Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
By Catkin
@Catkin (480)
United States
March 7, 2013 7:49pm CST
In its entirety, the Pacific Crest Trail is over 2,650 miles long, stretching from the US/Mexico border all the way up to just past the US/Canada in British Columbia. Many people hike this trail each year, some doing only parts of it, others attempting the entire thing. My boyfriend is planning to do this in the next year or two, but it will take a fair bit of training (and planning!) first. Have you ever gone on an extended hiking trip? The PCT can be a dangerous trail to hike depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Snow, extreme heat, and lack of water are all serious obstacles to be aware of and prepared for. I believe a few people die now and then while undertaking such a long hike, though sometimes it's due to unfortunate accidents rather than exposure/dehydration. I intend to join my boyfriend for portions of the hike, a few days at a time, perhaps every couple of weeks or so. The whole trail takes most people 5-6 months to hike!
1 response
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
8 Mar 13
How exciting to be hiking the PCT! 
In the East, we have the Appalachian Trail (runs from GA to ME and is just under 2200 mi.). I've hiked portions of the AT, but have never done an extended hike. I'm a slackpacker. I will hike anytime, anywhere, in all sorts of weather, through any kind of terrain, on and off the trail, but at the end of the day, I like that hot shower and warm bed.
Have you read Wild by Cheryl Strayed? (http://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm)
The PCT is definitely a longer, more difficult, and lonelier trail than the AT. (I use the word 'lonely' loosely. Most thru-hikers seek the solitude.)
In the East, we have the Appalachian Trail (runs from GA to ME and is just under 2200 mi.). I've hiked portions of the AT, but have never done an extended hike. I'm a slackpacker. I will hike anytime, anywhere, in all sorts of weather, through any kind of terrain, on and off the trail, but at the end of the day, I like that hot shower and warm bed.
Have you read Wild by Cheryl Strayed? (http://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm)
The PCT is definitely a longer, more difficult, and lonelier trail than the AT. (I use the word 'lonely' loosely. Most thru-hikers seek the solitude.)