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The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a long hike through several distinct environments: the dry desert of Southern California, the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada, and the forested volcanic landscapes of Oregon and Washington. It is approximately 2,650 miles, or 4,265 kilometers, from the Mexican border near Campo to the Canadian border in British Columbia. The length changes slightly from year to year as the trail is adjusted.
Compared to the Appalachian Trail, which is largely forested and hilly, the PCT requires a different kind of preparation. Here you need to plan for water shortages, high altitude, windy passes, and snow. For Nordic hikers, there is also an important difference in the rules: the US does not have the right of way, but the PCT has a more comprehensive long-distance permit system than the AT.
Time and season: Sierra Nevada controls the planning
A full hike typically takes about five months. Most hikers heading north, NOBO, start at Campo from mid-April to early May. Starting too early can mean snow even in Southern California. Starting too late can make it harder to reach Northern Washington before the fall weather takes over.
The Sierra Nevada is a big seasonal issue. Passes can have snow well into June, and it is generally unsafe to plan a crossing before early July. That doesn't mean every year follows the same calendar: snow depth, meltwater, and weather vary. A NOBO hiker who reaches the Sierra early must be prepared to wait, change plans, or turn back. Continuing over a high, snow-covered pass just to keep to the schedule is a bad decision.
South, SOBO, hikers usually start in late June or early July, when the snow in Washington has sufficiently receded. Then the shorter season becomes a concern: rain and early snowstorms can arrive with a long way to go. Follow the PCTA's seasonal advice and assess the conditions on the ground, not just the calendar.
Permits and regulations: a central system, but control locally
For a continuous PCT hike of at least 500 miles, you can apply for a free PCT Long-distance Permit through the PCTA's official permit portal . It is an interagency permit issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association on behalf of multiple agencies. It differs from the AT, where the hiker more often needs to piece together various local regulations and permits.
The PCT permit has daily start quotas, and some start dates are more sought after than others. Apply well in advance and check the instructions carefully. The PCTA states that the 2026 application round has passed. For the 2027 hiking year, the first permit release date is November 4, 2026; the registration window for that opens October 15. Always check the PCTA for current dates and conditions .
The central permit does not cover every conceivable situation. Some wilderness areas and trailheads have local requirements, so check with the land manager for your route and start date. The Southern Sierra also has specific conditions for traveling through the area. The permit is not a reason to assume that a passage is safe: the PCTA emphasizes that an available start date does not guarantee suitable conditions.
Also expect to need an approved hard bear canister in several Sierra sections. In practice, many NOBO hikers plan to carry it from Kennedy Meadows South, around mile 702, through the long Sierra stretch and on to Kennedy Meadows North, around mile 1,017. Requirements vary by management area and the boundaries are not a single, consistent rule, so check the current information from the PCTA and relevant authorities. Canisters can be purchased or rented at Kennedy Meadows South, including through Triple Crown Outfitters. Read the PCTA's information on bear-proof storage .
From desert to Washington: five parts with different requirements
The Southern California desert is often the most physically demanding area, despite the lower elevations than the Sierra. Hot days around 100°F (38°C) and water stretches of 25–30 miles are common. Water sources and water supplies may be empty, unavailable, or have run out. Check current sources and plan carrying capacity based on conditions. PCTA advises against relying on water supplies as your sole plan.
The Sierra Nevada involves high altitude, long days in alpine terrain and snow which can affect route selection and safety. Some sections are over 3,000 metres. Even when the days are sunny, the nights can be cold, especially in windy camps.
Northern California offers forests, volcanic landscapes, and new elevation changes. Resupply opportunities are available, but distances and availability vary. Check opening hours and service before building your plan around a store or post office.
Oregon has long stretches of forest, volcanic landscapes, and often easier walking than the Sierra. That doesn't mean the logistics take care of themselves: water and food still need to be available between available stops.
Washington ends the trail with steep sections, high mountains, and heavy rain late in the season. For SOBO hikers, the seasonal window can be short, and in some parts, resupply stops are long. Plan for slower days and weather changes.
Resupply: plan the nodes, but leave room for change
Unlike a Swedish mountain hike where cabins and trailside services can shape the daily plan, food provision on the PCT is a separate part of the logistics. Plan in miles, not just kilometers: maps, signs, and trail guidance typically use miles. Think about how far you can carry food and water, but don't lock yourself into a detailed plan months in advance.
Important junctions through Sierra are:
- Kennedy Meadows South , around mile 702: common shopping and equipment point before the Sierra.
- Lone Pine : accessible via detours and transportation from the Horseshoe Meadow area; a possible additional resupply.
- Independence or Bishop via Kearsarge Pass : a common opportunity to leave the trail for larger purchases.
- Muir Trail Ranch : may offer package service, but check terms and hours in advance.
- Vermilion Valley Resort : a dining and recovery option with features that vary by season.
- Red's Meadow and Mammoth Lakes : Red's Meadow is closer to the trail; Mammoth Lakes has more full-service options and is accessible via trailhead and local transportation.
- Tuolumne Meadows : a seasonal option in Yosemite. Don't assume the store or package service will be open or fully stocked.
- Kennedy Meadows North and Bridgeport : options around Sonora Pass, with varying distances from the trail.
The distances between these stops can be long, so calculate your food needs for each leg and have a backup plan. Hours, transportation, and features may change between seasons. PCTA's resupply information and Halfway Anywhere's resupply guide can help you compare options; use them as a planning guide, not a guarantee that a particular service will be open.
Safety: water, snow, altitude and weather
In the desert, water is the biggest planning issue. A cache is not a reliable water source. Follow current reports, check when sources were last confirmed, and carry enough for the distance and heat you actually expect. Heatstroke and dehydration can develop quickly. Also, take into account sun protection and the fact that the pace can drop in the heat.
In the Sierra, snow and high waterfalls require careful decisions. Check snow and weather reports, learn to use a map and compass, and don't go out on a pass if conditions exceed your experience. Thunderstorms can make exposed ridges and passes dangerous. Altitude affects both stamina and sleep; slow down if your body needs time to adjust.
The US emergency number is 911. Coverage is lacking on many routes, so consider a satellite communications solution if your route and risk level warrant it. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical care and possible evacuation. Also, read the US Forest Service's PCT permit information and check local warnings before setting off.
Equipment: protection and sleep outweigh gram hunting
The open, wind-exposed Sierra and Cascades of the PCT have different requirements than the forested terrain of the Appalachian Trail. Prioritize a tent that is stable in wind and can be pitched safely in exposed locations. Check out HikingStore's range of tents and choose by conditions, not just weight.
A long-distance pack needs to hold food and enough water. Test your backpack with a full load before you set off and protect your sleeping gear inside from rain. For cold nights at high altitude, both the comfort temperature of your sleeping bag and the insulation of your sleeping pad are important. The comfort temperature should match the actual night temperatures at altitude, not just the milder parts further south. A pad with too low an R-value can let ground chill through and ruin your recovery. Compare sleeping pads and sleeping bags , and read our guide to down if you choose down insulation.
Also pack rain cover, sun protection, water capacity and purification that suits the sources you expect. The mountain hiking packing list is a useful foundation, but adapt it for desert heat, bear regulations and US logistics.
Before you start: final checks
The US has no right of way. Follow signs and local regulations for camping, fires, food storage, and protected areas. Check conditions, snow, water, fire hazards, and any closures near your destination. Have a realistic recovery plan, and make sure you can navigate even if your phone stops working.
The PCT is not a single type of hike that repeats itself over five months. It requires you to switch between desert, high mountains, and rainforest. Packing light helps, but not if it costs you water margins, safety, or a warm night's sleep.
The next article is about the Continental Divide Trail , the most demanding of the United States' three major long-distance trails – and a hike where independence and margins become even more important.