Posts
The Best of Both Worlds: Balancing Big PCT Goals with Big Career Goals
At the beginning of this year, I wasn't sure my plans would work. Living on the East Coast, working full-time, and trying to hike more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in a single year felt ambitious, if not slightly ridiculous. Yet somehow, four sections, dozens of flights, countless Google docs, and more than 1,000 trail miles later, here I am.
The Method to the Madness: How I Plan to Section Hike the Entire PCT in Five Years
How do you section hike a 2,655-mile trail when you live on the East Coast and work full-time? After hiking nearly half of the PCT, I wanted to share the method behind my "madness," including how I choose my sections, plan around work and vacation time, and hike the trail one section at a time.
7 Reasons Why I’m Grateful I Hiked the AT Before the PCT
Now that I've hiked on both the PCT and AT, I'm incredibly grateful that the Appalachian Trail came first. From easier logistics and resupplies to building confidence, here are seven reasons why I'm grateful I started on the East Coast first.
Sierra City to Donner Pass: The End of My Big PCT Year
After more than 900 miles of section hiking across California and Oregon this year, I only had two days left on the PCT before heading home. What stood between me and Donner Pass were a few final climbs, some beautiful Sierra views, and plenty of time to reflect on everything this trail season had brought me. As eager as I was for a shower, sushi, and sleeping past 4:00am, I found myself thinking about just how far this dream had carried me over the past several months.
From Blowdown City to Sierra City: Out of the Ashes and into the Sierra
After a week of hiking through the burn zone of the 2021 Dixie Fire, these three days felt like a turning point. I saw an incredible sunrise from Lookout Rock, finally left the burn zone behind, and reached the best views of my section hike. Along the way, I was reminded once again that the trail always provides, whether it’s an unexpected ride at 5:00am, amazing views after a tough climb, or a friend driving four hours to bring you trail magic.
Belden and Bucks Lake: Three Big Milestones in Three Days
The trail between Chester, Belden, and Bucks Lake challenged me with thorn bushes, steep climbs, and miles of overgrowth. Along the way, I reached the PCT halfway marker, entered the Sierra Nevada, and crossed the 1,000-mile mark. More than anything, these three days reminded me why Northern California deserves far more love from hikers than it often receives.
Lassen Volcanic National Park to Chester: Into the Dixie Fire Burn Zone
In this next stretch of trail of my NorCal section hike, I entered Lassen Volcanic National Park, which meant entering the infamous Dixie Fire burn zone. Instead of endless misery, Northern California continued to challenge my expectations in all the best ways.
Burney to Hat Creek: Starting the Section Everyone Warned Me About
After warnings about NorCal's burn scars, relentless heat, and blowdowns, I headed south from Burney expecting the worst. Instead, I found stunning views from Hat Creek Rim, refreshing dips in Hat Creek, and a few fun side quests. The heat was brutal, but my first two days in NorCal proved there was much more to this section than its reputation.
You’re On Your Own, Kid: 6 Lessons I Learned After Hiking Over 3,000 Miles Solo
When I stepped onto the Appalachian Trail in 2021, I had never backpacked overnight, hiked solo, or even met another long-distance hiker. Now, more than 3,000 solo miles later, I'm looking back on the lessons, mistakes, and unexpected experiences that shaped my journey across the AT and PCT.
Platinum Blazing Through Oregon on the PCT: Days 9-10 and an Ode to Oregon
Burn zones, blowdowns, butterflies, and a new trail friend: my final two days in Oregon were anything but boring. As I completed my first state on the PCT, I found myself wishing the journey wasn't over.
