Experience one of the world’s most iconic long-distance hiking trails with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a legendary 4,265km (2,650-mile) journey stretching from Mexico to Canada. Traversing California, Oregon and Washington, the trail passes through vast deserts, the snowbound High Sierra, ancient forests, and rugged mountain wilderness, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Crater Lake and North Cascades National Parks. It is typically completed over four to six months. 

This unique three-part guidebook set is designed specifically for the demands of such an epic trail, where preparation, clarity and weight truly matter. Created with long-distance hikers in mind, the set splits essential information into lightweight, pack-friendly booklets, ensuring you only carry what you need on the trail while keeping critical details always to hand.

The introductory booklet (130g) focuses on planning and preparation, helping you make informed decisions long before you set foot on the trail. Whether you’re aiming for a full thru-hike or a shorter section, it provides the essential background needed to approach the PCT realistically and safely.

• Practical guidance on permits, timing and logistics is included, essential for navigating regulations across multiple US states and land agencies
• Insight into gear selection and managing pack weight on long-distance trails, helping you prepare efficiently and avoid costly mistakes before you go
• Clear guidance is provided on resupply strategy, trail towns and food planning, allowing you to plan supply boxes and resupplies well in advance
• Includes a detailed overview of the entire Pacific Crest Trail, including terrain, climate and seasonal challenges
• Suggested itineraries for 110-, 120-, 130- and 140-day thru-hikes, including an easy-going start option, are described to help you plan a realistic and achievable timeline

For use while hiking, the set includes two compact map booklets (200g and 170g), designed for clarity, durability and minimal weight. These booklets are intended to be carried on trail or sent on in supply packages, giving you immediate access to critical navigation and planning information without the burden of a single heavy volume.

• Clear, easy-to-read mapping covering the full length of the Pacific Crest Trail: one covering the southern stages from the Mexico border to northern California at Interstate 5, the other detailing the northern stages in Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border.
• The route is presented as 100 one- to three- day stages for easy planning of either day, section or thru hikes, with stages starting and ending at trailheads where possible
• 1:100,000 topographic maps for the whole PCT, allowing you to supplement or replace digital mapping apps in areas with limited battery life or signal
• Key features such as water sources, camping locations and resupply points are clearly marked on the map, supporting confident decision-making in remote sections of the trail like the Sierra Nevada 

Whether you’re preparing for a life-changing thru-hike or planning to explore the Pacific Crest Trail in stages, this three-part guidebook set offers a rare combination of thorough preparation, practical on-trail navigation and lightweight design. Written by two-time PCT thru-hiker David Jordan, you'll get advice from someone who has been there and walked the trail, invaluable when tackling such a challenging long-distance hike. 

For every copy of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail sold, Cicerone will donate $1.50 to the PCTA. 

Pacific Crest Trail – Quick Facts

Trail name: Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
Location: United States (California, Oregon, Washington)
Total distance: ~4,265 km / 2,650 miles
Typical duration: 4–6 months (thru-hike)
Start: Campo (Mexican border)
Finish: Manning Park (Canadian border)
Trail type: National Scenic Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous to very challenging
Terrain: Desert, high mountain passes, Sierra Nevada granite, volcanic landscapes, forested ridges
Elevation gain: ~150,000 m / 490,000 ft cumulative
Highest point: Forester Pass (4,009 m / 13,153 ft)
Navigation: Well marked in many sections; maps, guidebook and GPS recommended
Best season: April–September (northbound thru-hike typical)
Permit: PCT Long-distance Permit required for thru-hikes
Accommodation: Predominantly wild camping; occasional trail towns, campgrounds and limited lodges
Resupply: 25–35 resupply points via trail towns and road crossings

Author Highlight

“The experience is not only a natural one, but also a human one. We share the trail with other hikers, who have come from near and far to experience the PCT. That shared experience brings us closer together. The vulnerability we come to understand in a mountain storm, or at a raging creek crossing, is humbling, then the security and reassurance of others overcomes differences of language, culture or views, and we find in the shared experience, the basis of friendship.”

- David Jordan, author of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 

Map key

Overview map


Preface

INTRODUCTION
A geologist’s delight
Weather patterns
Plant and wildlife
What the walking’s like
Planning   
Preparation
Wilderness hiking
Equipment   
Using this guide

THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Southern California
1    Campo to Van Dusen Canyon (Big Bear City)
2    Big Bear City to Agua Dulce
3    Agua Dulce to Kennedy Meadows
The High Sierra
4    Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
5    Tuolumne Meadows to Interstate 80 (Donner Pass)
Northern California
6    Donner Pass to Interstate 5 (Castella)
7    Castella to Interstate 5 (Ashland)
Oregon
8    Ashland to McKenzie Pass
9    McKenzie Pass to Cascade Locks
Washington
10    Cascade Locks to Snoqualmie Pass
11    Snoqualmie Pass to Manning Park

Appendix A    Local information and conversions
Appendix B    Useful addresses
Appendix C    Other publications
Appendix D    Schedules for 110 to 180-day thru’-hikes
Appendix E    Summaries of Ancient Brit‘s schedules
Appendix F    Ancient Brit’s 2002 (160-day) schedule
Appendix G    Schedule for a 180-day thru’-hike
Appendix H    Schedule for a super-slow start

Seasons

Primarily on the mountain crest, the PCT is a summer trail, best hiked when most snow has receded. Southern California is best in both spring and autumn, when not too hot. The High Sierra and Northern California from mid-June, Oregon and Washington from July to mid-October.

Centres

The PCT can be accessed from most west coast US cities. San Diego is close to the Southern Terminus, while Vancouver, Canada provides an exit from the Northern Terminus. Reno is also convenient, closer to the midpoint and just 45 miles from the trail.

Difficulty

The PCT is a wilderness trail, often a long way from road access, so familiarity with backpacking, navigating and camping is required. The trail itself is not difficult to follow but the effects of erosion, avalanche damage, flood, fire and tree fall mean there are challenges to overcome, including late-lying snow and numerous creek and river crossings.

Must See

From scorching desert through snow-capped mountains and volcanic landscapes the PCT explores the American West at its wildest, visiting highlights such as Vasquez Rocks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park, the Devil’s Postpile, Desolation Wilderness, Crater Lake, the Three Sisters, Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and Glacier Peak Wilderness.

April 2025

Canadian border update

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.