Pacific Crest Trail

Reddit only has space for two "stickied" announcement posts. This post will be updated as the pre-season progresses with news and updates that are particularly relevant for the Class of '24.

• A celebration of the life of Donna Saufley is planned for April 13-24 at Hiker Heaven.

• A new Forest Order requires "proper storage of food and refuse (garbage) on all National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin." In practical terms, that means hikers should plan on carrying a bear canister between Kennedy Meadows South and Truckee. (The bear can info on Triple Crown Outfitters website has not been updated to reflect this fact).

• Due to a new Forest Order from Washington's Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, now all food must be "acceptably stored" while in the Forest. In practical terms, this means using an IGBC certified bear can (such as the Bear Vault) or Ursack (Major or AllMitey) for the 277 miles between White Pass and Stehekin. More information here.

• Scout and Frodo will be hosting in 2024.

• Reds Meadow Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7pm Sunday to 9am Friday between June 7 and September 15 2024.

• The San Joaquin River Bridge in Kings Canyon NP (Sierra section) is closed.

https://www.pcta.org/2024/health-survey-big-bear-pct-93979/

Selected excerpt:

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has asked us to share a health survey related to reports of gastrointestinal illness on or near the PCT in the Big Bear region starting around the week of April 29th, 2024. If you have hiked the PCT in the area during that time, please fill out this survey so health officials can work to identify the source of the infection. Both ill and not ill individuals are asked to fill out the survey as it may contribute in narrowing down the pathogen and/or source.

For the purposes of this survey, the Pacific Crest Trail Big Bear region is defined as Interstate 10 (Mile 209) to Interstate 15 (Mile 342).

It’s 8am and I’m sitting here in my hotel room in San Diego after a long night. I barely got any sleep. At the last moment, the reality of it all hit me like a freight train. I was in way over my head.

I was supposed to start today, Monday May 20th. But after messing around (and struggling) with my backpack and equipment all day yesterday, I’ve realized I underestimated how difficult this would be, and how underprepared I am.

I’m in very good shape and go on day long hiking trips all the time. However, I’ve never even done an overnight backpacking trip…I don’t know what I was thinking trying to do the PCT.

After a long talk on the phone with my parents back in Florida, I’ve decided not to do the PCT this year. I’m sad, ashamed, and embarrassed right now. However, ultimately I think I’m making the right decision for my safety.

I apologize if this post seems pointless. I’m just feeling a lot of emotions right now. I guess the purpose of this post is if there is anyone else out there like me reading this right now, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Don’t be an idiot like me. Make sure you are prepared.

I'm sure most people will know that yesterday was Scout & Frodo's last ever day hosting hikers in San Diego (https://www.instagram.com/p/C7KktWgyhQ1/?utm\_source=ig\_web\_copy\_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==). They've retired before and changed their minds but it looks like this is finally the end after almost 20 years and 8,000 hikers hosted.

I'm just one of those 8,000 hikers (class of 2022) and they wouldn't remember me, but the sense of gratitude I feel to them and the sadness I feel today about the end of this era is really overwhelming and so I felt compelled to post. There just aren't many people on the planet as kind or as generous as they are - if there were the world would be a much better place.

The impact they had on me going into my hike and the lessons I took from them genuinely changed me, changed the way I thought about kindness and helping others (I wrote about it at the time in my PCT journal and I've pasted the extract at the end of this post). I suspect they had that impact on many other hikers. The PCT and its community will go on of course, but it will never quite be the same again.

I just wanted to say on behalf of all the PCT hikers who ever stayed with them THANK YOU SCOUT & FRODO! But somehow it doesn't quite feel like enough...

Scout & Frodo

Barney and Sandy Mann (aka Scout & Frodo) are Trail Angels and legends of the PCT community. They hiked the PCT in 2005 (when Scout was mid-50s and Frodo late-40s).

Scout is an unstoppable force of nature - 70 going on 17, he's relentlessly cheerful and positive, and leads impromptu yoga and line dancing classes in the garden. Frodo is the foundation on which everything is built, busily ensuring things runs smoothly, overseeing the food and facilities and quietly making sure every hiker has everything they need. It's clear that the trail had an enormously positive impact on them both and I can only think that they felt a debt to the trail which they wanted to repay because they have certainly repaid it and then some.

In the years since their thru-hike Scout & Frodo have hosted over 7,000 (not a typo… seven thousand!) PCT hikers at their home in San Diego in the days before they begin their hike. Hikers are given a comfortable place to set up their gear in a gazebo in the garden, veteran PCT hikers are on hand as volunteers to help with gear set up and logistical queries. Each day everyone is fed a truly delicious breakfast and dinner and on the morning of their hike are ferried the 1 hour drive to the start point.

And in return for all this Scout & Frodo ask for absolutely nothing. They do it because they love the PCT and its community and they want to inspire the next generation of hikers.

Their kindness and generosity is extraordinary, humbling and genuinely overwhelming. Each evening after dinner the hikers gather in a circle and Scout & Frodo give a talk about the challenges and risks of the PCT, but mostly they speak of the immense privilege we have being on it and the responsibilities we owe: leaving only footprints and taking only photos, being kind and courteous to everyone we meet along the way, helping others in greater need and being an ambassador for the trail.

I can't speak for every other hiker but I can say that the two days I spent with Scout and Frodo were genuinely life-affirming.

My stay with Scout & Frodo reminded me that kindness can't be defeated. It may sadly not always prevail on a global scale, but in communities around the world it's still there performing tiny, beautiful miracles each and every day. And the good news is that it's contagious. I think I and every other hiker lucky enough to stay with Scout & Frodo left better people thanks to their example and determined not to let them down.

I have thought about Scout & Frodo a lot this first week and I know I will carry their kindness and example with me for as far as this trail takes me, and then beyond.

Thanks for everything guys, enjoy your retirement.

Hello all! I’m prepping for my thru-hike next summer and am trying to buy as much gear as possible during the REI + outdoor brands sales.

Does anyone have any less obvious / personal preference / general recommendations for items to snag during the sales season?

They can be essentials, quality of life, or just good bits to have — all recommendations are welcome!

(Also, not putting my pack list up bc I’m interested in seeing what people will blanket recommend rather than for me specifically)

I am looking to send a mail drop to Drakesbad in the next week or so, but I cannot find confirmation if they are receiving mail drops for 2024. I have tried calling and emailing, but have not heard back. I am assuming they are not accepting packages for 2024, but I wanted to check if anyone had better insights.

Also, what would be the recommended alternative mail drop? USPS Chester? USPS Hat Creek? Somewhere else I am unaware of? I know about the Dollar General and Holiday Market in Chester as grocery options. While not off the options list, the food I am mailing is already purchased, so I would prefer to do a mail drop if possible.

Thanks, PCTers!

anyone have info on what the trail looks like going from crabtree up to whitney? I know the mountaineers route is still super sketch rn and the normal trail from whitney portal is possible with spikes up till about trail camp area, but I haven't seen much about coming from the pct side.

Hey folks. I'm starting an extended JMT trip at Kennedy Meadows (going NOBO to Yosemite), and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get to that trailhead.

I'll be travelling in from the south, and likely getting the ESTA bus as far as Pearsonville, but I'm not sure how to get up 9 Mile Canyon Road to the trailhead (about 25 miles).

Does anyone know if the trip from Pearsonville to KM is busy enough to be "hitchable"? It's quite a way, so should I consider hiring a private ride there instead?

(Assume I can't start further south down the trail from KM - I've already extended my miles as it is!)

Grateful for any info you can give me.

Prepping for PCT thru. On the AT my feet changed from size 9 to 10 within a few hundred miles after starting in Maine, and they remain that size today. I have lots of Altra Lone Peak 3.5s I bought in my new size after the AT when they were cheap on Amazon. My big toes almost touch the ends actually, however swelling has never been an issue, including over a 150-mile section of the NCT I just did over 5 days.

My question for those who have multiple thru's under their belt - should I size up for the PCT, anticipating that my feet will swell/lengthen beyond the size of my new post-AT baseline, or do you think the classic thru-hike size change is more of a one-shot deal? (Obviously there will be some general swelling, which my Altras have room to handle to some degree, but I don't have room for much lengthening, which may be more related to chronic arch remodeling as opposed to swelling?)

Would be very interested to hear others' experiences, thanks!!

Hello! I am from sweden and would love to do a month hiking of the pct in july/aug. Where do you think the bubble will be by then, or other bice sections of the trail?

Hi, I'll be arriving in LAX in a few days, and want to start my hike from Kennedy Meadows south. Has anybody tips on how to get out of LA asap and also to catch a good resupply. I'm European and have no clue how the us transportion system works. Thanks. PS I want to buy dried refried beans and minute rice (that can be cold soaked) where can this be bought? Only at specific bit shops or basically anywhere. Thanks :)

Hi there! I am new to this community — experienced hut hiker (NZ, Japan) but new to camping and feel naive asking this.

I am keen to do sections of the PCT (oregan & washington of interest) with a group around my age (30s) this summer and move up into Canada after. Guided or I just get on with it after maybe an outdoor camping course or something.

Anyone have recommendations on how to get started - where to find a hiking group or guide or something? I am solo (absolutely not interested in hiking solo) and just beginning to sketch out these plans.

Thank you

I’m not talking about post trail depression, but anybody deal with depression while on thru hikes? Has it made it better or worse? I’m looking at how beautiful my surroundings are and getting upset about not feeling as happy as I should be. I feel as tho im unable to enjoy where im at a lot of the time. While I love all the people I’ve meet so far, being around people so much is draining me and making things worse. I didn’t expect the social aspect of a thru hike to be this intense. In my everyday life I need time away from my partner, family & friends to recharge. Its hard to have alone time out here. I love hiking & backpacking, so i expected the trail to help my mood but it may be making it worse. I feel like im the only person who feels this way.

Hi fellow hikers just saying we have encountered bears every night for the past week as we traverse between sierra city and desolation area. Simply using lights at hepatic mode has worked in getting them to detour from tent but they are persistent turkey bears. No insodecints jabe occures they leave us alone enter hectic lights but be prepared to use the battery life of your devices for this. Luckily snow and dead fall are consistesitent in this area and allow for an audible alert system.

I have a permit to start the PCT going sobo on July 6th.

Due to work circumstances I think I need to push back to July 23rd.

I was thinking that could get me to the WA/OR border at least.

For the best chance to complete the trail I think I’ll need to flip flop.

Could I get some recommendations on how to do the flip flop?

This is my first thru hike in the US.

Thank you :)

Hey! Has anyone else had their toenails stop growing the first month out? It happened to me on the PCT and now again while doing the CDT. My fingernails are still moving at a steady pace, but my toenails haven’t moved at all! Just wondering if it’s a thing.

I would like to hike the Arizona Trail SOBO from mid-September and my plan is to fly from Frankfurt, Germany to Las Vegas on Sep, 13th.

BUT: the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable every year on both the AZT and the PCT.

That's why I would like to have a plan B (backup option) for the AZT and have thought about which part of the PCT I can still aim for in Sep/Oct (15Sep-15Oct).

Actually, the rule for PCT SOBO is that you have to reach Kennedy Meadows South before October 1st. So for me (weather and permit technically) only SOBO from KMS would be an option.

Maybe someone can give me another tip for the PCT.

As far as flights are concerned, I'm pretty flexible as I work for an airline. Maybe some section in OR or WA (15Sep-15Oct) is still possible?

I look forward to your answers.

Good morning, I live in the Antelope Valley and would like to help with water bottles for the hikers while hiking the desert part. Does anyone know trail points where we can park and set up. Thank you

I'll be in this area in a few days. The word has spread fast about the virus in this area. Trying to gather any last information before hiking through. Any recent cases? Any sources identified?

Like the title says, looking for a quilt or sleeping bag. Or should I just pack a few space blankets to go with my accordion matress?

Hi everyone! How is the snow looking in the Sierra’s? I have a July 2nd start and am anxious about snow levels. Also any tips on where to find info/ figure out snow conditions would be great! Thanks x

Got my permit printed, resupply boxes ready to ship. Very excited to start at Callahan's!
Where will early NOBO hikers be by then?
Is there a data base that tracks how far PCT hikers are?
I've heard of Far Out, but have not decided to bring a phone. Weighing InReach vs phone vs nothing electronic.

Noticed Agua Dulce is a 30 min drive from Six Flags Magic Mountain. Has anyone ever done a zero there? Or how would you do it?

Has anyone experienced a slight burning sensation on top of their feet?

It feels as someone slapped me with a fly swatter, or rather, it feels like someone did about 5 minutes ago, its not really pain, more discomfort and a warning signal, but I dont know how to interpret it or what to do about it.

Any experiences?

My buddy unfortunately had to get off trail in Cedar Glenn due to a broken ankle (on the plus side he got a helicopter ride). He had sent a couple resupply boxes to Serenity’s Oasis and one of the shops in Hikertown and was wondering if it’s possible for him to call and bounce them or what others have done in the past. Thanks for any help!

I am officially one month out from my SOBO FLASHER (f*cking long a** section hiker) start date!

I know that June 15 starting at Hart's Pass is a gusty move. With the El Nino winter, the North Cascades have experienced drastically less snow than other years (what I planned/hoped for when I picked June 15). Of course, snow travel and carrying an ice axe will be a reality regardless of the low snow year. I also know that others have done this early of a start in the past, and I'm hoping other early SOBOs (planning or past) are reading this now.

*I am not doing the border touch, I'm heading straight south from Hart's Pass\*

Questions:

1) What does the road walk look like for Hart's Pass (if it is still closed in a month?) Where does that gate close?

2) From Hart's Pass, what passes or sections are typically hard for steep snow slopes?

3) Thinking of starting from Rainy Pass on the 18th instead. Thoughts for that or against that? (Of the 1000+ miles I've hiked on the PCT, the section between Rainy and Hart's Pass may be my personal favorite...wouldn't want to skip that. But, I live near the area and can return again another time if it's too insane.)

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Thanks!