Congratulations to the 2025 Pacific Crest Trail Photo Contest Winners

Judging the Pacific Crest Trail photo contest might not require a backpack or blistered feet, but make no mistake, it’s its own kind of journey.

This year, over 1,000 stunning photo submissions poured in from the PCT community, each one a unique window into life on the trail. From sweeping alpine vistas to quiet, contemplative moments under open skies, these images do more than document; they inspire, connect, and remind us why the trail matters. Photos have a way of unlocking new stories—and thanks to our generous contributors, the story of the Pacific Crest Trail continues to be told in vivid, mesmerizing detail.

We’re also honored to recognize Lee Terkelsen, who has led the judging process for more than two decades. A former photography teacher and past editor of the Pacific Crest Trail Communicator, Lee has brought wisdom, heart, and dedication to the contest year after year. Along with our team of volunteer judges, their dedication ensures these images get the thoughtful attention they deserve. Thank you to everyone who submitted, judged, and helped celebrate the trail through their unique lens.

We are beyond pleased to share this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Photo Contest winners with you! Special thanks to Osprey for their partnership and generosity in providing prizes for the three overall winners.

First Place Overall Winner

1ST PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “A Photo With A Lot of History” by Diego Acuña

From the photographer: I woke up in the middle of the night, stepped out of my tent, and found myself under an endless spectacle of stars. Sitting on a rock near the water, I waited for the first glow of dawn to begin reflecting off the snow-covered mountains in front of me. The scene was set—the mountains’ reflection on the water was crystal clear, and the faint shimmer of the rising sun had yet to dim the stars above. At that moment, it was mind-blowing to realize I was witnessing a portrait of history. The light reaching my eyes had been traveling for anywhere from four to 11,000 years, a living record of time seen by a simple observer from Earth. In that beautiful place, I felt incredibly small—tiny against the towering peaks of Glenn Pass, insignificant before the vastness of our universe. Location: Rae Lakes, Sierra Nevada

Second Place Overall Winner

2ND PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “Black ‘n White” by Elisabeth Rudischer

From the photographer: The picture shows a group of mountain goats climbing down the mountain at Knife’s Edge. I didn’t see them first until a fellow hiker pointed them out to me. There were probably 25 adult individuals with at least 5 or 6 offspring; I couldn’t fit all of them in one picture. One might be confused why one should put a picture with white animals on a white snowfield into black and white, but I really like how well the shadows stand out in the black and white version of it.
Location: Knife’s Edge, Washington, mi 2249

Third Place Overall Winner

3RD PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “Rainier-er Every Day” by Marley Butler

From the photographer: Three hikers head north along the deservedly famous knife\’s edge section in Goat Rocks Wilderness, as Mt Rainer looks on in the distance. The early alarms were well worth the sunrise views on this most spectacular of mornings. Location: Knife’s Edge, Washington

Category-Winning Photos

To access the slide shows showcasing the winners, click on the initial photo within each category listed below. Once the slideshow opens, navigate through the images by clicking on either side of the photo to progress to the next or previous image. Enjoy!