Pacific Crest Trail
Mexico to Canada, 2,650 miles across desert, Sierra, and Cascades.
The route
The Pacific Crest runs from the Mexican border to Manning Park, Canada — desert first, then snow, then a long green walk north. 2,650 miles, give or take the fire closures.
At a glance
length 2,650 mi (4,265 km) term nobo: Apr–Jun start · sobo: Jun–Jul best desert in spring, Sierra in summer resupply every 3–7 days, 20+ trail towns
Why hikers love it
It's the full menu. You'll start in the Mojave, cross the Sierra on snow, and finish in the damp green of Washington. No other trail gives you that much country in one walk.