If you will be traveling along the PCT by foot or hoof for more than 500 continuous miles (in a single trip), the PCTA can issue you a Thru-Permit. (Thru-Permit requests for an upcoming hiking/riding season will be processed after January 31st of the same year). Travelers holding Thru-Permits may take time away from the trail within reason (such as to heal from injuries or wait for mail) and still have their journey qualify as a “single trip.”

The Thru-Permit applies only to camps along the PCT. Users wishing to camp elsewhere in non-National Forest land or restricted National Forest land must obtain separate permits as necessary. The PCTA will not issue these separate permits, with the exception of the Mt. Whitney zone permits (see below for Mt. Whitney information).

Please note, while the Thru-Permit permit serves in lieu of obtaining a variety of wilderness permits along the trail, it DOES NOT substitute for traihead parking passes, which are required in many areas.Vist the USDA Forest Service' Web site (look for info on Region 5 and Region 6) for more information about trailhead parking and the Northwest Forest Pass.

Special Use Permit fees may be levied by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, or Bureau of Land Management and must be paid directly by the user. These Use Permits may require camping at designated campsites only and/or reservations.

Travelers with Thru-Permits must be flexible should they find they are occupying a site already permitted to another group. Stock parties must camp in stock campsites.

Local rules still apply, including fire and dog leashing requirements.

Please note, we are not able to process 2009 Thru-Permits until after January, 2009. With this in mind, please do not send permit applications until after that time as they will be returned to you. Thanks for your cooperation.

Fees:

The permit to travel 500 continuous miles or more on the PCT is free to PCTA members. A $5 donation is suggested for permits issued to non-members.

The U.S. Forest Service has implemented a $15 reservation fee to climb Mt. Whitney, exit and re-enter the Whitney Portal on the east side. Plan to exit and re-enter within 48 hours. Reservations for Mt. Whitney must be received at least 60 DAYS prior to the expected date of entry into the Mt. Whitney zone. Requests received less than 60 days in advance will be returned. If you would like to climb Mt. Whitney, include the $15 fee (per person) along with your permit request, making sure that you do so at least 60 days in advance.

Print PCTA Thru-Permit Form