The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) has - again - updated the process for obtaining a Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) permit. The permit process has evolved over the years and has never been perfect, but with the huge demand for the limited number of permits available each year (especially
New Bear Canister Regulations in Desolation Wilderness
The Forest Service has introduced new food storage regulations in Desolation Wilderness requiring overnight users to now carry "a canister designed to prevent access by bears." Simply put, bear canisters are now required in Desolation Wilderness. This impacts everyone recreating in Desolation
UPDATED: Two New BearVault Bear Canisters!
Bear canisters are an essential piece of backcountry equipment for anyone traveling into bear country (or even anywhere in the backcountry there are animals). Not much has changed recently in the bear canister and food-protection space, but BearVault has just released two new products, the BV425
No, You Don’t Have to Hike to Lake Morena on Day One of the PCT
Lake Morena is approximately 20 mi / 32 km north of Pacific Crest Trail's (PCT) southern terminus at the US-Mexico Border and is a landmark of sorts for PCT thru-hikers. Many hikers have it in their heads that they need to make it to Lake Morena on day one of their thru-hikes; many hikers are
Discrimination on the Pacific Crest Trail (Class of 2021)
The Pacific Crest Trail is hiked by thousands of people each year - from all over the United States and the globe. The trail has (slowly) become a more diverse and less exclusive space over the years as it has become more accessible. better documented, and more well-known. One thing that needs to
How to Get Your Thru-Hiking Triple Crown Award
The Triple Crown is thru-hiking's most coveted award. Only awarded to those bold enough to complete the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail, it's an honor bestowed upon only those with the maximum amount of time to devote to walking across the United States and
The Best Shelters for Couples on the Pacific Crest Trail (2021 Survey)
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a couple can be a huge test of a relationship. Which tent or shelter to use as a couple can be an important consideration. Will you sleep together? Separate? Who will carry what part of the tent? Will you use a two or three-person tent? Will you bring no shelter
Advice for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT Survey 2021)
Chances are that things won't go to plan on a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. One of the best things you can do to prepare for a PCT thru-hike? Talk to PCT thru-hikers and see what they would do again, do differently, and suggest that others (i.e. you) do. Questions like what gear do I get? Where do