PCT hangtags are distributed to PCT Long-distance Permit holders as a keepsake and a way to encourage people to be personally engaged in protecting the trail and fragile places the trail passes through. They’re a tool for getting people to talk to rangers and discuss how they can Leave No Trace during their time on the PCT.
As such, they’re only available in person.
PCTA Crest Runners (right) hand a hangtag to happy hikers (left) in March 2025 at the Southern Terminus.
We’re thrilled with how popular and successful the program is! Unfortunately, the new administration in Washington is drastically changing funding and staffing of our public lands, so the availability of hangtags this year may be more limited. We don’t entirely know yet how these cuts will impact this program, but we do know that we’ve already lost some locations where we were planning to distribute the hangtags.
As of right now, the plan is for hangtags to be available at these locations:
• Southern Terminus: From March through mid-May, PCTA Crest Runners will have hangtags available at the terminus. They work 6 days a week.
• Idyllwild: Both the Forest Service and State Park offices in town have hangtags. They are across the street from each other where the campground is in town.
• Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce: The visitor center has hangtags. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite: The Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center is open as staffing and conditions allow, usually from late May to mid-October. We are not sure yet whether this location will be available all this year. The Center is located right next to the PCT, about 0.7 miles to the east of the grill and store.
• Crater Lake: If federal staffing allows, backcountry rangers and the Canfield Ranger Station will have hangtags.
• PCTA field staff: Our staff on trail crews may have a tag or two if you ask nicely. If you see a trail crew, feel free to ask if a PCTA employee is there.
Photo by Dan Punshon-Smith
We will update this blog post throughout the year as things change or we know more and keep our main PCT Hangtag Project updated.
This year, it looks like there’s fairly good availability of hangtags for northbound thru-hikers and very limited availability everywhere else. We at least hope that none of the existing locations run out, but if they do, we can mail them more quickly.
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Thank you for your understanding as we navigate the loss of PCTA’s Northern Crest Runner, PCTA field staff, and public lands agency staffing.