Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a long distance trail in the Western United States. It is approximately 2,650 miles long, and stretches from the California / Mexico border to the Washington / Canada border.
Resources that provide overview and introductory-level information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
- The English language Wikipedia entry for "Pacific Crest Trail."
- The PCT on Vikivoyage
Sections
The PCT is made up of 5 distinct sections, The Desert, The Sierra, Northern California, Oregon and Washington
The Desert
The Desert spans from the the Mexican border at the Southernmost point of the PCT near Campo, California to Kennedy Meadows near Mile 700. Hikers begin their northbound journey around mid-spring, typical start dates range from mid-March to mid-May depending on hiker's speed and schedule, with faster hikers beginning later so as not to enter the Sierra to early and hikers who wish to start slow beginning earlier so that they can hit lower mileage days and not be pressed for time. Water management is crucial in the desert, and most hikers can expect at least some 4 to 6 litre water carries to be necessary.
