Hike Your Own Hike: A Pacific Crest Trail Adventure

by Amy Pike, Cameron Crites (Cover Art)

"Hike Your Own Hike" is a narrative nonfiction about a newly divorced, forty-something, mother of two. Struggling to move forward under the weight of a past she has yet to come to terms with, she sets out alone in a bold attempt to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, experiencing far more than she bargains for along the way--healing, adventure, love, self discovery, personal growth. It explores what daily life in the wilderness looks like, the trials and joys of thru-hiking, the types of people you meet and the sense of community you build on a long distance trail, and how to survive without modern conveniences for long stretches of time.

266 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2025

About the author

Amy Pike is an empty nester, a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and an avid hiker who loves all things outdoors.

Reviews

[Amy Brownlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are like me and love the idea of hiking the PCT more than the reality of it, you can smile, laugh, cry and have your heart warmed all from your cozy couch this winter. Hike Your Own Hike is just absolutely fun to read.

[Noah Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS! This book is hands down one of the most interesting and introspective reads that I had during 2025. Amy uses a variety of connections from nature and ties them into her own life. I

[Tawnya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming, intense, and wonderful PCT memoir.

[Tim Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was preparing for my thru hike I read pretty well every book anyone had ever written about the PCT, and this is exactly what I was looking for but never found. It actually gives you a sense of what it feels like to be out there, what daily life is like, how the culture works, what the struggles and joys and challenges are, and how the trail changes you. So if you really want to get a feeling for what the experience of this amazing adventure is like before you do it, or want to transport yourself back to this incredible trail, this is the book for you. It’s my favourite book about the PCT and, when you read it, you’ll know why.

[Mamareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book A Great description of the PCT

I found this book to be an amazing read. I was amazed that the author started the journey totally by herself. As she started the hike alone she realized what she needed to do to heal herself from past traumas. As she gained confidence in herself she was able to open herself to others.
Lots of details of walking the trail and how to hike it were included. Well done hike and well written book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...we should be adventurers in this short life..."

[Amy Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal all-time FAVORITE book EVER! :)