The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is an epic long-distance footpath that traverses some of America’s most spectacular wilderness areas. The PCT was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968 and stretches for 2650 miles (4265 km) in length.
Many backpackers and adventurers dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in a single season, a feat known as a “thru-hike”.
Hiking the entire trail is not for the faint of heart, however. The PCT stretches from Mexico to Canada along the spine of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. A typical thru-hike takes approximately 5 months and requires hiking 20+ miles (32+ km) every day.
Thru-hikers spend months in the wilderness and encounter all sorts of complex (and often dangerous) challenges. They must meet nature on its terms and push themselves to the absolute limit of their endurance.
Most hikers who start the PCT do not finish it, whether due to illness or injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.
But for those who hike this stunning trail, whether they finish it or not, the experience is a life-changing one.
