How long does it take to do the Pacific Crest Trail?
about 5 months
The trail is 2,650 miles and it generally takes the entire snow-free season to walk. That’s about 5 months. Elite athletes who are experienced on the PCT have finished the trail in as little as two months. The few who achieve sub-100 day hikes average well over 30 miles per day.
Is it easy to get lost on the PCT?
Getting lost can be a stressful ordeal or a real threat. While the PCT is easy to follow, you can get off track if you’re not paying attention. A day will come where you really need these important tools. Don’t leave them behind and know how to use them.
Which is harder the PCT or at?
Because of its steep climbs, the AT is considered to be physically more difficult than the PCT or CDT.
How many miles a day on the Pacific Crest Trail?
The average thru-hiker will take about five months to walk the entire trail, averaging 20-plus miles a day after factoring in rest days.
How much money do you need to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
On average it costs about $6,000 to hike the PCT. That said, the cost of your hike can easily amount to several thousand dollars higher (a common scenario) or lower (if you’re disciplined and your hike is setback-free). Ask people how much they spent hiking the PCT and the answers vary.
Are there Grizzlies on the PCT?
Yes, there are still technically grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) on the PCT, your chances of coming across one are slim to none. This is in the area that encompasses the North Cascades, through which the Pacific Crest Trail travels for just 18 miles.
Should I hike the PCT alone?
Trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail are great places to start if you are new to solo hiking. There was rarely a day when I didn’t see people or camp at night with someone. You can choose how much you engage in community and solitude, how much you want to remove yourself from society.
Is the Pacific Crest Trail Hard?
“Hiking the PCT is hard, sometimes very hard. But compared to the life off-trail, the life on the trail is easier. There are fewer concerns. You still have some, but they are very basic.
How much of the PCT has burned?
Right now, 242 miles of the PCT are closed because of active fires or fire damage from previous years, Wilkinson reported. And although that’s better than the 1,800 miles closed last year because of fires and the pandemic, it’s among the most significant closures the trail has seen.
Is there cell service on the PCT?
Cell phone coverage on the Pacific Crest Trail varies according to your service provider. According to the USDA Forest Service, thru-hikers have cell phone coverage roughly 70% of the time.
How do I pack my poop out?
Bring and use your own wipes and pack them out so nobody has to accidentally encounter your smear residue. Pro Tips: Ziploc freezer bags (gallon-sized) are awesome for packing out waste. These are stronger and thicker than the standard sandwich bags and can be used to pack out other small garbage as well.
Is it safe to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone?
The point is that we can’t take risk away—solo hiking or not. You will be afraid of some things on the trail. You might not sleep much the first few nights you camp alone. However, there are things you can do to mitigate the risk on your hike.