[pct-l] Distance of the intire PCT ?

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

this is my understanding as well; the PCT is a "National Scenic Trail", 
which would seem to indicate that its officially a trail that is 
defined by the United States.  I heard some talk about Canada 
continuing the trail north once it reaches the US/Canadian border, but 
I have no idea of the actual existence of any trail or plans for a 
trail.

I'd also have to echo others who have posted about the "official" 
length of the PCT.  This varies so dramatically depending on a number 
of variables:
1.  detours due to fire, blowdowns, trail mainentance, other 
envorinmental concerns.
2.  depending on if the hiker includes distance from the trail to 
resupply points (I'd have to say that over the entire PCT, this could 
easily be far more than 100 miles.  For instance, the Kearsarge Pass 
trail into Independece, Ca is 18 miles total, out and back).
3.  other detours that many people take to see different sights, such 
as Mt Whitney, Rainbow Falls, Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, etc.  Of 
course, these side trails are not part of the "official" distance, but 
the hiker may wish to include the distance in his or her total miles 
hiked.

Additionally if it is a heavy snow year, like it was in 1998, it is 
virtually impossible to ensure that you are actually following the 
trail since it is under 20 ft of snow for miles on end in certain spots.

Having said all that, I'd agree with the approximate figure of 2650 
miles.  In fact, when people ask me in conversation, I usually just say 
2600 miles.

peace,
dude




> To my knowledge, the trail at this time is just in the USA. Some folks
> may piece together some Canadian trails to go further north. How long
> is the USA trail? Difficult to say exactly because it often changes
> because of detours due to natural causes (fires, washouts, etc.) or
> routes changes (as land is acquired). It is about 2650 miles, this
> year longer because of the Washington detour.
> 
> And, if you include going to resupply stops, you can easily add
> another 50-100 miles of hiking, depending on where you stop.
> 
> At any rate, it is a long, glorious trail. And those that do the whole
> trail in one season often wish it had no end - and those who are at
> home, like me, wish we were on it.
> 
> Marshall Karon
> Portland, OR
> m.karon@comcast.net
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Norma" <n.ruiz@verizon.net>
> To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 11:04 AM
> Subject: [pct-l] Distance of the intire PCT ?
> 
> 
> Can anybody tell me just how long the PCT is,not just in the United
> States,the intire trail,         Howard
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