Magic in the Mountains

This article originally appeared on The Trek, which you can read here.

Within one hour of beginning my PCT thru-hike in 2025, I realized my experience was already shaping up to be very different from Cheryl Strayed’s account from the hit book/movie Wild. No matter how many PCT-themed books, movies, blogs, and YouTube videos you’ve consumed, the trail is still guaranteed to surprise you. Reading about someone else’s thirst and discomfort is simply not the same as experiencing those things firsthand.

When it comes to thru-hiking, the trail itself will be your greatest teacher. But with a few months still to wait before the 2026 hiking season begins, it can’t hurt to read one more blog to help you prepare. From a Class of 2025 PCT hiker, here’s my advice to help you make the most of your 2026 thru-hike.

1. Do Your Research, but Don’t Overplan

The PCT wasn’t my first thru-hike. I arrived at Campo having already completed the AT and the AZT, plus I had several years of experience working as a backpacking guide. Even with all that under my belt, I still felt overwhelmed and underprepared for the challenges the PCT throws at hikers.

In the months leading up to my start date, I anxiously monitored the snow report to gauge what conditions might be like in the Sierra. I obsessed over my resupply strategy and ultimately decided not to mail myself boxes before departing, only to second-guess that choice every time I met a hiker who had.

Read Next – Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Guide

I was nervous about a lot of things, but my biggest takeaway early on was this: do your research, but don’t overplan. So many things are out of your control on a thru-hike  (weather, snow levels, fire closures, etc.), and standing at the Mexican border, it’s impossible to predict what you’ll face on your way to Canada.

Prepare yourself, but not to the point of stress. Even the best-laid plans can be upended by forces beyond your control. One of the most beautiful lessons the trail teaches is how to stay flexible and go with the flow.

2. Expect To Spend More Than You Think

While thru-hikers may spend less on trail than in everyday life, thru-hiking still isn’t cheap. You’ll need to budget for resupplies, town meals, gear upgrades, the occasional hotel or hostel stay, and plenty of miscellaneous expenses.

On the AT, I spent about $6,000 while hiking; on the PCT, closer to $7,000. Some will spend less than that, and others far more (according to Halfway Anywhere’s PCT survey, Class of 2024 hikers spent just over $10,000 on average).

There are fewer chances to splurge on town food along the PCT compared to the AT, but things tend to be more expensive on the West Coast.

On every long trail I’ve done, I’ve met people who had to quit because they ran out of money. Don’t let that be you. You’ve likely rearranged your entire life to make this dream possible. Why risk it by under-budgeting? Have a financial cushion and keep an eye on your spending. You don’t need to obsessively check your banking app, but you should be aware of how much you have left to spend.

And remember: your trail expenses aren’t the only ones. Do you need to keep paying insurance, subscriptions, rent, or a mortgage while you’re gone? Budget for those, too. If you’re brave enough to walk into the wilderness for months on end, be smart enough to get your finances in order beforehand.

Read Next – How To Plan a Budget for Your Thru-Hike: A Step-by-Step Guide

3. Be Open to New Experiences and People

I didn’t expect the PCT to feel like such a melting pot. I knew there would be international hikers, but I was blown away by just how many countries were represented. I met hikers from Israel, Japan, the Czech Republic, Brazil, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands — and that’s just a few. 

Even among hikers from the US, there was a wide variety of backgrounds and stories. Around camp, conversations often turned into cultural exchanges — from childhood memories to music tastes to what “vacation” meant growing up.

Be curious and embrace this diversity. How often in life do we get to live alongside people from so many different places and walks of life? Treat it as an opportunity to learn and connect. For many hikers, the highlight of the PCT isn’t the scenery, it’s the community.

4. Trust Your Gut

At some point, you’ll probably find yourself thinking, Oh shit, I could die right now. Maybe it’ll be while traversing a snowfield in the Sierra or during a sketchy river crossing. Either way, the stakes are high, and it’s crucial to trust your instincts.

If your gut says something isn’t safe, listen. In a high-stress moment, it’s easy to get swept up in what others are doing, but your intuition might save your life. For instance, if you reach Tyndall Creek late in the day and the current looks dangerous, make camp and try to cross in the morning. Water levels are generally at their lowest early in the morning when snowmelt hasn’t yet refilled the creeks.

Read Next – Going with the Flow: How to Tackle River Crossings Safely

Even off the trail, trusting your gut is vital. Hitchhiking is part of PCT life, but if someone gives you a bad feeling, you can always say no. Most rides are wholesome and heartwarming; some are just weird but make for a good story later on. Be cautious and remember that another car will always come along eventually.

5. Say Yes to Side Quests

Some of the most iconic places hikers visit on the PCT aren’t actually on the PCT. The trail itself often skirts just below the most epic summits; you’ll need to take side trails to reach them.

San Jacinto, Mount Baden-Powell, and Mount Whitney all require extra effort, but they’re worth it. The detours often turned out to be some of the highlights of my hike. The actual PCT in Crater Lake National Park doesn’t get you anywhere near the lake; you have to take the Rim Trail if you want to see the legendary blue water. I had seen countless photos of Tunnel Falls before my hike, but didn’t realize it was on the Eagle Creek alternate until I stood at the junction. 

You’ll meet hikers who can’t believe you didn’t take a certain alternate or visit a specific spot. Remember, it’s your hike. That said, don’t be afraid to say yes to side quests. Sometimes, the detours are what make the journey unforgettable.

6. Be Flexible

A sad reality: it’s nearly impossible to maintain a continuous footpath on the PCT these days. Fire closures, snow, and other obstacles will almost certainly force you to adjust your route or itinerary.

Some hikers insist on keeping a continuous footpath and walk along forest roads or highways to connect the dots. Others skip ahead and come back later when sections reopen. Some skip entire portions (looking at you, NorCal) and still consider their hike complete.

There’s no one right way to do it. Talk to other hikers, gather information, weigh your options, and then make the best decision for you. It can feel overwhelming to figure out logistics mid-hike, but remember: stay flexible and trust that the trail will provide.

The PCT is an ever-changing trail. One hiker’s experience can look completely different from another’s, even though we all follow the same ribbon of dirt. Hiking the PCT is a dream come true for many. It’s a journey that breaks you down and builds you back up again.

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No book, movie, or blog can truly prepare you for what’s ahead. Take it as it comes, don’t quit on a bad day, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.