How long does it take to hike the California section of the PCT?
about 5 monthsThe trail is 2,650 miles and it generally takes the entire snow-free season to walk. That's about 5 months. Elite athletes who are experienced on the PCT have finished the trail in as little as two months.
How many miles of the Pacific Crest Trail is in California?
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins in southern California at the Mexican border and travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.
How many sections does PCT have in California?
29 sectionsThe PCT is divided into 29 sections. In this guide we'll be looking at California Section A, Campo to Warner Springs. Stretching 109.5 miles, this section will make or break many a thru-hiker's dreams.
What is the best section of the PCT?
The Prettiest Sections of the Pacific Crest Trail You Can Tackle...Mount Adams to Mount Rainier, South-Central Washington. Photo: Tim Nair/Shutterstock. ... North Cascades, North-Central Washington. ... The Sierra Nevada, Central California. ... Sky Lakes Wilderness, Central Oregon. ... San Jacinto Peak, Southern California.Sep 7, 2018
How many sections are in the PCT?
The trail is divided into 30 sections: 18 sections in California, 7 in Oregon, and 5 in Washington. The average length of each section is 91 miles.
How hard is it to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
“Hiking the PCT is hard, sometimes very hard. But compared to the life off-trail, the life on the trail is easier. There are fewer concerns. You still have some, but they are very basic.
What is the hardest section of the PCT?
Section KBy far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington, Section K puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions.
Can you hike the PCT in sections?
Advantages of PCT section-hiking. Beyond its compatibility with normal life, a multi-year PCT hike has many other advantages. A section-hiker can schedule around poor conditions such as heavy snow cover or trail closures.Sep 22, 2016
Do you need permits to section hike the PCT?
No PCT long-distance permits will be issued for trips starting, ending or resupplying at Whitney Portal. To hike that section, you will need to get a permit from a local land management agency.
Are there grizzly bears on the PCT?
So, are there grizzly bears on the Pacific Crest Trail? Yes, there are still technically grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) on the PCT, your chances of coming across one are slim to none.Jan 3, 2020
What is a national scenic trail?
A national scenic trail is a trail of national significance which is established by an Act of Congress pursuant to the criteria identified in the National Trail Systems Act of 1968 (as modified). Congress has created several National Scenic Trails since the first two (Pacific Crest and Appalachian) were created in 1968.
How many people hike the PCT?
At present about 200 people attempt to hike the PCT each season, generally hiking from south to north. They usually start at the Mexican border in April and end on the Canadian border in September. Only a few equestrians have ever ridden the entire trail.
Is it a good time to go on the PCT?
It depends on the time of year and seasonality of various physical factors such as snow load, volume of water in streams and rivers, fire danger, mosquito hatch and a myriad of other factors which may influence the "best" time to be on the trail. Some would argue it is always a good time to be on the PCT.
Where is the Pacific Crest Trail?
Pacific Crest Trail Section Profile: Southern California. A t just over 700 miles, the Southern California section of the Pacific Crest Trail is a diverse and stunning landscape, brimming with life, and a fitting start or end to a thru-hike. The section begins at the Southern Terminus monument along the Mexican border in Campo, CA, ...
How high is the PCT?
This section of the PCT passes through seven mountain ranges, climbs as high as 9,000 feet through the San Jacinto Mountains, and less than 30 miles north, descends to San Gorgonio Pass at 1,200 feet in elevation. Hikers also pass by several lakes, including Lake Morena, Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Silverwood Lake.
What trees are in the desert?
Chaparral and desert scrub are common along the trail, while at higher elevations there are several species of trees to provide much-welcomed shade, including pine, cedar, fir, and oak. Burn areas are frequent on the trail and hikers may be redirected to alternate routes to protect the fragile ecosystem of the area.
Where to hike Scissors Crossing?
The breathtaking descent at Scissors Crossing to the San Felipe Valley is a highlight for many thru-hikers. Be sure to hitch into Julian if only for a free slice of Moms apple pie and ice cream (don’t forget your permit).
Who is Mary the Angel?
Mary is a wonderful trail angel who keeps a 500-gallon water tank stocked on her property for hikers to access. Often, Mary will provide treated ice cold water and lemonade at the shaded picnic table and she even has a pit toilet and bucket shower stall available. She also maintains a Little Free Library and allows camping.
Is Whitewater Preserve closed?
Whitewater Preserve | Mile 218.5 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED as of February 2019) Whitewater Preserve is an oasis of sorts after hiking through the hot and dry San Gorgonio Pass. It is well worth the half-mile trek off-trail for the wading pool, clean water, bathrooms, and option to camp.
What is Kennedy Meadows?
Reaching Kennedy Meadows is a rite of passage for all thru-hikers and the final stop before entering the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The Kennedy Meadows General Store and Grumpy Bear’s are both gathering spot for hikers as they prepare for the Sierra.
Southern California
Traversing 700 miles of deserts and mountain ranges, the Pacific Crest Trail is striking and easily accessible in Southern California.
Central California
The Pacific Crest Trail through the famed Sierra Nevada is one of the premier trail experiences in the world.
Northern California
From the southernmost Cascades to the "Big Bend", the PCT in Northern California is marked by solitude.
Oregon
Relatively easy travel through deep old growth forests is punctuated by stunning volcanoes, ridges and lakes.
Washington
From the Columbia Gorge through the rugged North Cascades, Washington's section is a highlight of the trail.
Distances on the Pacific Crest Trail
We say that the Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long. Is it? Probably not. We rebuild small and large sections of the PCT every year. Read more on why we’ve settled on that number for now. In 2019, here are some more accurate distance numbers for each state on the trail:
How far is the Pacific Crest Trail?
Step 3) Click on the three white vertical dots and then "Print Map" from that drop down menu. The Pacific Crest Trail stretching 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
Where is the PCT trail?
This section starts at the southern terminus of the PCT at the outlying town of Campo, California near the Mexican border. This part of the PCT winds its way through the hot and arid desert where you hit your first significant climbing in the San Jacinto mountains. Most of the trail is desert scrub and cacti with forests at the higher elevations.
Why was John Muir so fond of the Sierra Nevadas?
There is a reason why John Muir was so fond of the Sierra Nevadas - the scenery in the range is among the most beautiful in the world . This section starts at Walker Pass, where the landscape transitions from dry desert scrub to lush meadows and conifer forests. Eventually, the trail enters a glaciated landscape marked with steep peaks, deep canyons, and water-filled basins.
What is the deepest lake in the US?
Crater Lake is another must-see section of the trail. Formed when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed, it is the deepest lake in the US and the ninth deepest in the world. The PCT travels six miles along the rim of the lake providing outstanding views when the weather is clear.
Where to hike the PCT?
The Cascade mountains in Oregon are the shortest and easiest section of the PCT to hike. Oregon is known for its coniferous forests, beautiful meadows, and the volcanoes that make up the landscape. The grades are more mellow than California, and the resupply points are numerous. The trail is basically a hike through a series of volcanic mountains which culminates at Mount Hood, Oregon's largest and most active volcano. The PCT skirts along the side of Mount Hood providing a close-up look at the basalt cliffs and many glaciers that make up this majestic peak.
Where is the bridge of the Gods in Washington?
Washington begins with the crossing of the Bridges of the Gods from Cascade Locks, Oregon (140 ft), the lowest point on the PCT, to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area . The trail follows the spine of the Cascades until it reaches Canada's Manning Park.
What is the driest desert in North America?
The highlight of this section is the Mojave desert, which is the driest desert in North America. The landscape is other-worldly with long flat stretches of desert that are dotted with Joshua trees and surrounded by steep mountains. The Mojave desert ends at Tehachapi Mountains which is the gateway to the Sierra Nevadas.
Find a trip
If you’re unfamiliar with the PCT, we recommend starting with one of the trail’s guidebooks. They represent thousands of hours – decades – of trail research. It’s often easier to find a trip in a book than it is to find it on the internet.
Southern California
Traversing 700 miles of deserts and mountain ranges, the Pacific Crest Trail is striking and easily accessible in Southern California.
Central California
The Pacific Crest Trail through the famed Sierra Nevada is one of the premier trail experiences in the world.
Northern California
From the southernmost Cascades to the "Big Bend", the PCT in Northern California is marked by solitude.
Oregon
Relatively easy travel through deep old growth forests is punctuated by stunning volcanoes, ridges and lakes.
Washington
From the Columbia Gorge through the rugged North Cascades, Washington's section is a highlight of the trail.
Research current conditions
The trail is snow-covered for much of the year. At high elevations, dangerous or laborious snow may hinder travel well into June or July.
