The Pacific Crest Trail

Welcome to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a ribbon of dreams that binds the West Coast of the United States together, from the parched deserts of Southern California to the craggy peaks of Washington State, and all in between. The trail winds through groves of whispering pines and across great expanses of sky.

As nomads and contemplatives, we gaze to the horizon in quest of a path that offers more than just a test of stamina; we yearn for a spiritual awakening on our travels. The Pacific Crest Trail is one such excursion, a 2,650-mile trek that provides a contemplative contact with nature’s grandeur and is part of the prestigious Triple Crown of Hiking.

Trekking tour claim

	Difficulty	Strenuous
	Length	2,650 miles (4,265 km)
	Starting point	Mexican Border at Campo, California
	End point	Canadian Border at Manning Park, BC
	Highest point	Forester Pass, 13,153 ft (4,009 m)
	Lowest point	Cascade Locks, near sea level at 140 ft (43 m)
	Ascent	Varies (total ascent is approximately 489,418 feet or 149,160 meters)*
	Descent	Varies (total descent is approximately 488,411 feet or 148,880 meters)*
	Stages	Typically divided into 5 major sections: Southern California, Sierra Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington
	Mountain groups	Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, San Jacinto Mountains, and others
	Marking	Trail is marked with PCT emblems and signage along the route
	Circular route	No
	Both directions	yes
	Drinking water	Available at various points, but often sparse; water treatment is necessary
	Overnight stay	Backcountry camping along the trail, some established campsites, and occasional trail towns for lodging

*Please note: The total ascent and descent are cumulative estimates and can vary depending on the exact path taken, as the trail can have numerous alternate routes and potential detours.

Best season for the tour

Due to its immense length and varied climates, the optimal time of year to hike the Pacific Crest path (PCT) varies greatly depending on the part of path you wish to complete. However, most thru-hikers schedule their trips to begin in the late spring and end in the early fall, taking advantage of the trail’s best weather conditions at those times.

The SoCal Region:

Beginning work in the arid regions between the months of April and May will help you beat the heat. However, snowy weather in the High Sierra might make an early start difficult.

Mount Sierra:

August is peak hiking season in the Sierra Nevada Mountains since the snowpack doesn’t make the trail impassable until late June or early July.

Oregon and Northern California:

Northern California and Oregon are best visited between July and September, when the weather is mild and the rainy season has not yet begun.

Washington:

Washington has a small window of opportunity because snow can fall as late as July and as early as September. Hiking in Washington is greatest during the months of August and September, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of snow on mountain passes.

Thru-Hiking:

Most southbound thru-hikers from Canada begin their journey in late June or early July, while northbound hikers from Mexico begin in late April or early May. If they start hiking in the spring, thru-hikers have a better chance of reaching Canada before the advent of winter in Washington state.

Considerations:

Hikers should think about the snowpack from the preceding winter, as years with a lot of snow can push back the recommended start times. The hiking season on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) has also been increasingly disrupted by wildfires in recent years, with certain parts having to be closed or rerouted.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is an excellent resource for anyone hoping to hike the PCT successfully, as they regularly update their information on trail conditions, snowfall, and suggested start dates. No matter the season, it’s smart to stay updated on the situation and have a plan B ready in case things change.

Tour description

Campo, California, the Southernmost Point
Just a little distance from the Mexican border, in the beautiful California chaparral, your journey will begin. The desert here acts as a silent prophet, conveying strength and beauty in its austere simplicity.

Mojave to Kennedy Meadows, the High Desert
Explore the wide, dry regions where the plants and animals all have fascinating backstories. See how life can adapt to the worst conditions.

Into the High Sierras – The Sierra Nevada
Journey deep into the Sierra Nevada, where granite pillars watch over untouched alpine meadows. The stories of John Muir and the pure wilderness spirit linger in the sharp whisper of the air here.

The Richly Varied Landscape of Northern California
Explore the undiscovered wonders of Northern California on foot, from the crater rim of Lassen Volcanic National Park to the forested hills and rolling terrain just south of the Oregon state line.

Cascades of beauty await you in Oregon.
The Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon is well-known for its mild topography, lush woods, and abundance of water features. The state has a rich geological history thanks to its long history of volcanic activity.

State of Washington, The Northern Wilds
The final state delivers a dramatic end to the PCT with the rocky, glacier-carved vistas of the Cascade Range. Washington’s rugged hills and valleys present hikers with a unique set of obstacles and opportunities.

GPX Track

Get the PCT Data for free!

Are you gearing up for your next epic adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail? Having the best and most current information is key! For all aspiring thru-hikers and PCT aficionados, there’s an indispensable treasure trove of resources – straight from the trail’s stewards. Head over to the official Pacific Crest Trail Association’s website to grab the latest maps, data, and essential information. Whether you’re planning a day trip or taking on the entire trail, with these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to make your journey safe and unforgettable. Take the first step towards your PCT adventure today!
PCT Data here

Paper maps

K. Scott Parks’ pocket maps of the Pacific Crest Trail.

• These are a set of lightweight, sectioned, topographic maps that nonetheless provide plenty of detail. Due to their small size and portability, they have quickly gained favor among thru-hikers.

Maps from National Geographic

• The Pacific Crest Trail series of guidebooks is a best-seller for National Geographic. These are constructed to withstand harsh conditions on the trail and are waterproof to boot.

Guides and Maps from Wilderness Press

• These maps cover every inch of the Pacific Crest Trail. Topographical details, as well as instructions on where to find water, shelter, and supplies, are all included.

Erik the Black’s Pacific Crest Trail Atlas

• This atlas is well-known for its small weight, and it has both detailed maps and a trail guides. It was made with thru-hikers in mind to help them carry less.

OSM maps

• OpenStreetMap
• Pacific Crest Trail Association

Stages

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is very long. I can’t include every section in a short list, but I can make a stage plan that shows the main parts that thru-hikers often think about. I’ll use the format you gave me to make sure it stays the same.

Note: The hiking times are only rough estimates. The actual times will change a lot from hiker to hiker depending on their fitness level, the weather, and the amount of weight they carry. Also, the PCT’s stages aren’t always marked by shelters, like many European trails are. Instead, they’re often marked by sections between resupply spots or interesting natural features.

Here’s a simplified stage plan for the PCT:

Campo to Warner Springs

(↑ 3,000m ↓ 2,500m ∅ 4-6 days)

• Beginning at the Southern Terminus in Campo, travel through the desert regions, climbing to Mount Laguna and then descending to Warner Springs.

Warner Springs to Big Bear City

(↑ 5,000m ↓ 4,500m ∅ 6-8 days)

• A section of the road that goes up to Idyllwild, through the San Jacinto Mountains, down into the San Gorgonio Pass, and back up to Big Bear City.

Big Bear City to Agua Dulce

(↑ 6,000m ↓ 5,500m ∅ 10-12 days)

• Travel through the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, experiencing notable variations in altitude, and culminate at the quaint village of Agua Dulce.

Agua Dulce to Tehachapi Pass

(↑ 4,500m ↓ 4,200m ∅ 7-9 days)

• Once you enter the Tehachapi Mountains and Sierra Pelona, you will eventually arrive at Tehachapi Pass after traveling through the stark yet picturesque Vasquez Rocks region.

Tehachapi Pass to Kennedy Meadows (South)

(↑ 7,000m ↓ 6,000m ∅ 10-14 days)

• Kennedy Meadows is an important stop that signals the end of the desert section and the approach to the Sierra Nevada. It also serves as a crucial resupply point prior to entering the high mountains.

Kennedy Meadows (South) to Reds Meadow (Mammoth Lakes)

(↑ 8,000m ↓ 8,500m ∅ 10-12 days)

• Make your way up into the High Sierra, passing by well-known places like Evolution Basin, Forester Pass, and Mount Whitney. Reds Meadow is a well-liked place to resupply.

Reds Meadow to South Lake Tahoe

(↑ 9,000m ↓ 9,500m ∅ 12-14 days)

• Make your way through Yosemite National Park and the heart of the Sierra Nevada, with some steep ascents and descents, until you reach the larger town of South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe to Burney Falls State Park

(↑ 8,500m ↓ 8,000m ∅ 14-16 days)

• Move through Northern California’s forests and volcanic landscapes, leaving the Sierra Nevada behind, before finishing this stage at the breathtaking Burney Falls.

Burney Falls State Park to Ashland, Oregon

(↑ 7,500m ↓ 7,000m ∅ 12-14 days)

• Travel through the picturesque Castle Crags, the Klamath Mountains, the Oregon state line, and the hiker-friendly town of Ashland to complete your journey.

Ashland to Cascade Locks

(↑ 6,000m ↓ 6,500m ∅ 10-12 days)

• Explore Oregon’s milder routes, passing through the Three Sisters Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park, and the Sky Lakes Wilderness before arriving at the Columbia River Gorge.

Cascade Locks to White Pass

(↑ 8,000m ↓ 7,800m ∅ 10-12 days)

• Go through Washington, climb up into the untamed Cascade Range, and then head through the forest and past Mount Adams to White Pass.

White Pass to Manning Park, BC

(↑ 9,500m ↓ 9,000m ∅ 12-14 days)

• overcoming the difficult terrain of the North Cascades in the last push through the Washington Cascades, and then descending to the Northern Terminus at Manning Park in British Columbia.

These stages are general and idealistic. Hikers often break them up even further depending on their pace, the weather, and how they plan to get supplies. It’s very important to have accurate plans and up-to-date information, especially in places where there isn’t much water and snow can stay late in the season or come early in the fall. Always suggest getting in touch with the PCTA to find out about the latest trail conditions and how to use them.

Huts & Overnights

These stages cover a lot of ground and set high goals. They are often split up even more by hikers, who do it based on their speed, the weather, and how they plan to get supplies. A lot of places don’t have a lot of water, and snow can stay late in the season or come early in the fall. That’s why it’s important to have correct plans and timely information. It is always a good idea to contact the PCTA to find out about new trail conditions and how to use them.

It can be hard to make a table of all the places to stay overnight on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which is over 2,650 miles long and has many camping and lodging choices. There are, however, some well-known places to stay the night that I can put in a simpler table for you.

Of these, there are both official sites and unofficial camping spots. There are also places where hikers often spend the night in their tents or at nearby facilities. Remember that each place has its own rules about where you can camp, and you should always get the most up-to-date information on camping permits and rules from the PCTA and your local government.

Here is a list of some of the best places to stay the night along the trail:

Conclusion Pacific Crest Trail

Extremes play out on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Pacific Crest Trail is more than just a road. It’s a 2,650-mile journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the American West. The PCT is more than just a trail. It’s a way for modern adventurers to experience the wide, dry Mojave Desert, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and the lush woods of the Pacific Northwest.

Hardship and Difference

The PCT’s different levels of difficulty show how diverse it is. This trail will put you to the test with difficulties like dry heat and alpine cold, as well as technical climbs and the mental strain of long-distance hiking. Respect and planning are needed for this trail, which is good for people who want to enjoy both the beauty and the challenges of the woods.

Time and persistence

Late spring to early fall is usually the best time to walk the trail. Most walkers start in the south around April to avoid the snow in the north later in the year. The best weather is during this time, but the PCT is tough for people who are late getting going because of snow in the high mountains and extreme heat in the desert.

Find Your Way and Know-How

For direction, it’s best to use both digital and paper maps. Digital maps on apps like Guthook are great for keeping track of your location in real time, but paper maps are also important as backups because they give you a bigger picture of the trail, which can be useful for planning or when technology fails.

Moving Things and Luggage

When you plan your trip, you should put the details in a logical order, from how hard the route is to where you can stay the night. At each step, you should be given clear information. In this list are the trail’s length, its elevation gains and losses, water sources, resupply spots, and places to stay the night, like tent sites or mountain huts.

Stories and Stages

The whole trail is one long path, but it can be split up into main sections to make it easy to understand. It is possible to organize these steps in a way that makes them easy to understand by highlighting important climbs, descents, and estimated times. However, these stages are only the framework of the PCT experience. What makes it real are the hikers’ personal stories and thoughts on their journey.

The Personal Pilgrimage in Conclusion

In the end, the Pacific Crest Trail is both a physical task and a personal journey. The trail is a great way to get to know yourself and connect with nature, whether you hike a short part or the whole thing. People can have deep experiences on it that can and often do change their lives.

Each part of the PCT has its own personality and challenges. People who want to hike should choose a trail based on their skills, hobbies, and what they hope to get out of the experience. The trail is calling to everyone who wants to follow it. It offers excitement, solitude, community, and the natural beauty of the wild. If you listen, the PCT is more than just a trail. It’s a trip you live.