Hello, PCT Class of 2025!
We are so excited for you. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Have a question or need help? We’re here for you. Getting a permit is an important part of the process, so here are some reminders for the upcoming January 8 permit release and ... Read more
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new smartphone app and website designed specifically for all who love the PCT. Say hello to the Pacific Crest Trail Closures App, a free-to-use companion for staying informed about critical trail closures and “trip altering” updates along the PCT.
What does... Read more
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information about poison oak and its effects. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing what you suspect may be a severe reaction to poison oak… or are experiencing a severe reaction, it is ... Read more
We all want to know what’s melted out. In short: the lower elevation stuff. Up high, be prepared, or wait.
The Sentinel-2 Satellite imagery is the first place I look. A generous donation to PCTA from the European Space Agency (ESA) allows us to have this outstanding resource available to ... Read more
The PCT is above 13,000 feet only at Forester Pass for about a half-mile. It’s above 12,000 feet at Forester, Mather, and Pinchot passes in the High Sierra, accounting for about 4.3 miles of PCT. The trail is above 8,000 feet for 435 miles. Research from Colorado shows that 25% ... Read more
What a year it’s been! Last winter’s record snowpack lingers in the highest reaches of the Sierra Nevada.
Get the right local permits.Many northbound thru-hikers made the choice to skip and bypass the Sierra due to the record snow year. Are you looking to come back to hike the ... Read more
By Megan Dolman PhD candidate in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Boise State University
[This article was originally published in The Conversation.]
With spring settling in across the U.S. and days lengthening, many people are ready to spend more time outside. But ... Read more
Big snow is the story of the moment as the Southern Sierra snowpack soars above 280% of average. One of the most concerning aspects of a large snowpack is the potential for avalanche, when unstable layers of snow give way and send snow and ice rapidly down a slope. Avalanches ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.