PCT Long-distance Permit: Route
PCT Long-distance Permit permits are booked by advance reservation in Pacific Crest Trail. The route covers 2650 miles.
This guide covers the Pacific Crest Trail Long-distance permit.
Free
Permit Cost
approx. 5 months for a full thru-hike (typical range 4.5-6 months)
Duration
2650 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About PCT Long-distance Permit
The interagency long-distance permit covering the entire 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, for hikers walking 500 or more continuous miles. Issued directly by the Pacific Crest Trail Association on a scheduled quota-release day, not through Recreation.gov.
The PCT Long-distance Permit route
- Distance
- 2650 miles
- Trip length
- approx. 5 months for a full thru-hike (typical range 4.5-6 months)
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Southern Terminus Monument, Northern Terminus Monument 78
Pacific Crest, California to Washington
Points along the route
- Southern Terminus MonumentMile 0, 2,915 ft
- Kennedy Meadows (South)Mile 696.2, 6,194 ft
- Forester PassMile 775, 13,153 ft
- Mount Whitney summit (side trip)14,505 ft
- Donohue Pass / Yosemite boundaryMile 929.5, 11,049 ft
- Sonora PassMile 1016.1, 9,611 ft
- Echo Lake / South Lake Tahoe area6,238 ft
- Castle Crags / Mount Shasta viewpoint
- Ashland / Cascade-Siskiyou area
- Crater Lake National Park
- Three Sisters Wilderness
- Mount Hood1,542 ft
- Cascade Locks / Bridge of the GodsMile 2145.1, 140 ft
- Goat Rocks Wilderness
- Snoqualmie PassMile 2389.6, 3,014 ft
- Glacier Peak Wilderness
And 4 more named points along the route.
PCT Long-distance Permit permit detailsandAll Pacific Crest Trail permits
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a PCT Long-distance Permit permit?
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PCT Long-distance Permit permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit PCT Long-distance Permit?
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Northbound thru-hikers start late March through May, to cross the desert before peak heat and reach the Sierra as the snow recedes. Southbound thru-hikers start mid-June through July, once Washington's passes clear of snow.
How long is the PCT Long-distance Permit route?
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The route is 2650 miles.
How difficult is the PCT Long-distance Permit route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the PCT Long-distance Permit route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Southern Terminus Monument, Northern Terminus Monument 78.
What gear do I need for the PCT Long-distance Permit route?
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Essential gear includes: Bear canister for the Sierra Nevada section, California Campfire Permit if using a stove or fire, Water treatment for the long desert carries in Southern California, Ice axe and microspikes for the High Sierra in early-season snow years.
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