Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world, and not just because of the elevation. Designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968, the nearly 3,000 miles of scenic hiking trails stretch from the Mexico-U.S. border to just past the U.S.-Canada border in British Columbia, making it the second-longest hiking trail in the continental United States. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through 25 national forests and seven national parks, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It can be hiked in its entirety by experienced hikers, while many portions of the trail are used for horseback riding and shorter hikes.

The Pacific Crest Trail is notorious for offering an inspiring, though challenging, variety of wilderness, from deep forest to desert, snowcapped mountains to sun-speckled, glacier-fed streams. Whether you hike just a few miles or embark on a season-long adventure, exploring any part of the PCT will be an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

For more information on day hikes along or near the Pacific Crest Trail, view our list of hiking trails (for hikers of all experience levels) in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or for thru-hiking trips, the Pacific Crest Trail Association offers permit and preparation information. For safe and comfortable cabin-camping within the parks, consider an overnight stay at our Bearpaw High Sierra Camp.