A 2,663-mile (4,286 km) route to hike, horseback ride, or cycle, extending from Mexico to Canada (or the reverse), crossing through California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States of America.
Originally conceived by Clinton Churchil Clarke in 1932, the Pacific Crest Trail is part of the Triple Crown of American Hiking, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
This journey takes several months and will lead you through multiple national forests and protected areas, including the striking Crater Lake National Park and the colorful Yosemite National Park.
Completing the Pacific Crest Trail requires serious determination and advanced hiking skills, immersing you in pristine nature safely. It’s a dream adventure, offering breathtaking panoramas thanks to the imposing mountain ranges you’ll cross, such as San Bernardino, Sierra Nevada, and the Cascades.
An interesting aspect is the opportunity to experience the trail by horseback, or even by bike thanks to the “Pacific Crest Bicycle Trail.” This cycling route covers about 2,485 miles (4,000 km) of the total trail and closely follows the footpath of the PCT, making it a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts. So far, 3,419 people have completed the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, earning a special spot in the trail’s history, while 68 people have achieved this feat more than once.
Points of interest:
- Crater Lake National Park: Home to one of the world’s bluest lakes, Crater Lake, renowned for the extraordinary clarity and depth of its water.
- Yosemite National Park: Attracting over 3.5 million visitors each year, Yosemite is among the most popular US national parks. Located in California, it offers lush, breathtaking natural wonders.
- San Bernardino Mountains: Located in Southern California, its highest peak is Mount San Gorgonio (3,506 m). At its base lies the Joshua Tree National Monument.
- Sierra Nevada Mountains: Famous worldwide and stretching 650 km, this range is also home to Yosemite National Park. Its highest peak is Mount Whitney at 4,421 meters.
- Cascade Range: Spanning roughly 1,100 km, the Cascades run across British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and into Northern California. Dominated by majestic volcanic peaks, Mount Rainier is the tallest at 4,392 meters.
Useful info sheet:
- Country: United States
- Official website: Pacific Crest Trail
- Length in kilometers: 4,286
- GPX: n/a
- KMZ: available
