The Southern California section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) faces a dynamic set of challenges that evolve each year. Currently, the most pressing concerns include fire-related closures and damage, as well as route-finding difficulties caused by overgrown vegetation, storm damage, and eroded trail sections. In preparation, we’ve just launched ... Read more
April 14 update: thanks to all of the people who have volunteered to help! We’ve closed recruiting for this project for now.
Calling all hikers, outdoor photographers, and data nerds! Are you visiting the Pacific Crest Trail in 2025? We need your help gathering photos of trailheads. Join PCTA as ... Read more
For more than a decade, I’ve been traveling with a Pacific Crest Trail Association delegation every February to the nation’s capital to advocate for trails, robust agency budgets and legislation affecting public lands. This annual sojourn is called “Hike the Hill” and it’s been happening for more than 20 years. ... Read more
Though we use 2,650 as shorthand for the length of the PCT, it actually shifts a bit year-to-year due to new construction, reroutes, and the like. To dig into this topic, see our previous blog post How long is the PCT really? – Pacific Crest Trail Association. Every January of ... Read more
As we face financial and operational challenges because of uncertainty around federal funding for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), I want to be transparent with our community about the impact this may have on our mission. The U.S. Forest Service has let us know that our future federal grant funding ... Read more
The Pacific Crest Trail isn’t just a path—it’s a lifeline to adventure, solace, and connection with nature. This summer, dedicated volunteers and trail crews worked tirelessly to maintain and protect this treasured landscape. From clearing debris after unprecedented winter storms to repairing sections ravaged by wildfire and erosion, their ... Read more
The work of Pacific Crest Trail Association volunteers is a sight to behold.
There’s no better feeling than traveling on a recently maintained section of trail. It reminds me of the thousands of volunteers who dedicate tens of thousands of hours of sweat and muscle to keep the trail open ... Read more
Working for the Pacific Crest Trail has been a great season, from greeting hikers in Campo to seeing them thrive in the Sierra Nevada mountains. My name is Abbie, ”Kidska”. I am one of the Crest Runners for 2024, and if you haven’t already ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.