PCT, who dis?
What is the PCT?
Let’s break it down.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2650 mile (4265 kilometre) long-distance hiking (and equestrian!) trail.
It typically takes hikers 5+ months, weather and forest fire dependent, to complete a successful thru-hike. The trail is known for its extreme conditions. Excessive desert heat, high winds, snow at higher elevations, storms and fires; the PCT is truly a wilderness experience.
The PCT encompasses six of North America’s seven eco-zones: alpine tundra (above timberline);
subalpine forest; upper montane forest;
lower montane forest; upper Sonoran (oak
woodland, chaparral/grassland); and lower
Sonoran (Mojave/Sonoran Deserts).
As per the PCTA, the trail crosses more than 100 major mountain passes. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are most notable, with Forester Pass being the highest in elevation at 13,153 feet (4009 meters). The trail passes through 25 national forests and 6 national parks.
Due to extreme weather, northbound thru-hikes typically begin March-May. March being colder, with more risk of snow at higher elevation and May being hotter with more risk of limited water sources and forest fires. Although hikers don’t require a long distance permit, it’s easier than scooping local permits for protected areas along the way. The PCTA issues 50 long distance permits per day between March 1 - May 31 to northbounders. It can be difficult securing a permit, especially for the most popular starting dates (mid April). Thankfully, I’ve decided to start in March and I was able to secure my permit on the first permit release day!
Want to learn more about the PCT? Check out Halfway Anywhere: A Beginners Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail.
