Top 4 Books About The Pacific Crest Trail
One day I woke up and just could not get the PCT out of my mind. That led to watching countless YouTube vloggers making trail documentaries. It all eventually led me to make the commitment of attempting a thru hike in my travels and hopefully someday venture my way onto the Pacific Crest Trail. Over the last year I have taken a deep dive into the trail, and in that time, I finished four books that approach the 2,500-mile accomplishment in their own unique ways.
The Cactus Eaters - by Dan White
.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, a distance of 2,650 grueling, sun-scorched, bear-infested miles. When Dan White and his girlfriend announced their intention to hike it, Dan’s parents—among others—thought they were nuts. How could two people who’d never even shared an apartment together survive six months in the desert with little more than a two-person tent and some trail mix? But when these addled adventurers, dubbed “the Lois and Clark Expedition” by their benevolent trail-guru, set out for the American wilderness, the hardships of the trail—and one delicious-looking cactus—test the limits of love and sanity.
Find A Copy HERE
Pacific Crest Trail - by William R. Gray
By opportune timing, the cover story on the June 1971 issue of National Geographic magazine was “Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail.” Gray seized the moment and suggested that the society’s next book be about the PCT. National Geographic sent out a reader survey with multiple book topics. The results returned with the PCT as top dog. Gray had his first book assignment. He might not have realized how much “adventure” he’d bitten off. During 1973 and 1974, he spent seven months – two hiking seasons – hefting a 50- to 60-pound pack while trekking 1,600 PCT miles with photographer Sam Abell.
Find A Copy HERE
Wild - by Cherly Strayed
Wild is Cheryl Strayed's memoir of her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed's journey begins in the Mojave Desert and she hikes through California and Oregon to the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. The book also contains flashbacks to prior life occurrences that led Strayed to begin her journey.
Seeking self-discovery and resolution of her enduring grief and personal challenges, at the age of 26, Strayed set out on her journey, alone and with no prior hiking experience. Wild intertwines the stories of Strayed's life before and during the journey, describing her physical challenges, emotional, and spiritual realizations while on the trail
Find A Copy HERE
Pacific Crest Trials - by Zach Davis and Carly Moree
Each year, thousands of backpackers take to the Pacific Crest Trail with the intention of successfully thru-hiking the 2,650-mile footpath that extends from Mexico to Canada. Despite months of research, thousands of dollars poured into their gear, and countless hours dedicated to grinding away on the StairMaster, most hikers fall short of their goal.
While the PCT presents extraordinary physical challenges, it is the psychological and emotional struggles that drive people off the trail. Conquering these mental obstacles is the key to success. This groundbreaking book focuses on the most important and overlooked piece of equipment of all- the gear between one’s ears.
Find A Copy HERE