The Pacific Crest Trail: Hiking the PCT from Mexico to Canada

by Brian Johnson

This guidebook is a complete guide to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), an epic 2650-mile hike along America's west coast. Frequently voted among the best hikes in the world, the route, which was created exclusively for backpackers and horse-riders, stretches from California's Mexican border to Canada's British Columbia. It boasts breathtaking scenery and varied landscapes, passing through California, Oregon and Washington State and taking in the Mojave desert, High Sierras, Cascades and countless more wild mountains. The PCT attracts thousands of hikers every year, with numbers only increasing since it was featured in the 2014 film, 'Wild'. Most hikers hike short sections, but several hundred each year take on the ultimate challenge of thru'-hiking the entire route in one summer. This comprehensive guide provides all the information needed to tackle any part of the trail. Written with a relaxed pace in mind, it presents the full route in 101 sections of 2–3 days which can be combined into longer days according to ability and preference. Alongside the notes and route descriptions, there are overview maps for the entire trail, and a detailed introduction that provides essential advice for planning and completing the route. From information on packing, supplies, water and bears, to details on the mountains, wildlife and regions trekkers will go through, this is an essential companion to taking on – and completing – this once in a lifetime adventure. 

Genres: Travel

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

My word where to begin? I've had time on my hands over recent years, following early retirement, that I believe has been put to good use. My wife and I enjoy holidays, theatre and dining out, together I hasten to add; which I guess would keep most people content. Primarily though, I think I have been lucky to spend more time with my grandchildren than would otherwise have been possible.
I've been able to do some not very good watercolour pantings and some cooking which has turned out to be surprisingly edible.
As far as my writing is concerned; it was originally no more than a case of give it a try and see how it goes. The first chapter of my debut Captain Shoelace story was so well received by friends and family that I was encouraged to see it through to the end.
It seems that the book is appreciated by a wider audience than I anticipated. So much so in fact, another Shoelace story is in the pipeline. Whoever would have believed it!

Reviews

[Ava · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful book about hiking the longest west coast trail. Full of fun and adventure.

[Hamish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with amazing photography, one note is that some of the info like gear, resupply stops and other things is out of date as of 2025.