When it comes to Valley fever, awareness is key. Unfortunately, too few people know much of anything about it. A fungus that lives in the soil throughout the Southwest causes this terrible lung infection. The Pacific Crest Trail likely passes through areas where this fungus exists.
According to doctors at ... Read more
By Tom Bache. This story originally appeared in our member magazine, the PCT Communicator. You too can receive the magazine. Join today.
Many stories about the Pacific Crest Trail experience focus on the thru-hiker. Of course, these are inspiring. But a thru-hike is only a dream for those (like me) ... Read more
Growing up, many of us were taught that axes, hatchets and saws are a natural part of camping. Upon arriving at camp, the bushcraft tools come out to process trees for firewood and benches, move limbs out of the way for tents and hammocks or harvest boughs to whittle, build ... Read more
At this point, it’s become obvious that the PCTA has been sharing a great deal of information over the course of the last year regarding Leave No Trace principles and strategies for limiting your impacts upon the PCT and your fellow trail users.
As use of the PCT and the ... Read more
By Ben Barry and Blair “Cat Lady” Dietrick
Navigating your first few weeks of a thru-hike can be overwhelming as your body and mind adjust to high-mileage days and a new and challenging lifestyle. The first few hundred miles of desert that you’ll encounter when leaving the Mexican border are ... Read more
By Arthur McMahon
Share your wilderness experience and knowledge with others. Inspire future generations of adventurers and grow the outdoor community. Lead friends on a day hike or motivate them to visit a national park by sharing your experience. Be a trail mentor.
My greatest mentor was my fiancée, Jill. ... Read more
Hikers dedicate months, if not years, to readying themselves for their shot at thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. They dump thousands of dollars into state-of-the-art ultralight gear. They cook, dehydrate, pack and ship dozens of boxes full of food. They adopt strenuous workout regimens to ready their bodies for the ... Read more
Planning ahead and preparing is a key Leave No Trace (LNT) principle. Having well laid plans in outdoor endeavors can make the difference between being comfortable or being uncomfortable; in more extreme adventures, planning ahead and preparing can be the difference between having a safe trip or ending up in ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.