The average cost of a PCT thru-hike, including gear, food/resupply, and other end-to-end trail expenses, is
$4,000 to $6,000 per person
for an average thru-hike. That said, it’s not uncommon to hear stories of some people spending close to $10,000.
How hard is it to hike the PCT?
“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.
Can a beginner hike the PCT?
While
it is possible to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in either direction
, the vast majority of backpackers start at the southernmost trailhead in Campo, California and hike north to Canada. Only about 10% of all thru-hikers start at the opposite end at the Manning Park trailhead, in British Columbia.
How many miles does the average person walk per day on the PCT?
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.
Is hiking the PCT worth it?
As hard as hiking the PCT will be,
it’s 100% worth it
. The Pacific Crest Trail is notorious for having the lowest completion rate of any long-distance trail and you’ll see why when you’re on it. If you’re planning to hike the PCT, it takes commitment. Don’t give up on yourself too quickly when the going gets tough.
Do you lose weight on the PCT?
Assuming your goal is to lose no more than 30 pounds and that you plan to complete the entire PCT in approximately 5 months,
losing 30 pounds, on average
, works out to be a deficit of 700 calories per day.
How much should I budget for PCT?
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.
How do I prepare for PCT?
A shelter, rain gear, and a simple first aid kit along with some basic first aid knowledge
can go a long way in helping you manage an unexpected situation. Something that is expected is hunger. And repackaging food before your trip can significantly decrease the amount of trash you’ll have carry out.
What is the hardest section of the PCT?
By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington,
Section K
puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions.
How do I pack my poop out?
Pack out all waste in a resealable plastic bag
. You can add tea bags to the waste bag to reduce odor. If camping overnight, stow waste away with other smellables. Do not bury.
Is the PCT crowded?
So, is the PCT crowded?
The PCT can feel crowded depending on which month you start and in which direction
. The Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates that somewhere between 700 and 800 individuals attempt the complete thru-hike each year, with a 60% completion rate.
Can you 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.
When should I start hiking the PCT?
The short answer: the most common time to hike the PCT northbound is
April – September
. April is a good time to start at the southern terminus in Campo, California. Most thru-hikers who finish at the northern terminus near Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada, do so in August or September.
Where does the PCT start and end?
Beginning in southern California at the Mexican border, the PCT travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border
.
What national parks does the PCT go through?
The route is mostly through National Forest and protected wilderness. It also passes through seven national parks:
Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier, and North Cascades
. The trail avoids civilization and covers scenic and pristine mountainous terrain with few roads.
Why people quit the PCT?
The latest survey for 2017 showed a 52% drop-out rate* – based on 556 thru-hiking hopefuls who responded to the survey. Of these, the top 3 reasons for an early trail exit were:
Injury (29%); Snow (14%), Fires (14%)
. *It’s worth noting that the number of people who actually quit is far greater.
Are there Grizzlies on the PCT?
So, are there grizzly bears on the Pacific Crest Trail?
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.
Can you camp anywhere on the PCT?
Can you camp anywhere on the PCT? The answer is:
No, you cannot camp just anywhere you want on the trail
. While the PCT might sometimes look like one big campground with plenty of flat spots, you cannot make any place you want your campsite.
Does hiking burn belly fat?
Since hiking is a form of cardio,
it does indeed burn belly fat
. Moreover, it even builds muscle. Hiking is not only an effective way to burn calories and shed excess weight, but could also strengthen your body.
Should I hike everyday?
Not at all. Research (and personal experience) has proven that hiking offers a host of physical and mental health benefits. Not only does it help you lose weight, strengthen muscles, reduce disease and optimize endurance, it also reduces stress. As experts have advised,
exercising every day is encouraged in moderation
.
Is Thru Hiking healthy?
Although there are multiple aspects of long distance hiking where the health benefits may be outweighed by potential risks,
thru hiking is still overwhelmingly a healthier activity – for both your mind and body – than sitting at your desk for 8-10 hours a day
.
Is the PCT safe?
Although the Pacific Crest Trail is
safer than most places
, it is not immune to criminal behavior, including crimes of violence.
How much should you save to hike the PCT?
Most hikers report about $1,000 per month of on-trail costs, and on average hikers take five to six months to hike the PCT, so it’s probably a good idea to save
at least $5,000
to ensure you have enough money to complete the trail. Keep in mind this is just an average.
Can you ride a bike on the PCT?
The Pacific Crest Trail
Its beauty and ruggedness are inspirational, and have sparked the imagination of myriad adventurers. Alas, the PCT—also known as The Perfect Cycling Trail—is
closed to bikes
, even though the trail grades are perfectly optimized for knobby tires.
