Close-up of a stone marker with yellow engraved text reading CANADA 1325 MILES. The background features a forested area, reminiscent of landmark pct names found along natural trails, surrounded by trees and rocks.

The Many Names Of The Pacific Crest Trail

ByMac Hours Comments Reading Time: 2 minutes

So how long is the Pacific Crest Trail (a question that should be included in the FAQ, but isn’t because nobody asks it).

Well, the “official” length of the trail can fall anywhere between 2,600 and 2,700 depending on your source, but most thru-hikers go with the 2,660 number (that’s miles – see here for metric). This contributes to why it is difficult to hike the “entire” PCT.

As with the official length of the trail, the official name of the trail is also a matter of opinion. Depending on who you ask, you may receive one of many answers, including: The PCT, PCTNST, PCT Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail No 2000, Pacific Crest Trail System, PCT North, PCT South, US-Canada Border Trail, Canadian Border Trail, Mexican Border Trail, Canada Trail, Mexico Trail, Trail No 2000, PC 2000, PCT NO 2000, PCT Trail 2000, Pacific Crest Tr No 2000, Pacific Crest Trail 2000, Pacific Crest Trail No 2000.

You may also get one of many officially incorrect answers, including The Pacific Rim Trail, The Pacific Coast Trail, The Pacific Coastal Trail and the Pacific Trail.

I would also like to take this opportunity to point out that calling the PCT the PCT Trail is also incorrect. The Pacific Crest Trail Trail? Really? I am saddened to have seen multiple signs with this written.

Sometimes the PCT isn’t even marked and instead you must follow signs for a trail that happens to be a part of the PCT where you are, or signs for the next landmark on the trail (start looking ahead on those maps). This can make it somewhat confusing to novice hikers on the trail in their attempts to travel from one border to another. The following is a collection of signage from the along the PCT to convey the ambiguity and inconsistency in the naming.

  • A wooden trail sign in the forest points adventurers on the iconic PCT journey, directing left to Mono Creek Trailhead and Mono Pass, and right to Silver Pass and Selden Pass.
  • A metallic sign showcasing the iconic Pacific Crest Trail logo, adorned with a pine tree and mountains. The text reads Pacific Crest Trail and National Scenic Trail, set against a backdrop of out-of-focus trees—a classic emblem for PCT enthusiasts.
  • Close-up of an old, weathered Pacific Crest Trail System marker embedded in a tree trunk, with PCT names faintly visible. The diamond-shaped sign features faded lettering and a worn green tree emblem, all embraced by the rough, textured bark.
  • A wooden post bears the Pacific Crest Trail emblem, showcasing two white mountains and a black tree on a blue backdrop. Marked Pacific Crest Trail and National Scenic Trail, it stands proudly with mountains and trees in the background, echoing tales from famed PCT names.
  • A weathered wooden signpost in the forest displays arrows for the Canadian Border 889 and the Mexican Border 1779. This Pacific Crest Trail marker, mounted on a sturdy wooden pole, is enveloped by greenery and towering trees.
  • A rustic wooden trail sign stands amidst the forest, directing adventurers with its arrows. JMT points left and right, while PCT leads straight ahead. The names etched into the wood guide hikers through a tapestry of trees and lush undergrowth.
  • A PCT trail sign in the woods points to Charlotte Lake (1.2 miles), Kearsarge Pass (3.5 miles), Rae Lakes (4.6 miles), and Vidette Meadow (1.2 miles). Notice: No fires in park - Stage II fire danger allows camp stoves, ensuring safety for all hikers.
  • Wooden sign with Pacific Crest TR. NO. 2000 and arrows pointing left and right, mounted on a tree, hints at the PCTs legendary paths. Bright daylight with lush green foliage in the background adds to its timeless allure.
  • A wooden signpost in a natural setting marks routes on the famous PCT, indicating Fred Canyon Road is 7 miles ahead and Boulder Oaks is 13 miles away. The background features trees and a dirt path, echoing iconic PCT names.
  • Wooden signpost for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) names routes: Lake Morena County Park is 3.5 miles ahead, and Hauser Canyon is 7 miles further. The sign, securely mounted on a post, stands against a scenic backdrop of trees.
  • A rusty sign marks the gateway to Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000, entering Deschutes National Forest at elevation 5900’. Its worn texture bears the whispers of countless PCT names, surrounded by trees and kissed by sunlight peeking through.
  • A snow-covered wooden sign in the forest points to Meadows Campground one mile ahead and the renowned Pacific Crest Trail, affectionately known by its acronym PCT, two miles ahead. Snow-laden trees surround the sign, with a small arrow pointing to the left.
  • A weathered brown sign in the forest reads Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000, U.S. Highway 26, marking the historic PCT route. Towering trees and lush greenery envelop the area, whispering the names of adventurers who have tread this iconic path.
  • A wooden sign marks the Pacific Crest Trail, proudly bearing the year 2000. With the signature P.C.T. emblem, one arrow directs to Robin Bird Spring, 100 YDS, while another points ahead along the trail. The scene is enveloped by trees and lush foliage, embodying natures splendor and the spirit of pct names along its path.
  • Weathered wooden sign with P.C.T. NO. 2000 and arrows pointing both directions, mounted on a rustic post. Nestled among pine trees, the scene is reminiscent of the historic trails named along the famed PCT, with a dirt path visible to the right.
  • A wooden sign with P.C.T. North and South directions accompanied by arrows is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. It discreetly displays the iconic PCT names as a gentle reminder, along with a notice about fire restrictions currently in effect.
  • A rustic wooden trail marker, inscribed with P.C.T. and adorned with a carved tree design, clings to the trunk of a towering forest sentinel. The backdrop of lush foliage and majestic trunks invites hikers to ponder past PCT names along their journey.
  • A gray concrete trail marker with 200 and PCT etched in bold black letters stands amidst dry grass and rocks, guiding adventurers along the renowned PCT names trail.
  • A wooden signpost stands illuminated in the dark, directing adventurers with arrows to PCT Canada on the left and Root Creek 200 feet on the right. Above it, signs prohibit motorcycles. Partially visible grass whispers below, as if guarding these storied PCT names.
  • A weathered metal sign reads Pacific Crest Trail No Vehicles, now adorned with graffiti including various PCT names. The backdrop reveals a dry, rocky landscape punctuated by hills and sparse vegetation.
  • A weathered wooden sign on the trail directs hikers to the right, where the famed Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) meanders all the way to Canada. To the left, Cold Springs awaits just 300 feet ahead. The background features a serene forest with trees and dappled sunlight filtering through.
  • A signpost for the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stands amidst rocky terrain and trees, with arrows guiding adventurers north and south.
  • A wooden sign, embraced by nature, is nailed to a towering tree. It reads Bypass Trail No. 97 with an arrow pointing left and nods to the famous Trail No. 2000 (PCT) with a rightward arrow, surrounded by the whispering names of tall trees in the dense forest.
  • A wooden sign reading PCT TRAIL 2000 stands prominently, embraced by a forested backdrop with towering trees and lush greenery. In the distance, a trail marker subtly peeks from a tree, as if whispering the tales of hikers whose names have graced its path.
  • A white painted symbol on a concrete wall displays the letters PCT, flanked by arrows pointing left and right, all within a partial circle. This could signify an intersection of pct names along the trail.
  • A wooden trail sign in a forest, adorned with PCT names, guides adventurers towards Horseshoe Lake (upward), Purple Lake (right), and Reds Meadow (left). The serene background showcases towering trees and rugged rocky ground.
  • A wooden trail sign along the scenic PCT in a forest setting indicates distances to Gillette Lake (3.8 miles), Three Corner Rock (15.3 miles), and the U.S.-Canada Border (507.2 miles). Surrounding foliage includes green trees and grass, providing a serene backdrop for adventurers.
  • A wooden sign in the forest proudly displays Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, hinting at the famous PCT. Towering trees and dense foliage paint a lush backdrop, whispering tales of adventure.
  • A wooden trail sign features arrows pointing PCT (North) and PCT (South), reminiscent of famous PCT names. In the background, a hiker with a backpack navigates a dirt path framed by trees and rocks.
  • A wooden sign bearing the letters PCT in white stands proudly on a trail, surrounded by dense green foliage and towering trees, signaling an entryway into the tranquil embrace of natures forested sanctuary.
  • A wooden sign for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, affectionately known by PCT enthusiasts, features a logo with trees and mountains. It shows distances: Canada 550 miles, Mexico 2108 miles. In the background, a majestic mountain stands beneath a clear blue sky.
  • A rustic wooden trail sign, showcasing the PCT names, features arrows guiding hikers up to Tyler MDWS and off to the side for the PCT. Mounted confidently on two sturdy wooden posts, it stands proudly amidst a serene natural outdoor setting.
  • A wooden sign for the iconic PCT names the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, pointing to Angeles Forest Highway, Sulphur Springs Campground, and Angeles Crest Highway. Symbols for hiking and biking grace the bottom, set against a backdrop of towering trees.

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