How much will it cost to thru-hike the PCT? A typical hiker spends between
$4000-8000+
on a thru-hike.
How much should you save to hike the PCT?
The most basic answer to the question, “How much does it cost to do a thru-hike,” is
$5,000 for six months per person
. Jill and RT searched the web, polled Facebook, and found most estimates to be in that ballpark.
How do I hike the PCT on a budget?
Don’t stay in every trail town.
Camp a few miles from town so you can hike in midday to resupply, buy one meal or pack one out, and hike out the same day
. Staying in town is fun, but it can rack up a lot of money quickly when you are paying for multiple meals, drinks, and a place to stay.
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.
Is it safe to 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.
How long does it take to hike the PCT?
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 the AT or PCT harder?
That shows, when evaluating the most obvious factor, terrain,
the AT is without question the more difficult of the two trails
. Not only is the PCT graded much more favorably than the AT, you’ll find a much more rugged tread with more rocks and roots on the AT.
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.
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 does it cost to hike the PCT Reddit?
I’ve seen estimates vary wildly
between $3000 total for the trip, all the way up to $7000
.
Where does the PCT start?
The PCT begins
on a low hill near Campo (elev. 2,915′)
, a small town near the Mexican border. It then passes through Lake Morena County Park, tunnels beneath Interstate 8, and climbs through chaparral, scrub oak and pines to the rim of the Laguna Mountains.
When should I start 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.
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.
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.
What is a Pee rag?
What is a pee rag? A pee rag is
a reusable option to wipe after you pee – and only after you pee
. It’s not for poop!
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.
How many miles a day should you walk on the PCT?
What Is the Ideal Pacific Crest Trail Timeline? You should plan to complete the hike within 6 months, otherwise you’ll freeze to death (possibly literally) during the colder months. Most people over
10-20 miles a day, with a 16-mile-a-day average
. Some days you’ll walk more; some days you won’t walk as much.
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.
Can you hike the PCT with a dog?
Dogs are allowed on much, but not all of the PCT
. Generally, they need to be on leash. The regulations affecting you and your dog vary depending on the agency that manages the stretch of the trail. There are no PCT-specific dog regulations.
Do you need a permit to section hike the PCT?
No PCT long-distance permits will be issued for trips starting, ending or resupplying at Whitney Portal. To hike that section,
you will need to get a permit from a local land management agency
.
Which thru-hike is the hardest?
- The Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is a very challenging thru-hike trail found in the eastern United States. …
- The Pacific Crest Trail. …
- Devil’s Path Trail. …
- Mount Huashan. …
- El Camito del Rey Trail.
What is trail magic?
Trail magic –
lending support to long-distance PCT hikers
– is a practice that’s been on the rise. It has many forms: a ride into town; a cold soda at the trailhead; a shower and a bunk. Many people consider these to be remarkable acts of kindness and a positive influence on the trail experience.
Which is more beautiful AT or PCT?
The AT is more draining on the body but the social aspect and more consistent trips into town keep the mind and spirit healthy. The PCT has a way of wearing down the mind before the body, but all the hikers said that
the beauty of the PCT was much greater and more inspiring than the AT
.
What is the hardest part of the PCT?
Hike Info. 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.
What is the steepest grade on the PCT?
PCT #1:
Old Snowy Mountain
(about 700′ in 0.6 mi).
Is the PCT flat?
Although the desert does not typically coincide with the image of a mountainous landscape,
the first 700 miles of the PCT are far from flat
(generally, if you are not going either up or down, chances are you have wandered off-trail). Water sources are few and far between; I carried as many as six liters at a time.
