For hikers that want to do the PCT as a thru hike, if you’re willing to hike north to south on the trail, you have a lot better chance of getting a permit.from the PCTA. I filed late for mine and got the permit. Good luck.
I think if you look at the 10-15 page summaries online it is a nightmare. But you only need 3 permit applications over a 100-150 days of hiking, and just awareness of where you can camp. When I see the full list of all the local permitted areas its enough to scare anyone, but would certainly go for the single PCTA permit in the lottery and use the individual permits as backup.
This is a great resource! I am going to make a video on my experience with the permit process; would you mind if I linked this video to better explain the local permit process detail? Also I have a question: If I am going to camp in any of the established campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest area, do I need to reserve a spot there or is it walk up?
Linking is fine, local permits can seem intimidating, but its much easier - so if its useful to you please feel free. As for the Cleveland Campgrounds booking in advance for thru-hiking is not usually needed. At Lake Morena there is a PCT area, turn up and use overnight for $5. At Boulder Oaks last year the hosts can a PCT area for free. At Cibbetts you need to pay $14 per site for up to 8 ppl, but if the sites are all full there is plenty of space and the camp host helps to find you a place - no advance bookings. At Burnt Rancheria and the Mount Laguna CG these are more for RVs but you can usually ask the host, or ask one of the RVers if you can camp on their spot. Never heard of hikers being turned away. So booking on advance (if you are on foot) not necessary. Hope that helps.
Hi Lothar, this is has been incredibly helpful and reassuring for someone who is looking like they won't get a permit in the first November release this year. Aware I still have another shot in January plus the chance of picking up cancellations, but as an international hiker (UK) I can only leave waiting on cancellations so long before needing to pull the trigger on travel arrangements. Other than ID, are there any extra considerations us international hikers may need to keep in mind if attempting a thruhike on local permits?
Apologies for the long delay, was hiking and then Christmas holidays. Hope you were lucky in the lottery this time around. Thru hiking on local or 'individual permits' is simple, as long as you know the specifics. I will update the local permits video this year. You also need to be flexible - the only place where things may go wrong are at San Jacinto and you might not get the permit dates you want - but you dont stop - you just hitch 20 miles and carry on - and worse case scenario come back another time to do that small section. If you can try and secure a place at Scout and Frodos - who host hikers, and have great experience on trail. With local permits you can just start hiking on any date - and just plan where you camp. If you have other questions let me know. All the best L.
Not to my knowledge. There are specific 'areas' set aside for camping near Saddle Junction, BUT you still need to have an overnight permit for them. There are other campgrounds in the area with a limited number of sites, and those are also permitted and may be hard to get. There is an area camping site on the PCT near Strawberry Junction, again you need a permit. If you find out otherwise, please let me know, but that is my understanding if you are hiking on local permits.
@lothar8194 If one I go with the local permits for that section, do I need to specify dates to camp at certain camp sites, or can I simply camp at one of the approved sites at any time ?
Camping sites are for specific dates. So if you know when you will be there then apply online - but if like most thru hikers you can arrive and go straight to the Ranger Station. See what is available. Thats my experience, but would give them a call if yoi jave a specific itinerary in mind.
Great video, thank you very much. I especially appreciate your including the associated information in text on screen.
Glad it was helpful!
great information, thanks for posting
For hikers that want to do the PCT as a thru hike, if you’re willing to hike north to south on the trail, you have a lot better chance of getting a permit.from the PCTA. I filed late for mine and got the permit. Good luck.
So helpful! Thank you!
Great information. I would love to hike the PCT someday. Seems like an amazing journey. Thanks for sharing. New follower here. Crow✌️
Great information. Thank you sir.
Glad it was helpful!
The local permit plan just sounds like an absolute nightmare and stressful.
I think if you look at the 10-15 page summaries online it is a nightmare. But you only need 3 permit applications over a 100-150 days of hiking, and just awareness of where you can camp. When I see the full list of all the local permitted areas its enough to scare anyone, but would certainly go for the single PCTA permit in the lottery and use the individual permits as backup.
This is a great resource! I am going to make a video on my experience with the permit process; would you mind if I linked this video to better explain the local permit process detail?
Also I have a question: If I am going to camp in any of the established campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest area, do I need to reserve a spot there or is it walk up?
Linking is fine, local permits can seem intimidating, but its much easier - so if its useful to you please feel free. As for the Cleveland Campgrounds booking in advance for thru-hiking is not usually needed. At Lake Morena there is a PCT area, turn up and use overnight for $5. At Boulder Oaks last year the hosts can a PCT area for free. At Cibbetts you need to pay $14 per site for up to 8 ppl, but if the sites are all full there is plenty of space and the camp host helps to find you a place - no advance bookings. At Burnt Rancheria and the Mount Laguna CG these are more for RVs but you can usually ask the host, or ask one of the RVers if you can camp on their spot. Never heard of hikers being turned away. So booking on advance (if you are on foot) not necessary. Hope that helps.
Hi Lothar, this is has been incredibly helpful and reassuring for someone who is looking like they won't get a permit in the first November release this year. Aware I still have another shot in January plus the chance of picking up cancellations, but as an international hiker (UK) I can only leave waiting on cancellations so long before needing to pull the trigger on travel arrangements. Other than ID, are there any extra considerations us international hikers may need to keep in mind if attempting a thruhike on local permits?
Apologies for the long delay, was hiking and then Christmas holidays. Hope you were lucky in the lottery this time around. Thru hiking on local or 'individual permits' is simple, as long as you know the specifics. I will update the local permits video this year. You also need to be flexible - the only place where things may go wrong are at San Jacinto and you might not get the permit dates you want - but you dont stop - you just hitch 20 miles and carry on - and worse case scenario come back another time to do that small section. If you can try and secure a place at Scout and Frodos - who host hikers, and have great experience on trail. With local permits you can just start hiking on any date - and just plan where you camp. If you have other questions let me know. All the best L.
Is there any way to disperse camp in the San Jacinto section with the local permits ?
Not to my knowledge. There are specific 'areas' set aside for camping near Saddle Junction, BUT you still need to have an overnight permit for them. There are other campgrounds in the area with a limited number of sites, and those are also permitted and may be hard to get. There is an area camping site on the PCT near Strawberry Junction, again you need a permit. If you find out otherwise, please let me know, but that is my understanding if you are hiking on local permits.
@lothar8194 If one I go with the local permits for that section, do I need to specify dates to camp at certain camp sites, or can I simply camp at one of the approved sites at any time ?
Camping sites are for specific dates. So if you know when you will be there then apply online - but if like most thru hikers you can arrive and go straight to the Ranger Station. See what is available. Thats my experience, but would give them a call if yoi jave a specific itinerary in mind.