The Trail Skills College program is PCTA’s premiere trail maintenance educational program. Every year, PCTA hosts a series of events along the trail where new and experienced volunteers and outdoor professionals can learn critical skills for designing, building and maintaining backcountry trails. But what does it look like to take ... Read more
This winter’s extreme snowfall in California has everyone talking. While thru-hikers wonder about the closures in Southern California and traveling through the Sierra in high snow, and residents of trail towns scramble to shovel out, PCTA reckons with the impact of a historic winter on the upcoming season of trail ... Read more
On March 3, the USDA Forest Service took the rare action of closing the entire San Bernardino National Forest in California—adding to a previous closure of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. The closures included more than 800,000 acres of land and 212 miles of the Pacific Crest ... Read more
Hank “The Owl” Magnuski looked at his watch. “Maybe some hikers will be passing through. Let’s check.”
It was late morning near the end of July, and the temperature was already climbing into the 90s. Associate Director of Philanthropy Mark Waters jumped into the passenger seat, and together they waited, ... Read more
In the face of ever-increasing wildfire threats and a changing climate, the iconic Giant Sequoia groves of the Sierra Nevada are in the crosshairs.
“Six of the seven largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the past two years, and in that period, up to nearly one fifth of ... Read more
Hello, PCT Class of 2023!
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 building physical strength and preparing your body for your adventure, to refining your wilderness skills, we know that getting ... Read more
UPDATE: Most of the PCT previously closed by this fire has been reopened. For the latest information see our trail closure page.
On Friday July 29th, the McKinney Fire started along the Klamath River upstream and east of Seiad Valley, California. Threatening communities and homes along the river, ... Read more
Some say that getting to the trailhead is the hardest part of the journey for those who are starting a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Spending countless hours doing research, gathering gear, and planning ahead finally leads to that special moment. In 2022, Trailhead Hosts Toni Baker and Jay ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.