Tips for Hiking the PCT: Liz Kidder’s Top 10

Looking for tips for hiking the PCT? Look no further! I’m Liz Kidder, aka Handstand, and I’m a long-distance backpacker. I first hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018. Since then, I’ve hiked the Long Trail in 2021, the Colorado Trail in 2023, and this year I was able to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

In that spirit, I’m here to give you my 10 tips for getting ahead on the PCT.

PCT Hiking Tip #1: Choose a Start Date

When it comes to tips for getting ahead on the PCT, let’s start at the beginning… Unfortunately, I don’t have the perfect «magic» start date for you, but I can provide you with information to help you make that decision.

If you go north (NOBO), which most people do, you will most likely start sometime between March 1st and the end of May.

Early start versus late start

You’ll start in the high desert, so the earlier you start, the colder the temperatures will be. The nights can be very cold, but water sources are more plentiful, meaning you won’t have to carry as much.

The downside? You’ll likely reach the Sierra Nevada earlier, while it’s still buried under snow. The Sierra begins around mile 700 and is the highest elevation section of the trail. If the winter was heavy, going in too early could be dangerous, something I experienced firsthand.

Some hikers wait a week or two before entering. Others change course and skip the Sierra to hike through Northern California first and then return later, but that introduces complications with permits, and in heavy snow years even NorCal can be covered.

Starting later means warmer, drier conditions. Water sources are starting to dry up, so you’ll need to walk earlier in the morning, take naps in the heat of the day, and carry more water (which is heavy).

The advantage? By the time you reach the Sierra, the snow will likely have completely melted.

Ultimately, your start date depends on your comfort with the cold and snow versus the heat and drought, and what you can actually get for your permit.

I wanted early April, I finished on March 23rd and that was fine with me; I don’t like the heat. I paid for it later in the Sierra, but that’s the tradeoff. Hopefully that helps you decide yours.

PCT Hiking Tip #2: Know Your Resources

There are tons of great resources (YouTube, blogs like The Trek, and websites), but there are also key tools and apps to help you. while you’re on the road.

• FarOut (formerly Guthook) – Most hikers use this for navigation, water sources, camping, and elevation profiles. It’s basically your lifesaver.

• Gaia GPS: I had it but I didn’t use it fully. You can plan alternate routes, view smoke layers for fires, and more. I wish I had learned that before the trial.

• Weather… These are much more accurate for mountain conditions than the «city» weather on your iPhone.

• Snow and trail conditions: postholer.com It is ideal for snowpack and melt updates, especially in the early Sierra seasons.

• Fires – Watch Duty app is great for real-time fire reporting. Also check the PCTA and USFS websites for closures. If you have a Garmin inReach, you can even text a fire information number to get updates without cell service.

• Facebook Groups: Use them carefully: there is good information but also a lot of misinformation. Best for finding trail angels, attractions or host stays.

Bottom line: Learn your tools before you hit the road.

PCT Hiking Tip #3: Practice Technical Skills

Many PCT hikers had never used microspikes or an ice ax before. The ice ax has a learning curve, so practice self-arrest beforehand if you can. Knowing how to use it quickly and safely is essential.

I also wish I had practiced log crossings. At the beginning of the Sierra snowmelt, the logs above the rivers can be icy, slippery and scary. Practice balance and crossings before you go; It will help you gain confidence.

Lastly, practice hanging a bear bag. Most PCT hikers sleep with their food or use a bear can, but there are still times when hanging is safest. Learn it now so you don’t have difficulties when necessary.

Snow hike on the PCT.

PCT Hiking Tip #4: Don’t Trust Trails

In early season snow, there are often no visible trails, just boot prints from other hikers. Following them blindly can derail you from your route.

Sometimes people avoid unsafe terrain, but other times they are simply lost or guessing. Always check your navigation. Don’t assume footprints = correct path.

The hikers who made them are like you: they don’t necessarily know where they’re going.

Tip #5: Plan more time and money

Most hikers plan on 5-6 months to finish. If you can, build in flexibility – it will make the experience much better.

I started off strong, but slowed down halfway to take it all in, go on hikes, and walk with new friends. That wouldn’t have been possible if I had had a rigid deadline.

The same goes for your budget. The PCT was more expensive than my AT increase. Cities, hotels, resupply, it all adds up. Give yourself a financial cushion so you don’t stress over every zero day or every pizza splurge.

Tip #6: Read FarOut Comments (Carefully)

When planning from city to city, I would click on each waypoint in FarOut for the next day and read the most recent comments. It’s gold.

I found epic campsites, surprise magical trails, updates on dry springs, and even spontaneous detours, like one of my favorite days when I saw a comment suggesting a trip to Cleetwood Cove in Crater Lake to jump off a cliff. My friend Derek and I hitchhiked there, got on, and it became one of my most memorable trail days.

Moral of the story: read the comments. They are the most recent information you will get.

Tip #7: Take Detours, Alternatives, and Side Missions

Coming from the OT, I used to be a “purist”; I had to stay on the red line. The PCT cured me of that.

Some of the best spots (Crater Lake Rim, Eagle Creek, and Tunnel Falls) aren’t even on the official PCT! These alternatives are amazing and often shave off a few miles. They are excluded because the PCT must be classified for pack animals, not because they are less scenic.

Also, if you can, choose optional summits like Mount Whitney or San Jacinto. Those side quests were the highlight of my walk.

Being flexible with time allows you to say yes to those moments and you won’t regret it.

It’s about the journey, not the destination. Take a detour once in a while!

Tip #8: Plan Replenishment Boxes (Strategically)

I’m not a big fan of mailings (they can be a logistical headache), but some places require them.

I both recommend sending boxes to:

Neither has decent resupply options. Otherwise, if you’re not picky, you can usually get by shopping in town, although Northern California and Oregon may be limited.

Tip #9: Take pictures of people

This sounds simple, but trust me, it’s important. First-time hikers often take hundreds of photos of landscapes, but few of people.

After the tour, it’s the people you’ll miss the most. The landscape blends, but the friends, trail families, and strangers you shared moments with…those memories fade faster if you don’t capture them.

Even if you’re shy, take photos with people. You will thank yourself in the future.

Tip #10: Be flexible

This applies to all routes, but especially to the PCT.

Between fires, snow, and closures, your hike will never go exactly as planned. Flexibility is everything.

I had to remind myself from the beginning: there is no such thing as a “perfect” hike. The key is to enjoy the experience anyway.

We had a big fire year in 2024 and I barely lost any miles, but that’s rare. Take your own hike, adapt and let the experience evolve. Some days I walked alone; others with a rotating cast of trail friends. Each version was special.

Some people choose to hitchhike in active fire zones. Others walk alternative routes. Everyone chooses their own trip!

These are my 10 tips for getting ahead on the PCT. These are just my opinions (maybe not everyone agrees) and that’s okay.

If you have better tips for hiking the PCT, leave them in the comments!

If you’ll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail next year, permits will open soon for 2026. I hope you get the date you want and have the best time.

I’m a little jealous, to be honest. My adventure is over for now, but I would do it again.

10 out of 10. I love the PCT. Have the best time. See you later.

The above is a transcript. Minor edits have been made for clarity and readability, while preserving the original message and intent. This video is part of a new series about Youtube of the trip. Be sure to check the full videoand subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Ghostwritten by Jess.