We’re excited to announce the permanent protection of 2.5 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and 1,172 surrounding acres of land in Northern California.
Known as Girard Ridge, the newly-protected land lies near the towns of Castella and Dunsmuir and near where the PCT crosses Interstate 5. Access to ... Read more
Hello, PCT Class of 2024!
We can’t wait to meet you and we’re thrilled that you’re coming to the trail. It’s an incredibly special place. As you plan your trip, from physical training to prepare for the adventure to refining your wilderness skills, we know that getting a permit is ... Read more
UPDATE for July 19, 2023: Yosemite National Park is moving slowly toward the opening of Tioga Road due to the huge and lingering snowpack—and with that, their limited services. As a reminder, the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is still closed in 2023 due to ongoing construction. There is no backpacker’s campground ... Read more
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park rangers tell PCTA that most people are wisely changing their Sierra plans. This week many, if not most, northbound PCT hikers have been turning around before reaching Forester Pass. They have been exiting instead at Cottonwood Pass. Few others have even attempted entry into ... Read more
We’re thrilled to share that Lassen Rural Bus has expanded and now stops right on the Pacific Crest Trail. As strong believers in transit to trails, the immense value of rural buses, and small-town America, we extend our appreciation to everyone involved and encourage you to ride the bus!... Read more
By Michael Kauffmann
Western North America’s five-needle pines are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful living creatures on Earth. They are also major contributors to the unique high-elevation aesthetic of the Pacific Crest Trail. A pine tree is a kind of conifer, and five-needle pines along the trail include ... Read more
The Pacific Crest Trail Association is happy to share the first public draft of our new Strategic Plan. This has been PCTA’s longest, largest, and most community involved planning process we’ve ever undertaken—and we’re not done engaging with the PCT community. Below are links to download and read the ... Read more
Earlier this year, PCTA’s Director of Trail Operations Jennifer Tripp took a leave of absence to care for her partner, who was diagnosed with cancer. She recently informed us that she will not be returning to the PCTA.
Though we’re sad to lose her, we support Jennifer’s decision as ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.