Hikers at a popular rest spot on the PCT in Southern California – PCTA photo
The popularity of the PCT continues to increase. As a result, the PCTA—in partnership with our land management partners—faces new challenges with management of the trail.
One challenge especially pressing in recent years is ensuring the trail can handle the increasing numbers of people out enjoying it. Rising trail use is leading to human impacts along the trail corridor. For example, campsites and shorelines are showing wear, with more litter, exposed human waste and toilet paper.
We’re focused on making sure peoples’ experiences—and the communities and natural areas the trail passes through—retain the natural beauty we all love. To do this, we work with our partners on Visitor Use Management (VUM) strategies to protect the PCT.
To learn more about Visitor Use Management on the PCT, follow the links below.
Strategies for Visitor Use Management
Here are some specific examples of Visitor Use Management strategies.
What is Visitor Use Management?
It's a whole suite of techniques from hardening the trail, to education to modifying permit systems.