Frequently Asked Questions about the Pacific Crest Trail

What is the best guide for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail?

FarOut created the best and most popular smartphone guide for the Pacific Crest Trail.

The FarOut PCT guide is the best because the trail data and map information is constantly updated. As an illustration you can view a free 77 mile section of the trail from the US-Mexico border to Julian.

How long is the PCT?

The PCT is 2,654 miles long and travels from the US-Mexico border to the northern US-Canada border.

How long is the California section?

The California section of the Pacific Crest Trail is the longest and as a result is 1,692 miles long. Because of the length of California most northbound hikers celebrate at the California and Oregon border.

How long is the Oregon section?

The Oregon section of the PCT is 456 miles (734 kilometers). As a result of the shorter distance most long-distance hikers can hike through Oregon in less than a month.

How long is the Washington section?

The Washington section of the PCT is 506 miles (814 kilometers). Because of the shorter distance most thru-hikers can finish Washington in about a month.

What is the highest point on the trail?

The highest point on the PCT is at Forester Pass (13,120 feet) located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Because of the high elevation you should be aware of the warning signs of altitude sickness.

When is the best time to hike the PCT?

Most northbound hikers leave the US-Mexico border between March and early May due to snow. This is because of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountain range doesn’t typically clear until mid June.

Most southbound thru-hikers leave the US-Canada border around June or July because snow conditions dictate the start date.

Due to the seasonal nature of trails we wrote a blog post that shows the best time to hike different trails around the world.

How long does it take to hike the entire trail?

Because of the long length of the PCT most people take about 5 months to hike the entire trail. Hiking in 5 months results in an average 18 mile hiking day.

A hike that lasts longer than 6 months is not recommended because you will likely be hiking in snow.

The fastest known time to hike the entire PCT was set by Timothy Olson in 2022, at 51.7 days, which averages 51.3 miles a day. Because of his hiking speed he was able to depart the southern terminus on June 1 and finished on July 22.

Do you need a permit to hike the PCT?

In certain areas along the PCT you will need a hiking permit and as a result most people apply for a long-distance hiker permit. These permits are usually issued around November and January and because of demand can be difficult to obtain.

How much does it cost to hike the entire trail?

The cost of a hike varies widely, so FarOut created a cost calculator where you can estimate the cost of your hiking trip based on your hiking style.

What do hikers eat?

The ideal backpacking food is delicious, non-perishable, calorie dense, easy to prepare, nutritious, and as well as affordable. Because of the interest in backpacking we created a special blog post on backpacking food.

How do you know where to camp and find water along the PCT?

The FarOut PCT guides includes places to find water and camp plus a lot more. As an illustration of the utility of our guide you can check out our free map section.

What gear do I need to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

What gear you need for the Pacific Crest Trail depends on the time of year, section that you hike, and the direction you hike. Treeline Review’s gear list and strategy breaks down recommended gear, permits, best time of year to hike, and more.