The PCT is not just a road

This is a guest post by «smartstickx», a class of 2022 northbound PCT hikers (full bio at the end). Submit your own hiking story to The Trek here.

YoIn 2022, I set out to hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail, a trip I’d dreamed about for years but never really believed I’d take. The PCT is not just a path: it is a test of patience, endurance and self-awareness.

Stretching from the Mexican border to Canada, the trail passes through deserts, forests, volcanic landscapes, and some of the most impressive mountains in the United States. While I didn’t complete the entire hike, I did cover a long section heading north and that experience changed me in a way I never expected.

I started my trip in Southern California, where the sun comes up fast and hits hard. New hikers often underestimate the wilderness portion of the trail, but it taught me my first important lesson: pace matters.

I vividly remember those first mornings: the cold air before dawn, the quiet crunch of sand under my boots, and the slow reveal of the horizon turning shades of orange and gold. By midday the heat subsided and I learned to conserve water, pace myself, and stay mentally focused.

One of the best parts of the trail? Town

As I began to move north, the landscape slowly began to change. Long exposed stretches gave way to shaded areas, scattered trees and, finally, to thicker forests that mark the ascent towards the Sierra Nevada. With each passing mile, I felt like I was leaving the noise of normal life behind and entering a world where the rhythm of walking, resting, and surviving became the center of attention.

One of the most memorable parts of the PCT experience is the people: other hikers sharing the same trail, the same struggles, and the same small victories. In the second week of my hike, I met a small group of hikers at a water reservoir. None of us knew each other’s full names, just the names of the routes. I gave mine away spontaneously and, like most hikers, accepted it because it symbolized belonging.

These strangers quickly felt like companions. We share food, filter water, exchange stories of life at home, and encourage each other to keep going on the tough days. Sometimes we walked together, sometimes apart, but we always crossed paths again where the path took us back to the same spaces.

Life lessons taught along the way

To the north, the Sierra was the turning point in my way of thinking. Entering the mountains was a new level of challenge: altitude, patches of snow, river crossings and long climbs that required patience and strength.

But it also gave me some of the most unforgettable views I had ever seen: crystal-clear lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, valleys that stretched on endlessly, and nights when the sky seemed close enough to touch. There were times when I was left completely alone on a lookout, feeling small in the best way possible.

Every day on the PCT carried a lesson. Some were practical, like learning to control blisters, rationing food, or setting up camp quickly in bad weather. Others were personal, like understanding my limits, trusting my instincts, or appreciating silence.

On long climbs I learned the importance of breathing calmly and staying focused on just the next few steps rather than the entire mountain. On the descents, I learned how important it is to take care of your knees and be aware of the placement of each foot. On the days when the road seemed endless, I learned to be patient. And on the days when the views were almost unreal, I learned to be grateful.

Chasing spring

The north direction also meant the retreat of winter. Some mornings were freezing, making it difficult to set up camp with numb fingers. Other days the sun beat down mercilessly.

The weather on the PCT teaches adaptability: you can’t control it, you can only respect it. I remember one long day when the temperatures suddenly dropped; The wind picked up and clouds formed quickly. I had to stop early and set up shelter behind a rock wall that offered some protection. That night, wrapped in my sleeping bag as the wind howled outside, I realized how simple life becomes on the road. Shelter, food, warmth – everything else feels extra.

As I moved north, the forests became denser, the rivers fuller, and the wildlife more prevalent. Early one morning I saw deer, countless birds, and even the fresh tracks of a bear. That moment reminded me that although the trail feels like a personal journey, it belongs first and foremost to nature. We hikers simply passed by respectfully.

Find a reason to keep going

There were days when I questioned whether I should continue. Fatigue accumulates. The backpack feels heavier. The miles feel longer. But every time I thought about stopping, something small—like a beautiful morning view, a friendly conversation with another hiker, or even a perfect campsite—reignited my motivation. And that’s something the PCT teaches better than anything else: there is always a reason to keep going.

When my trip ended, I knew I would return home a different person. Hiking the PCT north in 2022 made me more patient, more grounded, and more connected to nature. It also strengthened my love for the hiking community and encouraged me to explore even more trails in the United States. Every mile left an impact and every day offered a memory that I still carry with me.

I didn’t just walk a path in 2022: I stepped into a new version of myself.

About the author

I’m an outdoor enthusiast who has spent years exploring some of the most iconic trails in the United States, including a northbound section of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022. I love sharing stories, gear tips, and lessons learned from the trail with the hiking community. When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy inspiring others to embrace the adventure and beauty of nature.

Guest post by smartstickx. Do you want your writing to appear on The Trek? Submit your own route story.

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