PCT SOBO DAY 137 – I’m a triple crowner!!!

Day 137

Start: Hauser Creek, mile 2640.5

End: Border with Mexico, mile 2655.8

Miles driven: 14.7 miles

Today was the big day. Border Day! My PCT tour was going to end in a few hours, but I had to get there first.

We woke up very early, eager to take advantage of the pre-dawn coolness. Sun, the Australian and I left Cowboy to say goodbye to his friend and head out on our first climb of the day. It looked a little steep on the map, but we made it to the top in no time.

The morning sky was streaked with the pink and orange rays of the rising sun. A lot of “lasts” were on every corner. This was the last sunrise on the trail and my last day with the boys. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better day to have these lasts or a better group to experience them with. Everything was as it should be.

We continued along the path, attentive to the water tank that the cowboy’s friend had left us the day before. When we found it, we took it as a sign to take our morning rest. Plus, we had to wait for Sun, who had decided to spend his last night camping alone.

Once we were all hydrated and regrouped, we moved on. As I looked at the landscape in front of me, I was constantly searching for the border. Was it like that in the distance? Or maybe it was right there between those mountains? I had imagined that the wall would be on a flat piece of land that would extend infinitely from east to west, but it was quite the opposite. There were hills all the way to the border.

When we finally reached the 3 mile sign, we knew we were on the home stretch. Even on this last day of hiking, I still wasn’t 100% convinced I would make it. It still didn’t seem real. My body was tired and it was hot outside; I had no choice but to keep moving if I wanted to get there.

With less than a mile to go, the guys insisted that I lead the way as almost the Triple Crown of the group. It wasn’t until I saw the monument and was crossing the last tenth of a mile to get to it that it really hit home. I had done it! I walked from Canada to Mexico and completed my Triple Crown!

I ran towards the monument, hugging it with the biggest smile. «We did it! We did it!» I did a little celebratory dance around the gray pillars. I’ve finished now!!! From June 28 to November 11, 2025, I hiked and completed the Pacific Crest Trail.

As the boys came up behind me, they all took turns hugging the monument. Tears were shed, but everyone was happy. The cowboy’s friend was waiting for us in her truck, so she brought the celebratory Gatorade, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks to quench our thirst and toast our big day.

It wasn’t long before phones came out. Everyone had to take border photos and FaceTime with the family. It really was a great party. The couple who had finished a few hours before us also came with their family to join in and congratulate us. What a day!

As I sat and took in the scene around me, reality began to sink in. I didn’t have to get up and walk tomorrow. I didn’t have to eat tuna or macaroni and cheese (unless I wanted to). I could take a nice hot shower. As much as I loved adventure, I knew it would feel good to rest for a while. I also knew that the desire to walk would probably return in about 3 months, but I wasn’t there yet.

When we finished taking photos and calling the family, we got into the cowboy’s friend’s car and headed to, where else, a restaurant to eat. We deserved it! The cowboy left shortly after with his friend and I stayed with the boys waiting for the janitor. However, we got a big surprise when Shaggy showed up to take us to his brewery. A group of hikers were there to say goodbye to the last trail.

I told the janitor about the new plans and we soon met at the brewery. Seeing the other hikers clean and in “real” clothes was very strange. I almost didn’t recognize some of them! Shaggy was kind enough to provide beer for the hikers and the concierge brought care package style food boxes for everyone.

As I prepared to leave, mixed emotions once again washed over me. I was sad to say goodbye to these people who had made my trip so much more colorful and vibrant. I knew I would most likely never see them again, especially since many lived on the other side of the world. But I hoped we would keep in touch when we returned to our homes.

With one last greeting, Janitor and I headed to downtown San Diego.

And that’s the last day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker!

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.