The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by wild and scenic lands.
By Wes Jones
Two seasons of leading Volunteer Vacations for the Pacific Crest Trail Association has left me with one obvious and lasting impression: a simple “thank you” goes a long way. For the nearly 2,000 people who volunteer on the trail each year, it’s not hard to feel good ... Read more
By Connor Swift, PCTA technical advisor
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
It’s no secret that the Pacific Crest Trail is largely constructed, maintained, and cared for by dedicated volunteers. So, where ... Read more
By Ben Barry
Roughly two years ago, I signed up with the PCTA for a four-month term as a Technical Advisor. My job was to coordinate and oversee trail maintenance and reconstruction along the Pacific Crest Trail. I worked with youth and volunteer trail crews, supported corps crews and taught ... Read more
By Justin Brimer, PCTA Crew Leader
Trail crew volunteers are pretty amazing.
The sacrifices people go through to work for eight hours a day through harsh weather to keep the PCT open blows me away. Midway through a second season of leading volunteer vacations, I’m reflecting on the incredibly diverse ... Read more
By Connor Swift, PCTA Trail Crew Technical Advisor
It’s often difficult to describe our experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail, whether we’ve been hiking or volunteering to do trail maintenance. Some experiences can be summed up with just a word or two, such as exhausting, beautiful or worst day ever. ... Read more
By Ben Barry, PCTA technical advisor
Every year, the Pacific Crest Trail Association offers a series of trail maintenance training events known as Trails Skills College. While many have told of the phenomenal instruction and potential for learning these events provide, few mention the potential for bloated stomachs and full ... Read more
The Cleveland National Forest is hosting two Crest Runners for the first 100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California. This is the second year of the 12-week Crest Runner program based in the Descanso Ranger District in Alpine.
Jules Fijolek and Brandon Norris are U.S. Forest Service ... Read more
By Ben Barry, PCTA technical advisor
As a professional trail worker who got his start in the world of conservation corps, these programs have a special place in my heart. Young men and women from all over the country sign up for various programs in fields such as disaster relief, ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.