PCT Southbound

Go your own way

The PCT Southbound Guide focuses on the issues most important to southbounders, and is split into seven parts:

  1. NOBO vs. SOBO - Deciding if the southbound trail experience is right for you.

  2. Planning Your Hike - all the info you need to prep food, gear, and your body

  3. Starting Your Hike - how to plan your start date and get to the trail

  4. Northern Washington - the dangers of early season hiking in Northern Washington

  5. The Sierra Nevada - how long do you have to make it through the Sierra?

  6. The Desert - water and weather challenges in Southern California

  7. Hiker Stories - interviews and advice from 20+ SOBO alumni, plus a collection of their best advice

As successful PCT SOBO thru-hikers in 2016, we know that hiking southbound is a wonderful experience. If you choose to hike in this direction you'll join a small, close knit community of hikers and enjoy a mostly empty trail throughout your hike.

Welcome, we're glad you're here, and happy trails.