Jon "Freebird" Arellano

Hey there! I am Jon and I am Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this year 2026. This will be my first triple crown hike and I am grateful to have this opportunity to do it. When I finished the John Muir Trail in 2025, I want to hike even further. I felt so strong and proud after a demanding hike in the high Sierra. That’s the moment when I know that I am ready physically and mentally to go on a longer hike. With that, I decided to make it happen and here I am! Making my hike special and memorable, I decided to document my journey through this blog and share it with you. Follow along with me as I hike on trail!

Posts

Week 5: When stubbornness meets humility

Week 5: When stubbornness meets humility

When rubber meets the road The longer I spend time outdoors, the more comfortable I become. I came to a point where I felt confident. I’m assured

May 22, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano
Week 4: Flow state hiking, hiking through dark, hiker hunger

Week 4: Flow state hiking, hiking through dark, hiker hunger

My hiking state on the trail Within this week, I’m starting to discover my hiking style even further. I’m fascinated that there is something to

Apr 29, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano
Week 3: Trail name, Hiking style, Spontaneity on trail

Week 3: Trail name, Hiking style, Spontaneity on trail

The trail decides I had a rough idea of what trail life looks like. I kind of hear it from numerous people how the trail almost everything provides.

Apr 19, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano
Week 2: Hikers privilege, water caches, and adaptability

Week 2: Hikers privilege, water caches, and adaptability

I made it to Idyllwild! It's amazing to think back that I could walk this far. Along with the covered miles, I am starting to experience in first

Apr 7, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano
Week 1: My Strategy in Initial Weeks on Trail

Week 1: My Strategy in Initial Weeks on Trail

Beginners Mind on Trail I just touched the southern terminus as it signifies the start of my PCT hike! I’m really stoked and excited to be here! As

Mar 30, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano
Choosing the Hard Way: Why I Thru Hike?

Choosing the Hard Way: Why I Thru Hike?

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to

Mar 19, 2026 : Jon "Freebird" Arellano