USA — Campo
Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, a 4,270 km USA wilderness traverse from Mexico to Canada. This very challenging route winds through arid desert, over granite highlands, and past volcanic peaks. Expect a 4-6 month commitment for this epic, diverse stretch of pristine trail.
Distance: 4270.0 km
Elevation Gain: 149000 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 4-6 months
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking routes on Earth, stretching 4,270 kilometres from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. This monumental journey traverses the entire height of the United States, passing through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a trail of immense diversity, leading walkers through the arid, sun-scorched Mojave Desert, over the jagged, snow-capped granite spires of the High Sierra, and through the lush, volcanic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. For those who attempt the full "thru-hike," the PCT is more than just a walk; it is a four-to-six-month odyssey that tests physical endurance, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt to some of the most varied environments in North America.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a masterclass in ecological transition. It begins at the Southern Terminus in Campo, California, where the landscape is dominated by chaparral, sagebrush, and the relentless heat of the desert. As hikers move north, the trail ascends into the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains before dropping back into the Mojave. The true heart of the trail, for many, is the High Sierra. Here, the path stays almost entirely above 3,000 metres for hundreds of kilometres, crossing high alpine passes and skirting pristine glacial lakes. This section includes the highest point on the trail, Forester Pass, and offers the opportunity to summit Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, via a short side trip.
North of the Sierra, the trail enters Northern California, a region of deep forests and volcanic features, including the striking Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta. Crossing into Oregon, the terrain becomes noticeably flatter and more forested, though no less spectacular. The trail passes through the Cascade Range, featuring the deep blue waters of Crater Lake and the iconic peaks of Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson. Finally, the trail enters Washington, often considered the most rugged and scenic portion of the entire route. The North Cascades offer steep climbs, dramatic ridgelines, and a temperate rainforest environment that feels worlds away from the California desert. The journey concludes at the Northern Terminus on the Canadian border, usually followed by a 13-kilometre walk into Manning Park, British Columbia.
Walking the PCT is a lesson in scale. The elevation gain of 149,000 metres is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest from sea level nearly 17 times. Hikers must manage extreme temperature fluctuations, from 40°C in the desert to sub-zero temperatures in the mountains. Water management is a critical skill in the south, while snow navigation and river crossings dominate the central sections. Despite these challenges, the trail offers a profound sense of community. The "PCT family" of hikers, trail angels, and volunteers creates a unique social fabric that supports walkers through the most difficult stretches of the journey.
The concept of a continuous trail along the crest of the Pacific mountains was first proposed in the 1920s. Clinton Churchill Clarke, a scout leader and outdoorsman, is often credited as the "Father of the PCT." In 1932, he organised the Pacific Crest Trail System Conference to lobby for a border-to-border trail. Throughout the 1930s, teams of YMCA hikers scouted and mapped sections of the route, proving that a continuous path was feasible. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the trail gained formal federal recognition.
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, which designated the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail as the first National Scenic Trails in the United States. This act provided the legal framework and funding necessary to secure the right-of-way and begin formal construction and maintenance. The trail was officially completed in 1993, though "completion" is a relative term; the trail is constantly being refined, rerouted around private land, or repaired following wildfires and landslides.
Before the arrival of European settlers and the formal designation of the trail, the land it traverses was—and remains—the ancestral home of numerous Indigenous peoples. The trail passes through the traditional territories of the Kumeyaay, Cahuilla, Serrano, Kawaiisu, Mono, Washoe, Maidu, Modoc, Klamath, Warm Springs, Yakima, and many other nations. These groups used the mountain passes for trade, hunting, and spiritual practices for millennia. Recognising this history is an essential part of the modern PCT experience, as hikers move through landscapes that have been managed and inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is everything on the Pacific Crest Trail. The "window" for a successful thru-hike is dictated by two primary factors: the desert heat in the south and the snowpack in the mountains. Most Northbound (NOBO) hikers begin in late April or early May to ensure they reach the Sierra after the spring snowmelt has begun but before the desert becomes dangerously hot. Southbound (SOBO) hikers typically start in late June or early July, waiting for the snow in the North Cascades to melt sufficiently to allow passage.
Spring (April–June): For NOBO hikers, this is the desert season. Wildflowers can be spectacular in the Mojave if there has been sufficient winter rain. However, water sources are scarce, and temperatures can soar. In the High Sierra, this is the "shoulder" season where hikers may encounter significant snow on the passes, requiring ice axes and microspikes.
Summer (July–August): This is the peak hiking season. The Sierra is usually clear of deep snow, and the meadows of Oregon and Washington are in full bloom. However, this is also the height of "mosquito season" in the Cascades, which can be a significant mental challenge. More importantly, this is the peak of the wildfire season. In recent years, large sections of the trail have been closed due to active fires or smoke, requiring hikers to skip sections or wait for conditions to improve.
Autumn (September–October): The days become shorter and the nights significantly colder. For NOBO hikers finishing in Washington, the threat of early winter storms is a constant concern. A single heavy snowstorm in the North Cascades can effectively end a thru-hike attempt. Conversely, the autumn colours in the Pacific Northwest are breathtaking, and the huckleberries are ripe for picking along the trail.
Section 1: Southern California (The Desert)
Section 2: Central California (The High Sierra)
Section 3: Northern California
Section 4: Oregon
Section 5: Washington
Important Notes:
Planning a PCT thru-hike is a massive undertaking that usually begins a year in advance. Physical preparation is vital; while you will "walk yourself into shape" on the trail, having a baseline of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength will prevent early injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis. Training should include hiking with a weighted pack and stretching routines to maintain flexibility.
Logistical preparation involves deciding on a resupply strategy. Many hikers use the "FarOut" (formerly Guthook) app, which provides real-time data on water sources, campsites, and town services. You must also decide whether to send yourself resupply boxes or "buy as you go." Most hikers use a hybrid approach, mailing boxes to remote locations with limited stores (like Stehekin or Kennedy Meadows) and buying food in larger towns like Ashland or Bishop.
Base cities for the start of the trail include San Diego (for NOBO) and Seattle or Vancouver (for SOBO). San Diego is the most common starting point, with "Trail Angels" often providing transport from the airport to the Southern Terminus in Campo.
The vast majority of nights on the PCT are spent in a tent. Unlike European trails or New Zealand's Great Walks, there is no system of huts or lodges along the route. Hikers must be self-sufficient and comfortable with "stealth camping" or using established backcountry campsites.
Camping Facilities:
Town Accommodation:
Because of the trail's popularity, the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) manages a centralised permit system to protect the environment from overcrowding. If you plan to hike more than 800 kilometres (804.7 km) in a single trip, you can apply for a "Long-distance Permit."
The Permit Lottery:
Local Permits:
Whitney Portal: If you intend to exit the trail via Whitney Portal (rather than returning to the PCT after summiting Mount Whitney), you need a specific permit from the Inyo National Forest, as the standard PCT permit does not cover this exit.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Pacific Crest Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Pacific Crest Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The PCT passes through some of the most spectacular protected lands in the USA. Many hikers take "zeros" (rest days) to explore nearby attractions:
Pre-Departure Checks:
Environmental Hazards: The PCT presents a wide array of natural risks. In the south, heatstroke and dehydration are the primary concerns. In the Sierra, the danger shifts to high-altitude sickness, lightning strikes on exposed ridges, and treacherous river crossings. During high snow years, creeks that are usually ankle-deep can become raging torrents capable of sweeping a hiker away. Always cross at the widest, shallowest point and unbuckle your pack's waist belt.
Wildfire: This is the most significant threat to a modern PCT thru-hike. Smoke can cause severe respiratory issues, and fires can move faster than a human can run. If you see smoke or fire, do not "wait and see." Head for the nearest trailhead or exit point. Always obey trail closures; they are in place for your safety and the safety of emergency responders.
Wildlife: The trail is home to black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. While attacks are extremely rare, proper food storage is essential to prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food. In Southern California, always check under logs and rocks for rattlesnakes, and never put your hands or feet where you cannot see.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium: These waterborne parasites are present in many water sources along the trail. Always treat your water, even if it looks pristine. A simple filter or chemical treatment is sufficient to prevent weeks of illness.
The Knife's Edge (Goat Rocks Wilderness): Located in Washington, this is arguably the most spectacular section of the entire trail. The path follows a narrow, rocky ridgeline with steep drop-offs on both sides, offering views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. It is a high-alpine experience that requires steady nerves and clear weather.
Devils Postpile National Monument: A short walk from the trail near Red's Meadow, this geological wonder features 18-metre-high basalt columns that formed 100,000 years ago. The symmetry of the hexagonal columns is a striking example of volcanic forces.
The Bridge of the Gods: This cantilever bridge spans the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. It marks the lowest point on the trail and is a significant psychological milestone for thru-hikers. Walking across the metal grate with the river rushing 40 metres below is a memorable (and slightly terrifying) experience.
Mount Hood Timberline Lodge: Built in the 1930s, this National Historic Landmark sits directly on the trail. It is famous for its "all-you-can-eat" hiker breakfast and its role as the exterior of the hotel in the film *The Shining*. It is a rare moment of luxury on an otherwise rugged journey.
Vasquez Rocks: These tilted sandstone formations in Agua Dulce are a famous filming location for Hollywood movies and television shows (most notably *Star Trek*). The trail winds directly through the jagged rocks, providing a surreal, desert landscape.
With thousands of hikers traversing the PCT every year, the cumulative impact on the environment is significant. Following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement for the trail's survival. The PCT passes through fragile alpine tundra and arid desert crusts that can take centuries to recover from damage.
Core LNT Principles for the PCT:
