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
Why Water Caches Are Bad for Thru-hikers
Water caches are locations where water is stored or left out where there would otherwise be none. They have become increasingly common on long-distance trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, which may sound like a good thing - water caches mean hikers aren't forced
Best Section Hikes of the PCT: The Desert
A lot of you have written to ask something along the lines of, "I have *insert amount of time*, what section of the Pacific Crest Trail should I hike?" This is not an easy question to answer. It depends on who you are, what you're physically capable of, what you want to see, what time of the year
The Mount Laguna Outfitter And “Getting Daved”
This early stop can be a monetary disaster for a hiker with insecurities in their gear. Dave will gladly go through your pack, suggesting replacements, and even mail home the gear you replace. I've seen hikers with a decent set of gear get talked into spending thousands to shed a few pounds off
Photo Essay: The Pacific Crest Trail
I took a lot of pictures on the Pacific Crest Trail, but if I could do it over again (when I do it over again) I would make sure to take more pictures of the people I spent time with on the trail (so listen up, would be hikers). The following collection is by no means a comprehensive portrayal of
PCT Progress Report I: The Desert
Seven-hundred miles of Pacific Crest Trail and the California desert are now behind me. I now sit at the legendary Kennedy Meadows with the Sierra and a state of perpetual highness await me in the distance. But before we discuss my entry into bear country, let us take a look back at some of
Dear Wind, Fuck You.
I really thought we had an understanding. Scorching daytime heat, you are on full blast. Attempting to set up tent and/or sleeping - you had best be elsewhere. I forgave you already for deafening me on my way to Cabazon, and even for blowing that poodle dog bush into me (I am still itchy); but
An Afternoon At McDonald’s (on the PCT)
I don't think I have ever been more content just sitting in a McDonald's watching obese Americans hasten their impending biological failures. I myself put down a double quarter-pounder with cheese, a Big Mac, a 10 piece chicken nuggets, a large fry, and a gallon of Dr. Pepper, so I don't know