You probably know it from WILD, Cheryl Strayed’s adventure thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is a treasured pathway through some of the most incredible, scenic terrain in the United States.

Beginning in southern California at the Mexican border, the PCT travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border. It can be thru hiked Northbound (NOBO), which is SoCal at the Mexican border through to Canada or Southbound (SOBO), which is the Canadian border south to the Mexican border, each experience different.

For people all across the globe, that make their way to either the northern or southern terminus’ to commence their life changing journey, the Pacific Crest Trail - PCT - is a symbolic of a living life to the fullest. Day hike, section hike or thru hike. You dan spend days, weeks or months on the trail, and in nature. It’s describe by many to be a magical, life changing, addictive experience, where you’ll meet wonderful people who fast become your “tramily” (trail family), maybe get a trail name and join them in the PCT community. Stunning scenery is a given, in fact it’s a rule. You can’t miss it. You’re immersed in it’s magnificence.

While day hikes and section hike are do-able, the resiliance and commitment of a long-distance and thru hike on the PCT should never be underestimated. Getting outdoors, seeking adventure and hiking for even a week, exploring and traveling the trails is an admirable effort. However, traveling long-distance, especially thru-hiking the entire trail in one season, with your home and all of your supplies in a pack on your back is undeniably a remarkable achievement; physically, mentally and for some, spiritually.

Amongst thru-hikers, the failure rate can be high - it’s really tough gig - and injuries are unfortunately frequent, not to mention or forget you’re in nature, mother nature’s territory on nature’s terms - non negotiable.