The Pacific Crest Trail

Thru-hiking 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada is no small commitment. On April 20, 2025, I’ll be lacing my trail runners up at the Mexican Border near Campo, California to begin a 5 month journey across the west coast of the United States.

Along the way, I will pass through 5 distinct regions – Southern California, the Sierra Nevada (Central California), Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. I plan to follow the trail as closely as I can, but will be prepared to detour in the event of natural disaster or other trail-altering events.

The PCT is enjoyed by thru-hikers, section hikers, weekend backpackers, and day hikers from all over the world and is renowned for its beauty and raw wilderness.

Why Hike?

In August 2023, I completed my first thru hike – the John Muir Trail, which overlaps with the PCT for about 160 miles. I had spent a few days and nights in the wilderness of Yosemite National Park and a handful of campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra prior to this, but none of that could have prepared me for what I experienced on my JMT thru.

The Sierra was BREATHTAKING and although many days were filled with struggles and stress, every climb, every pass, and every valley simply melted my heart. I couldn’t believe that such a beautiful place could even exist and if it weren’t for limitations regarding food supply, I felt as if I could stay there forever. After finishing, I knew I’d have to go back.

Another year later, I thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail and experienced the northernmost region of the Sierra and an additional 50 miles of the PCT. Only a few days into this hike, I felt heartbroken thinking I’d have to leave the trail behind again. I’d only had but a small taste of what the full PCT had to offer. I knew what I had to do and I committed myself to making it happen, no matter what. I couldn’t live another day not planning my return to this wild paradise.

Why Now?

It’s been no easy feat to set aside the time or money to embark on this adventure and I suppose fear has been one of my biggest motivators. To be completely honest, I’m terrified I might not have another opportunity to attempt a hike this grand.

With concerns for my own health as well as the health and well-being of family and pets, I worry that waiting will only present more obstacles (all of which would obviously take great precedence over hiking.)

I’m hiking in 2025 so that I have more time for those I love when they need me the most.

There’s no better time than now, right? Growing up in the so-called “land of mañana,” I’m all too used to false promises of getting it done tomorrow never coming true – something I’m guilty of just as much as anyone else.

I’m hiking in 2025 because I can.

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