What is the difference between the Appalachian Trail and the PCT?
What is the difference between the Appalachian Trail and the PCT? The most obvious difference between the AT and the PCT is the terrain. The AT travels through deciduous forests for the majority of the trail. At times you pass through cattle fields and cropland. The White Mountains introduce you to boreal forests and alpine conditions, and Maine takes on its own special identity.
What is the hardest part of the PCT?
The climb out of Hauser Canyon is cited by many hikers as one of the hardest sections of the PCT because it is typically the first day. It is common not make the 20 miles in one day, be prepared with a tent as Hauser Canyon is a popular backcountry camping spot.
What is the toughest section of the PCT?
There's no two ways about it: Section K is tough. In fact, only California's infamous John Muir Trail section is considered more challenging on this iconic trail. But for those with the skills and desire, the hike from Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass is also one of the PCT's most rewarding.
How hard is the PCT compared to the AT?
The PCT is harder logistically than the AT which has ample trail towns or a water supply nearly every five to eight miles. In the PCT desert, water is scarce. You need to fill up at water caches and carry more water through long, waterless stretches of the desert.
Why not to hike the PCT?
Extreme Temperatures. Weather on the PCT can range from extreme heat to extreme cold, even on the same day. The desert can get upwards of 100 degrees during the day and below freezing at night. Don't let the snow fool ya in the Sierra, it can get pretty dang hot there too.
Why is PCT easier than at?
The trail lacks switchbacks making the climbing quite difficult at times. The elevation gain/loss is almost 100,000' more than the PCT. The PCT was designed and built so one could use pack animals on it. As a result the trail has a much easier grade and meanders up/around climbs.
What is the easiest part of the PCT?
From near Siskiyou Summit (elev. 4,310') in southern Oregon to the Washington border, this section is both the shortest and the easiest to hike or ride. Oregon's Cascade Range is a subdued volcanic landscape, with a gentle crest that is fairly constant in elevation.
What percentage of hikers complete the PCT?
The Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates that 700 to 800 people attempt to thru-hike it each year, and about 15% to 35% (versus the AT's 25%) actually succeed.
Are there grizzly bears on the PCT?
For most of the Pacific Crest Trail you will be in Black Bear country. The good (or maybe bad) news is, there aren't many. In all of the North Cascade Range, from southern British Columbia in Canada to Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) it is roughly estimated that there may be only 15 to 30 grizzly bears.
Which thru-hike is the hardest?
The Continental Divide Trail Considered by many to be the most challenging and remote of the Triple Crown trails, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a 3000+ mile adventure from Mexico to Canada, traveling through five western states.