Pacific Crest Trail
USA · North America · Thru-hike / long-distance trail · score 90/100
At a glance
| Countries | USA |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | California, Oregon, Washington |
| Type | Thru-hike / long-distance trail |
| Length | 4270 km |
| Typical duration | 150 days |
| Difficulty | 4/5 (Hard) |
| Max altitude | 4009 m |
| Best season | Apr-Sep |
| Start | Campo, CA (Mexican border) |
| End | E.C. Manning Park, BC, Canada |
| Permit / guide | PCTA long-distance permit required |
| Special gear | trekking poles; ice axe for early-season Sierra snow |
Score
90/100
Desert-to-alpine traverse of the western US; world-class scenery and fame; water carries, snow and permits temper logistics
How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: high.
Notes
Official length 2,653 mi (4,270 km)
Sources
Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.
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