By the joining the PCTA, you're already doing a lot to help protect and preserve the PCT for future generations; but if you'd like to help out even more, there are a number of opportunities available.

Watch this video on PCTA volunteers in the Inyo National Forest.

Join a trail crew

The construction of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) took years of work by agency trail crews, contractors and volunteers.

Today, the annual maintenance and reconstruction of the PCT is also a major undertaking....one that you or your group can help with!

If you are looking for a fun, challenging and rewarding activity that gives you the chance to work with some wonderful people while surrounded by incredible scenery, you've come to the right place! The PCTA, along with other hiking and equestrian groups, assists the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, State Parks, and other agencies with the care of the PCT.

From removing blow-downs and repairing wash-outs to cutting back chaparral, PCTA trail crews do it all.

To find a listing of volunteer opportunities, check out our Volunteer Projects Database.

Become a project leader or cook

The PCTA is always in need of volunteer project leaders and cooks for weekend and longer projects. If you have experience as a group leader or cook, send us an email by clicking here. Be sure to let us know where you'd like to work so we can steer you to the correct PCTA Regional Coordinator.

If you would like to become a group leader but need to expand your trail or leadership skills, there are a variety of ongoing skills training opportunities in all regions, offered by the PCTA, our agency partners and other groups. These are typically listed on our Web site within "Volunteer Projects."

Help out at conferences and events

Additionally, we often need volunteers to attend local, regional and even national hiking and equestrian events, meetings and conferences, to manage the PCTA display and to give out PCT information. For details on these events, send us an email by clicking here.

Monitor land use

Because of the wide range of lands that the PCT crosses there are a multitude of land development and management plans, environmental assessments, Wilderness Management Plans and specific project environmental assessments and lists of proposed actions that constantly need to be reviewed by PCTA staff and volunteers. Many environmental assessments or proposed actions do not specifically include information on whether or not the timber sale, road or other project is actually on or near the PCT. Thus we need people who live near or know particular Forests, Parks and Resource Areas and who can read the planning materials and "red flag" those that may affect the PCT.

You can be the "eyes and ears" for a segment of the trail. PCTA staff and our Public Policy Committee can then develop formal responses to any proposals that might affect the PCT.

For information on becoming a Volunteer Land Use Planning Monitor and signing up for all planning documents for the Forest, Park or Resource Area of you choice, please send us an email by clicking here.

PCTA Office Volunteers

Volunteers are always needed to assist with membership mailings, work on the PCTA archives, do database entry, assist with other administrative tasks and special projects at our office in Sacramento. For more information, or to volunteer, send us an email by clicking here.

Submit articles or photos to the magazine

Volunteers contribute most of the articles and photos in the Communicator (the PCTA's bi-monthly magazine), some of which are then used on our website. For more information on publishing deadlines for the magazine or how to contribute articles or photos, contact: Angela Ballard, Editor by clicking here .

Volunteer with cooperating agencies and trail organizations

Finally, in addition to the PCTA volunteer programs, some agencies offer volunteer opportunities, as do many of our fellow hiking and equestrian organizations. For information, we suggest that you contact the agencies and organizations directly. Visit our Links section for contact information.

If you are already volunteering with the PCTA...thank you!

If you are not and you'd like to support our public service programs, we hope to hear from you soon.

Happy Trails.