and permits. Start here for basic PCT hiking information.
