Five Reasons I’m Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (Again, Doing Something That Sounds a Little Crazy)

You would think that after hiking over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, I would have learned my lesson. I mean, most people finish something that difficult and say, «Wow, that was amazing, never again!» Instead, I finished the AT in 2023, took a shower, ate something not dehydrated, wrote a book about the whole wilderness experience (Over the Mountains, a shameless plug), and then quickly decided, «Hell yeah, let’s do something even harder.» I guess you could say I like self-torture, or possibly I have a few screws loose in my head. You be the judge.

That’s the thing about long-distance hiking: once it gets its muddy, crushing claws into you, you’re hooked. That’s why I’m now riding the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile roller coaster stretching from Mexico to Canada, featuring everything from dry, extreme desert temperatures to high-altitude snowy mountain passes where you’ll definitely question your life choices.

So why do I do it? Well… good question.

1. The panoramic views along the trail will be epic!

First, there is the landscape. The PCT offers views so breathtaking they make you forget that your feet are planning a mutiny. You can’t help but be drawn to the idea of ​​watching the sun rise over the Mojave Desert, walking under giant sequoias, or crying tears of happiness or terror atop a snowy Sierra pass. It’s like nature keeps saying, «Hey, sorry about all the climbing. Look at this beautiful mountain to make up for it!»

In 2022, I had an amazing opportunity to hike the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park. While at the top of Glen Pass, the highest point on the loop, I couldn’t help but be moved by the epic perspective of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It was unforgettable.

2. The challenge of another hike will be exhilarating.

Then there is the challenge. Apparently, I have a psychological need to carry everything I have on my back and walk until I forget what day it is. Some people cope with life by doing yoga or journaling. I choose the blisters on my feet and the appetite for instant mashed potatoes. We are all on our own journeys.

Over the years, I have learned that life is short. I don’t want to just go through life until I meet my inevitable demise (spoiler alert: we’re all going to die). My goal is to thrive in life to the best of my ability. I hope to live a life that matters, not only to myself but to the people around me. In other words, I seek to live an unapologetically adventurous life and unconditionally love those around me.

3. The need to reset and refocus my life.

Honestly, one of the main reasons I follow the PCT is because long trails shake you up. The Appalachian Trail taught me that. He reduced life to the simple things: the things that matter most. Anyway, before the hike I had done very poorly. Out there, you can’t hide behind routines, distractions, or Wi-Fi signals. You are forced to spend time with the one person you can never escape: yourself.

Throughout my journey on the AT, I learned a lot about myself. I discovered not only who I was, but also who I wanted to be in life. Although that self-discovery changed my life at the time, I also understand that I had only scratched the surface in realizing my inherent potential. I’m not saying I’m God’s gift to anyone. Such a statement would be hilarious. However, I strive to live life well and to the best of my abilities. In my experience, the trail helps me achieve this goal. It can be a time of renewal and a time to reset and refocus my aspirations. This idea in itself is refreshing to me. Scary, but refreshing.

4. The community united along the trail.

Plus, the trail community is unbeatable. Hikers are a special breed: people who will give you their last omelet, cheer you through shin-deep snow, and still smell worse than you. I can’t imagine a better group of weird and wonderful humans with whom to spend months wandering the West Coast.

From trams to trail angels, the trail community is a tight-knit group and, in my opinion, often demonstrates the best of humanity. I met some of my best friends while hiking a long distance trail. I can only expect the same from the PCT.

5. The connection between nature and mental health.

Lastly, as someone who advocates for mental health and protecting the outdoors, I want my trip to mean more than just mileage. Nature has a funny way of reminding us to slow down, breathe, and stop taking everything so seriously. In a world filled with political division and endless debates, I long for the tranquility that only nature can offer. For me, wild outdoor spaces have not only been a place of recreation, but also a place to maintain mental stability. In other words, I have discovered the need for nature in my life. I believe that to find the serenity I most desperately crave, I must be willing to go into wild places and allow that tranquility to help shape my mind.

Furthermore, if sharing my experience encourages just one person to get out or find some peace in the chaos, then the irritation will have been worth it.

So yes, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Part adventure, part therapy, and part terrible decision making. But above all? It’s because the mountains still call, and apparently I haven’t learned to let them go to voicemail yet.

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