Our Mission, Vision and Values

Mission Statement

The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s mission is to advocate for the Pacific Crest Trail as an inspirational outdoor experience, to create belonging and access, and to care for and conserve the trail and the lands through which it passes.

Vision Statement

A Pacific Crest Trail for all that:

  • Connects land, people, and communities;
  • Supports healthy ecosystems;
  • Inspires and heals; and
  • Welcomes current and future generations

Values of the PCTA

PCTA’s values are the guiding philosophy for the work we do. The following statements describe how the PCTA staff, board, and volunteers will live out these values through organization-wide commitments.

Connected

  • We believe that the PCT provides connections between all people, communities, land, and ecosystems.
  • We facilitate these connections between people and the natural environment.

Caring

  • We care for the Pacific Crest Trail as a vital natural resource that significantly contributes to ecosystem resilience in the western United States.
  • We care about the wellbeing of all PCT communities (staff, volunteers, partners, community at large), and act accordingly.
  • We care for the trail, the trail experience, and the people who encounter it.
  • We strive to create a better future while recognizing historic injustice and harm which requires healing and nurturing.

Cultivating Belonging

  • We center marginalized voices in our work so that we can transform into a place where everyone feels like they belong.
  • We whole-heartedly listen to the community. We eliminate barriers to access.
  • We create an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the trail safely.
  • We acknowledge that there are those who have been excluded from outdoor spaces and we will make an effort to engage their participation.

Courageously Authentic

  • We are intentional and transparent in our actions and decisions.
  • We respectfully give and receive honest feedback.
  • We actively seek out and incorporate feedback and input from others whose work is impacted by our decisions.
  • We have the courage to act from our values, even when it’s hard.
  • We respectfully challenge ideas when we disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable.
  • We embrace the growth that comes from both successes and failures.
  • Trusting a decision was made in line with these values, we will commit to it.

Please read more about our history, plans, work and the fundamentals of our organization.

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