About the Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of America's most iconic long-distance hiking trails. Stretching 2,650 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, the PCT traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in California, Oregon, and Washington.
The trail passes through 26 national forests, 7 national parks, and numerous wilderness areas, offering hikers an incredible diversity of terrain and ecosystems. From the scorching deserts of Southern California to the glaciated peaks of the North Cascades, the PCT presents both breathtaking beauty and significant challenges.
Most thru-hikers begin their journey at the southern terminus near Campo, California in April or May, and finish at the northern terminus at the Canadian border in September or October. The ideal hiking window is determined by snow conditions in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.
The PCT gained significant popularity following the publication of Cheryl Strayed's memoir "Wild" and its subsequent film adaptation. Today, hundreds of hikers attempt to thru-hike the entire trail each year, while thousands more enjoy section hikes of varying lengths.
Trail Information
Trail Highlights
- 1Desert section with unique flora and fauna
- 2Crossing the 400-mile Sierra Nevada range
Planning Your Hike
Permits
PCT long-distance permits are required for hikes of 500+ miles. These are issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and are limited to 50 permits per day from the southern terminus.
Resupply
Thru-hikers typically resupply every 4-7 days at towns near the trail. Popular resupply points include Kennedy Meadows, South Lake Tahoe, Ashland, and Cascade Locks.
Trail Stats
Planning Resources
Share Your Journey
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