In the summer of 2013 Casey Gannon and Colin Arisman thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with cameras in hand. Only The Essential is the story of their 5 month, 2650 mile journey on foot from Mexico to Canada across the wilderness of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Their goal was “to capture the brutal, yet breathtaking, ebb and flow of thru-hiking (a term for hiking a long distance trail from end to end). The film serves as a window to experience the Pacific Crest Trail and witness the value of simplifying life to a point where “only the essential” remains.” Take a look at their website for screenings, trailers, prints and the movie.
Only The Essential film-maker Casey Gannon uses a GoPro on a trekking pole to document the hike. Southern California
Thru-hikers wait out the mid-day sun under a bridge at Scissors Crossing. Southern California
Casey Gannon surveys the Anza-Borrego Desert 4000 feet below. Southern California
Relaxing under the stars after a long day of hiking. Southern California
The shade of an oak grove offers respite during a long waterless section. Southern California
A meal of fresh caught trout is a welcome break from rehydrated dinners and granola bars. High Sierra, California
Summiting Mount Whitney. High Sierra, California
Mule Deer grazing. High Sierra, California
Wildfire smoke at sunrise. Sierra Nevada, California
Thru-hikers rest for lunch in the shade of a utility building near Truckee. High Sierra, California
On the trail beauty lies in the details as well as the vistas. Sierra Nevada, California
The trail winds through grasslands near the town of Burney. Northern California
Trinity Alps. Northern California
An old Pacific Crest Trail blaze. Northern California
Crossing through the alpine wilderness of the Three Sisters mountains. Oregon
After a day of near-miss lightning strikes and torrential rain the storm clears at sunset. Oregon
This beautiful sign reflects the love that caretakers put into trail. Oregon
Ramona Falls. Oregon
Washington state reveals a new landscape to the thru-hiker. Washington
Mist blankets a pond near Mt. Adams.Washington
A moment that reminds you why you are walking 2650 miles. Washington
Goat Rocks Wilderness. Washington
Facing Mount Adams. Washington
Only The Essential film-maker Colin Arisman traverses the “knife edge” in Goat Rocks Wilderness. Washington
Smoke rises from wildfires east of Rainier National Park. Washington
Between Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass lies a breathtaking and utterly remote 75 mile stretch of wilderness. Washington
Ample rain yields a verdant landscape. Washington
Josh VanMeerveld reflects on the rugged alpine landscape. Washington
Hikers sharing the last few days of their 2650 mile journey together. Washington
A good spot for a swim near Glacier Peak. Washington
It is easy to feel humble in this gigantic landscape. Washington
The legendary amanita muscaria. Washington
The final day of a five month journey. Washington
“This feeling can’t be put into words”. U.S.- Canada Border