The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), officially designated as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail in the western United States. Stretching 2,650 miles (4,265 km) from the Mexico border in California to the Canada border in Washington, it passes through California, Oregon and Washington. The PCT traverses the highest portions of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, lying 100 to 150 miles east of the U.S. Pacific coast.
The PCT is known for its stunning natural beauty, traversing deserts, forests, and volcanic peaks. It passes through 25 national forests and 7 national parks, including Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier and North Cascades. Key attractions and features include Forester Pass, the highest point on the trail at 13,153 feet (4,009 m), and the Bridge of the Gods on the Oregon-Washington border, one of the lowest points. The trail also offers views of the three deepest lakes in America: Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe and Lake Chelan. The midpoint is near Chester, California.
Recent developments include a new federal policy prohibiting hikers from venturing south of the PCT's southern terminus monument due to the creation of a National Defense Area. This area, including the border wall, is now under the control of the Department of Defense. While the monument remains accessible, touching the border wall is no longer permitted.
