Leslie Mullins
Sept 15, 2024
Pacific Crest Trail: What It Is and Why Hikers Love the Challenge
A journey every adventurer should experience.
Ever heard of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT?)
Imagine hiking 2,650 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border all the way to Canada—through deserts, mountains, forests, and everything in between. Sounds epic, right?
The PCT is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world, and every year, thousands of people take on the challenge. But what makes this trail so special, and why do people put themselves through months of hiking, sweat, and solitude?
Next Adventure caught up to the PCT Class of 2024 at this year's PCT Days in Oregon's Cascade Locks to learn more.
Ever heard of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)?
What’s the PCT, Anyway?
The Pacific Crest Trail runs along the West Coast of the United States, stretching from Southern California up through Oregon and Washington, ending just over the border in Canada. Along the way, hikers cross some of the most incredible landscapes in North America: scorching deserts, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows.
While some people just hike a section or two, many go for the full “thru-hike”—walking the entire trail in one go, which can take five to six months. It’s not easy: think of extreme weather, limited water, rugged terrain, and no cell service. But for those who do it, the PCT is more than just a hike—it’s a life-changing adventure.
Birdie
From the beginning, Noelle Seward—who goes by the trail name Birdie—didn't anticipate the surge of competitive energy on the trail. "I was surprised," Noelle admitted, "to hear so many hikers asking, 'What day did you start? How many miles did you do? What's your pace? Are you taking a zero?'"
I realized that I'll get there when I get there. There's no rush. When this journey ends, I know I will wish I was still out here on the trail. That I had taken more moments to slow down, listen to my body, and trust myself...to hike my own hike.
- Noelle Seward
@noellejeanseward
Who Hikes the PCT?
The people on the PCT are as diverse as the landscapes they trek through. You’ll meet everyone from college grads and military veterans to retirees, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts. But no matter where they come from, they all share a few things in common: a love for the outdoors, a desire to push their limits, and a curiosity to see what they’re really made of.
For many, hiking the PCT is about disconnecting from everyday life. No more screens, no more stress—just you, the trail, and whatever comes your way. Others are looking for personal growth, healing from a tough past, or proving to themselves they can tackle something huge. Whatever the reason, they’re all in for an unforgettable experience.
One Love
After a two-month silent meditation in Nepal, London-based photographer Max Lacome—known on the trail as One Love—set off on a walking meditation across America. With a deep love for the country and its people, he now adds the PCT's breathtaking vistas, sunsets, and sunrises to his list of cherished experiences.
Along the trail, Max discovered that the PCT is an extension of what he has learned through meditation.
Trail families are like clouds, they change over time. They morph. No one is every really entirely with you, and no one is really entirely gone. Sometimes you can find yourself alone, however there are people a half a mile behind you. Sometimes you can be surrounded by people and think that's the way it's always going to be, and then you find you're alone again. I can get attached to things and this walking meditation is a metaphor for life, that nothing is really with you, and nothing is really gone.
- Max Lacome
@maxlacome
What Are They Looking For?
Everyone starts the PCT with a different goal in mind. Some are chasing adventure or testing their physical limits, while others want time to reflect or simply enjoy nature. What they often discover is more than they expected.
Finding Their Strength:
The trail is tough. Hikers face blistering heat, freezing snow, long stretches without water, and endless climbs. But they also find out how strong and resilient they are, overcoming obstacles they never thought they could.
Building a Community:
Surprisingly, the PCT isn’t just about solitude. A unique community forms on the trail—fellow hikers, “trail angels” who help out with food or water, and locals who cheer them on. It’s a reminder of how kind and supportive people can be, even when they’re strangers.
Living in the Moment:
When you’re out there, it’s just you and the trail. Hikers learn to appreciate the simple things: a clear stream, a stunning view, or even a hot meal after a long day. It’s all about living fully in the moment.
OMG!
At Glen Pass, Denmark native Selvi M. —known on the trail as OMG!—had a total meltdown with the little voice inside her head repeating, 'OMG! I can't do this...OMG! I can't do this...'
In fairness, Glen Pass, near the beginning of the PCT trail, is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. There, the weather is unpredictable, and the trails are covered in snow and ice. With an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet, hikers may experience altitude sickness, making breathing more challenging, especially for those not fully acclimated to the trail.
Selvi admitted she was not good at walking up hills, weighed down by the weight of her bear can, but she persevered.
It just came. Coming here and hiking alone, there are so many things. It is a beautiful journey. There is so much on this trail, and I found so much about myself on this journey that I didn't know...
- Selvi M.
@thesolitudeofwanderlust
Why Should You Care?
So, why does this matter to you? The PCT isn’t just for hardcore adventurers or pro hikers. It’s a symbol of stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself, no matter what that looks like. Whether it’s trying something new, pushing past your limits, or just spending more time outside, there’s a little bit of the PCT spirit in all of us.
Plus, who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll lace up your boots and take on the trail yourself.
Ready To Learn More?
Curious about what it’s like on the PCT?
Follow us on Instagram @nextadventure to discover more stories from those who’ve hiked the trail and celebrated with us at PCT Days. See if we inspire you to set off on your own adventure! 🌲👟✨
Follow us on Social to Discover More
Follow @nextadventure and discover more stories from those who’ve hiked the trail and celebrated with us at PCT Days.
See if we inspire you to set off on your own adventure! 🌲👟✨
PCT Class of 2024 photos by 📸 Michael Foushee. For more epic photos follow Michael @michaelfoosh
We're here to Get You Geared Up!
When you’re ready to gear up for your next adventure, whether it’s an epic journey like the Pacific Crest Trail or a weekend getaway closer to home, we’ve got you covered.
Explore nextadventure.net to find unbeatable deals on all the gear you need—from hiking boots and backpacks to tents and trekking poles.
Whatever your path, we’re here to help you make it an unforgettable experience. Start planning, start dreaming, and get ready to discover your own trail. Let’s adventure together! 🌲👣
Top 5 Popular Presents This Year
Go-To Block Heel Pump
A low block heel and forgiving toe box keep your toes comfortable all night long. These classic black pumps check all the boxes when it comes to comfort and timeless style.The shoes feature a block heel that tops out at just the right inch for stability. We recommend keeping your heels under 3 inches. Go-To Heel's almond-shaped toe is a classic design that does not pinch your toes. A rubber outsole provides cushioning when your foot hits the ground, giving your ankle and joints a break. Note that even though these shoes are labeled as
Finley Closed Toe Heel
Light cork makes it easy to walk in heels. Podiatrists advise avoiding flat insoles for most foot types. But it’s especially important for those with flat feet who need a shoe with the right arch to provide the balance and support they need. These lightweight cork heels have built-in arch support and a memory foam footbed to hug your feet. Although the heel height is above the recommended three inches, the toe platform compensates for the height, and they’ve been specially designed to distribute weight evenly and support your unique arch position.
Ziva Kitten Heel
A timeless classic that provides ankle support with the backstrap and a flared heel for added stability. Podiatrists recommend wearing supportive flats for sore feet, but if you want to spice up your outfit with comfortable heels, the lower the better. Our expert suggests looking out for shoes with improved heel midsole cushioning and support. This can help protect the plantar fascia from becoming strained. These kitten heels feature a contoured foot design and deep heel cups that support the fascia in your feet. Note that these shoes are a little narrow - they may not be great for people with wide feet.
Everly Pump
Available in three widths, these pumps feature walkable heels and provide non-slip outsoles. With a pair of pumps like these Naturalizer Everly heels, you may be able to get through the day without any discomfort. They sit below the recommended 3-inch heel height and feature the brand’s signature open-cell foam padding to make it feel like you’re wearing the shoes and not the other way around. Choose from one of three widths (narrow, medium, wide) and strut with a pair of shoes that works for day or night, casual or special occasions.
Round-Toe Chunky Heels
These rounded-toe shoes provide an antibacterial, deodorizing cushion to keep your feet fresh. Anyone who has bunions should pay special attention to the toe box. Rounded or square boxes are better because pointed ones will add more pressure in that area. These heels from Vivaia have rounded toes to prevent worsening bunions, and their upper areas are knitted with flexible stretch. They’re also quite low at a little less than two inches to ease the pressure from your feet. And they have a non-slip rubber sole to help you stay put. If you have wide feet, we recommend selecting one size up for extra comfort.
4 Tips to Find Comfortable Heels
Know Your Right Shoe Size
It may sound silly, but a 2017 survey by the Podiatric Society found that almost half of the women in the UK alone are wearing the wrong shoe size. Your foot sizes change over the years, especially after having kids. When buying shoes, measure both width and length. A lot of people think it's wide or vice versa and it's not, so make sure to check that out before shopping.
The Thicker The Heel, The Better
Avoid thin heels: the stilettos. These heels often cause your feet to wobble around. If you wear stilettos every day, you may want to consider a chunkier heel style and change it up a bit. Chunky heels don't wobble as easily as high heels, which helps prevent your ankle from snapping.
Try a Shoe with More Top Coverage
The more coverage you have on the top of your feet, the better. Sometimes, you can wear high heels all day and they don’t bother your feet as much. In the summer, you can try something with an ankle strap or a large wide strap over the top. If you are worried about blisters and friction, you might want to try something that covers more of the top of your foot.
Opt for Platform Heels
Platform heels are more comfortable than single-sole heels because the actual heel is shorter than the heel height. The platform also reduces the impact of your feet touching the ground, reducing discomfort. However, thicker platform heels can cause your foot to wobble and your ankle to snap, especially if the platform is very thick and the heel is stiletto. The shoe should be a good ratio between a thick platform and a fitting heel.
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