Pacific Crest Trail Association

The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (known as the PCT) as a transformative experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by wild and scenic lands. We connect people and communities to land and ecosystems across California, Oregon and Washington. The PCT is world renowned for offering a rare opportunity to travel through biodiverse landscapes on a continuous path across the highest ranges of the Pacific coast states. Highlights include the Transverse Ranges of Southern California, the Sierra Nevada Range, the Klamath Mountains, the Cascade Range, and the North Cascades. The PCT is enjoyed by countless hikers, stock animal packers and equestrians who travel the trail for a day, a weekend, section hikes, and thru-hikes of the entire trail. The PCTA, widely recognized as the trail’s champion and steward, achieves its work through the strength of our partnerships, staff, volunteers, and the rest of the PCT community. Each year, we recruit, train and manage thousands of volunteers who maintain the PCT. We also provide information about the trail and work to permanently protect all lands along the trail, collectively known as the PCT Corridor. PCTA's vision includes permanently protecting the entire PCT trail corridor including views from the trail—and making the PCT an accessible and welcoming experience for all people.