PACIFIC CREST TRAIL - 2025 : Thru-Hiking the PCT on Local Permits

Описание: PACIFIC CREST TRAIL - 2025 - Thru-Hiking the PCT on Local Permits

This video may be helpful to any hikers unlucky in the PCTA thru-hiking permit lottery, and who wish to explore hiking the Pacific Crest Trail using local (or individual) permits.

I have hiked the PCT Northbound using a combination of 2 local permits and a PCTA 500 mile+ long distance permit, and it is not as daunting as it might first appear.

I am obliged to put a disclaimer up front. EVERY HIKER is responsible for securing their own hike permits, and applying to the relevant permit issuing agencies to allow SUFFICIENT TIME for their review and issuing, and following the permit terms and conditions.

Rules, regulations, procedures and fees can change.

PERMIT AREAS DISCUSSED:

1.Cleveland National Forest (CNF): Miles: 13.5 - 53.2 and Miles: 112.7-124.8
DISPERSED CAMPING PERMIT ONLY. NOT REQUIRED TO HIKE.

2. San Jacinto W. + San Bernardino NF. Miles: 169 to 205
HIKING / CAMPING PERMITS

3. Inyo NF Wilderness (Sierra). Miles: 703 - 1018. Kennedy Mdws Sth to Sonora Pass
HIKING / CAMPING PERMIT

4. PCTA 500 mile + long dist. permit. Miles: 1018 to 2655. Sonora Pass to Canada
HIKING / CAMPING PERMIT


USEFUL LINKS:

PCTA permits - cancellations
Log into the PCTA Permit Portal account and check if new dates are available.
https://permit.pcta.org/

PCT Local Permits - General Summaries Primarily for Section Hikers.
https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-tra...
https://www.triplecrownoutfitters.com...

Cleveland National Forest (CNF)
CNF permit page Dispersed Camping Permit. Even if after my video you still REALLY want to disperse camp in the CNF.
Create an Account / Log into https://www.recreation.gov/
Reservations open for permit dates 1 month prior. Reservations for permits on Mar 1 open on Feb 1 at 10am EST/7am PST.

San Jacinto and San Bernardino Parks/Wilderness
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/s...
For this section hitch from Paradise Valley Cafe (mile 151.8) into Idyllwild, and get self-certify/issue permits at the Idyllwild Ranger Station. Be flexible, you may not get your choice of camping locations. I would try to avoid National Holidays as it gets very busy !!

San Jacinto Trail Report - Trail Conditions and Weather
https://sanjacjon.com/

Trevors Spikes - Discount Microspikes and Ice Axes from Gear Store in Idyllwild near San Jacinto
Option to deliver to Paradise Valley Cafe (Mile: 151.8)
https://www.nomadventures.com/trevor-...

Inyo NF Wilderness - Walk Up Permit for Kennedy Meadows to Sonora Pass. (Sierra)
Only available to apply 2 weeks before you plan to leave Kennedy Meadows South.
Create an Account / Log into https://www.recreation.gov/
CAUTION: This site can have problems. Try at different times if slow/unresponsive.
For suggested itinerary, see Page 6, of the local permits document at:
https://www.triplecrownoutfitters.com...
Suggest PRINTING OUT IN KENNEDY MEADOWS (SOUTH) - Ask one of the stores.

PCTA 500+ mile Long Distance Permit - Sonora Pass to Canada
https://permit.pcta.org/
Note: for Sonora Pass to Canada these are non-quota (unlimited, so no lottery).
Apply AT LEAST 3 weeks (ideally more) before you plan to leave Sonora Pass.
Suggest PRINTING OUT AT KENNEDY MEADOWS (NORTH) RESORT - near Sonora Pass.

Canada Entry Permit - to allow entry into Canada via the PCT.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-vo...
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE - Recent development (Jan 2025).

California Fire Permit - Needed if using stoves and general fire awareness.
https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org