Pacific Crest Trail Permits
05. Feb, 2010 
4 Comments
I just finished filling out my permit applications to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail again this year. Here is some information about the various permits you will need to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail:
Thru hiking permit
Thru hikers can get a permit that covers camping in all of the different jurisdictions the Pacific Crest Trail passes through from the Pacific Crest Trail Association. A thru-hiking permit is free to PCTA members. They suggest a $5 donation for non-members. Thru Hiking Permit application (PCTA).
Canada entry permit
The northern terminus of the PCT is 8 miles into Canada. If you are thru-hiking you are supposed to get a permit to enter Canada via the PCT. They will do a background check, so if you have skeletons in your closet you may want to skip this step. Canada Entry Permit application (PCTA).
Passport & ID
In order to enter Canada from the United States or the United States from Canada you will need a passport and ID. You probably don’t want to carry your passport for the whole trip (and risk losing or damaging it). I recommend you have your passport mailed to one of your resupply stops near the Canada border (like Stehekin) or keep it in your bounce box.
Mount Whitney permit
Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the continental United States at 14,496 ft) is a popular side-trip from the Pacific Crest Trail. I highly recommend doing Mount Whitney when you are in the Sierra. According this map of the Whitney Zone the western route which you will take to summit Mount Whitney from the PCT/JMT does not actually enter the “Whitney Zone” and should not require a permit.
However, if you plan to enter the Whitney Zone or go out through Whitney Portal to resupply you will need a permit, which you can get through the PCTA by checking a box on your thru hiking permit application and paying a $15 fee.
USFS Campfire permit
You can obtain a California Campfire Permit by taking a short quiz about responsible fire use and printing out your own permit. This covers federally controlled lands falling under USFS, BLM and NPS jurisdiction along the California Pacific Crest Trail.
Permits for Section hikers
If you plan to hike 500 miles or more you can get a thru hiking permit. If you plan to hike less than 500 miles you may need to get a permit for overnight camping in some areas on the PCT. Sometimes there are self-serve permit slips available at the trailheads. In other areas camping permits are not required. Check with the agency that manages the area you plan to hike through (USFS, BLM, State Parks, etc.).
We’re going to do a quick section hike from the Mexican border thru the Lagunas. When will you be there?
Be sure to include a copy of your passport with your Canada Entry permit. Print your phone number & email address on the copy so they can easily contact you if more info is needed. A copy of your driver license is not sufficient.
Brent, I plan to be a vendor at this year’s Kickoff again so I might start from the border right after the KO, or I might start a week or two earlier and do the 150 miles up to Highway 74 and then head back to the KO. Not sure yet…
Wow!
That is exciting. Azam and I are weekend backpacker’s that are dreaming of PCT…hopefully soon!
Thanks Dave and Azam