Just found out the Pacific Crest Trail is way longer than I ever guessed

I was looking at some old maps online last night, just daydreaming about a big trip. I always knew the PCT was long, but I saw a stat that said it's 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. For some reason I had it in my head it was more like 2,200. That extra 450 miles is like walking from Chicago to New York City. It really makes you think about the scale of planning something like that, down to every single food drop and water cache. On one hand, that distance is the whole point, the epic challenge. On the other, it feels almost impossible to fit into a normal life. Has anyone here actually thru-hiked it, and how did you wrap your head around the sheer size of it before starting?

3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

3 Comments

terryb116mo ago

My cousin tried a section in Oregon last summer and quit after three days. He said the mental math of how many steps were left broke him.

10

taylorlewis6mo ago

Quit after just three days?

3

patriciah996mo ago

Actually, the Pacific Crest Trail section in Oregon is over 400 miles. That's more than a quick three day trip. Maybe your cousin just tried a short piece of it? Even a 30 mile stretch can feel endless if you're not ready for it. The trail really tests you from the very first hill.

8