Thru-Hiking Culture

10 Rattlesnakes, 222 Chipmunks, 7 Dead Mice: Number Crunching My Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike

10 Rattlesnakes, 222 Chipmunks, 7 Dead Mice: Number Crunching My Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike

This post is a sequel to my Appalachian Trail number crunch. Since hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2015, I finally found the time to complete another thru-hike and knew immediately...

Oct 15, 2024 : Animal Accountant
2024 Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hikers: Submit Your Completion Photos

2024 Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hikers: Submit Your Completion Photos

It's that victorious time of year again, when thousands of miles, countless blisters, and endless memories culminate in a single, triumphant moment: finishing the Pacific Crest Trail. Whether you’ve

Oct 1, 2024 : The Editors
“I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles”: How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures

“I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles”: How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures

On the Pacific Crest Trail, wildfire closures are no longer the rarity they once were — they’ve become part of the thru-hiking experience. With five current closures on the trail,...

Sep 11, 2024 : James Townsend
Sierra Mountains – It’s all downhill from here!

Sierra Mountains – It’s all downhill from here!

The culture of the PCT is inspiring. There is a saying that has stuck with me which is “the trail will provide”.  It’s a frame of mind that what you...

Aug 22, 2024 : Audrey
17 Years, 8,000 Hikers: Trail Angels Scout and Frodo Retire from PCT Hosting

17 Years, 8,000 Hikers: Trail Angels Scout and Frodo Retire from PCT Hosting

Seventeen years ago, Barney "Scout" and Sandy "Frodo" Mann welcomed a group of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers into their San Diego home for the first time, offering a place to...

Jun 17, 2024 : Ariella Nardizzi
How Much Trash Gets Left on the PCT? Two Scientists Thru-Hiked It To Find Out

How Much Trash Gets Left on the PCT? Two Scientists Thru-Hiked It To Find Out

Ever come across a trashed campsite while out hiking and wonder exactly how much trash gets left behind in the backcountry? You're not the only one. Last year, two scientists...

May 2, 2024 : Kelly Floro
22 Trek Bloggers on the Pacific Crest Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

22 Trek Bloggers on the Pacific Crest Trail You Should Be Following in 2024

As the hiking season officially kicks into high gear, the Pacific Crest Trail welcomes yet another class of thru-hikers, all of who are hopeful to complete the entire 2,650-mile journey....

Apr 23, 2024 : Kendra Slagter
Excerpt From “You Carry the Tent, I’ll Carry the Baby” by Jack McClure

Excerpt From “You Carry the Tent, I’ll Carry the Baby” by Jack McClure

This is a guest post brought to you by Jack McClure. McClure's new book, You Carry the Tent, I'll Carry the Baby, is available now through all major online book...

Apr 9, 2024 : Guest Post
Answering the Top 15 FAQs about the Pacific Crest Trail

Answering the Top 15 FAQs about the Pacific Crest Trail

Happy New Year! I'm responding to the top 15 most frequently asked questions I received about my hike. What's that/where's that? The Pacific Coast Trail, right? I used to think...

Jan 2, 2024 : Mary H
Here Are All the Things I’m Thankful for as a PCT Hiker

Here Are All the Things I’m Thankful for as a PCT Hiker

For Thanksgiving, I reflected on everything I'm thankful for as a Pacific Crest Trail hiker → I'm thankful for the opportunity to take time away from "regular life" to hike...

Nov 22, 2023 : Mary H