How Many Days Does It Take To Hike The Pct From Mexico To Los Angeles?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Where is the Pacific Crest Trail? The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, runs 2650.10 miles through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. Spanning from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. It takes anywhere from

four to six months

of backpacking.

Does the PCT go into Mexico?

The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers)

from Mexico to Canada

through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a National Scenic Trail.

How many miles a day should you hike 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.

Does the PCT go through Los Angeles?

Actually,

about 176-miles of the PCT fall within the boundaries of the Angeles National Forest

. This section is diverse in terms of both appearance and terrain. The forest is lush and the elevation changes range drastically from around 1,000 feet to about 10,000.

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.

Where does PCT start in Mexico?

They usually start at

the Mexican border

in April and end on the Canadian border in September. Only a few equestrians have ever ridden the entire trail.

Does the PCT go through Joshua Tree?


Along the PCT you first encounter Joshua trees as you approach Big Bear from the south

. However, it is not until you leave Hikertown and cross the edge of the Mojave Desert that you see them in abundance. By the time you reach Walker Pass, you will have seen Joshua trees for the last time on your walk north.

How difficult is the Pacific Crest Trail?

“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 fast can you hike the PCT?

To complete the PCT in two months (or less) you will need to average approximately

43.6 mi / 70.2 km per day

(this was my longest day on the trail).

Should I hike the PCT?

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.

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.

How much of the PCT is in California?

The PCT in California is

1,691.7 miles

long. The PCT in Oregon is 455.2 miles long. The PCT in Washington is 505.7 miles long.

How many miles of the PCT are in California?

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins in southern California at the Mexican border and travels a total distance of

2,650 miles

through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.

How long is the desert section of the PCT?

This notoriously hot, flat, dry section of PCT travels about

20 miles

through the Mojave Desert until finally getting back into the hills. You’ll walk along (or on top of) the Aqueduct before coming to Cottonwood Creek (mile 534.9), the first refuge from the intense desert sun.

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.

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.

Where Are dogs allowed on the PCT?

Dogs are permitted on

all sections of the trail except in national parks

, but travelers with canines should respect the fact that in places where the trail passes through private property the easement may be only a few yards wide.

How long did it take Cheryl to hike the PCT?

Photograph by Aaron Hewitt. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. At the age of 26, devastated by her mother’s untimely death from lung cancer and reeling from her divorce, Cheryl Strayed embarked on a solo,

three-month

, 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.

How long is the entire PCT?

Pacific Crest Trail Length

2,653 mi (4,270 km)
Location California / Oregon / Washington, USA / British Columbia, Canada Designation National Scenic Trail Trailheads Campo, California Manning Park, British Columbia

How many miles can you hike in a day?

This will depend on several different factors, including; fitness levels, terrain, elevation, weather and pack weight. Taking this average pace and applying it to an 8-hour hiking day (not including rest breaks), it is possible for an average person to hike between

16 – 24 miles per day

.

Does the PCT go through Death Valley?


There is no direct connection from Pacific Crest Trail (Landmark) to Death Valley National Park

. However, you can take the drive to Redding airport, fly to Las Vegas, then take the drive to Death Valley National Park.

How many national forests does the PCT go through?

The Pacific Southwest Region manages

18

national forests and their closure started Aug.

Does the Pacific Crest Trail go through Yosemite?


Yosemite contains nearly 70 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail

. In Yosemite, the trail’s highest point is 11,056 feet at Donohue Pass at the park’s southern border, and the lowest spot is 7,560 feet near Benson Lake.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.