Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – Preview

DISTANCE : 2650 miles approx. (4265 km)

START : Campo, CA – US/Mexico border.

FINISH : Manning Park, US/Canada border.

MAPS / INFO :

• On my previous PCT hike in 2007, I used the PCT guidebooks (3), Data book and Yogi’s PCT Handbook for town information.
• This time around, I plan on using the PCT map set by former Thru-Hiker “Half Mile”.
• Click here for an overview map of the PCT.

ROUTE / CONDITIONS :

• For the most part the trail is well marked and easy to follow. The primary exception can be sections of the High Sierra, which generally remain snowbound into July.
• Temperatures can range from scorching in the Mojave to below freezing in the High Sierra. Geographically speaking, the trail passes through deserts, lava fields, old-growth forests, glacier-carved valleys and snow capped peaks.

NOTES :

• This is the only one of the 12 walks which I have previously completed. Happily, it is also one of my all-time favourites. This time around I will be travelling lighter (7lb base weight instead of 14lb), faster (in 2007 I took more than 20 zero days in addition to a lengthy side trip to finish the JMT) and will begin the trail in much better shape.