How Long Is The Pct?

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.

What is the total distance of the PCT?

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.

How many miles a 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 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.

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.

Which is easier AT or PCT?

Because of its steep climbs,

the AT is considered to be physically more difficult than the PCT

or CDT.

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.

Is the PCT well marked?

Is the PCT well signed and marked?

The trail is generally well marked to the standard that it’s supposed to be signed to

. This is a wilderness trail and signage is kept to a minimum. Signs should be present at all trail junctions and road crossings.

Can you bike on the PCT?

Since 1992, hikers have been able to traverse Oregon north to south using the Pacific Crest Trail, which traces the Cascades from the Bridge of the Gods to the California state line. This summer,

you can finally bike across the state, from Hood River to the mines of Modoc County, Calif.

Who is the oldest person to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

Victor Kubilius or Pappy

as he’s called on the trails became the oldest triple crowner completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Devide Trail at 71.

How long would it take to walk from Mexico to Canada?

It takes most

4-6 months

to complete the trail. Most thru-hikers begin at the southern end of the PCT in April. From there, they hike north, finishing at the Canadian border sometime in September.

How hard is 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.

Is it OK to walk 10 miles a day?

Building up to a 10-mile walk every day will lead to substantial improvements in your cardiovascular health and psychological well-being

. Additionally, walking can support a weight loss program, particularly when combined with dietary changes.

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.

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.

Are there bears on PCT?

In California, the bear population has grown from about 10,000 in the 1980s to around 35,000 now. Their range has also expanded. In places where you didn’t use to worry about bears getting your food, there are now bears.

Bears are at home in the mountains of the PCT from the southern deserts to the northern border

.

What do you do with dog poop backpacking?

What do I mean by properly dispose of it? Take a plastic bag, either a used grocery bag or a purchased dog poop bag, and pick up the poop with it. Tie the bag off and throw it away in the trash. Do not throw it in the woods or leave it on a trail.

Where does the PCT begin and end?

The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long (4,265 kilometers. Starting in Campo, a small town on the United States-Mexico border, it goes through California, Oregon, and Washington before reaching its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border in Manning Park, British Columbia.

What does low PCT mean in dogs?

Platelets bind together to clot broken or leaking blood vessels and prevent unnecessary blood loss, so a low platelet count

compromises your dog’s ability to control bleeding, which can lead to bruising and excessive bleeding

. Thrombocytopenia is the condition of low blood platelets in dogs.

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.

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.

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

.

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.

How early can you start the PCT?

Nowadays, over 90% of thru-hikers head northbound. We recommend starting northbound thru-hikes in

late April or early May

. Your start date will depend on the snow situation in the Sierra Nevada and in the mountains of Southern California. Start too early and you may be faced with dangerous snow travel around Mt.

Can you hike the PCT in winter?

The Pacific Crest Trail can be wonderful year-round if you’re a hiker who also likes to backcountry ski or does other snow sports. Truly,

the PCT is a world-class place for winter recreation

! But if you’re only a hiker, you’ll generally aim to head out during the snow-free months.