Thru-hiking, the masochistic undertaking to push one’s body over the limit in pursuit of joy, may not be forever.
Long hikes such as the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail, have always been a test of endurance, both physical and mental. Now, its also a test of how well you can navigate the changing face these trails year-to-year, depending on the weather. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including wildfires and heavy snowfall, have transformed these trails into more unpredictable environments.
When I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022, the changing nature of the trail was fairly undeniable. There were fires on our heels, and in some hikers faces, from NorCal all the way to the Canadian border. The capacity to hike from Campo to Canada in an uninterrupted line, may not be the way of trail into the future. For many of us it’s not even a present reality.
Emu, a contributor to this blog, thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014. She hiked from Mexico to Canada in a single push, no flip-flopping and with no need to travel around closures. Except that weird frog closure in the desert that no one really understands. Emu joined me for the Oregon section of my thru-hike and was shocked to her core at the amount of hikers skipping sections around closures. Her hike was a traditional NOBO thru-hike. One continuous trail from Campo to Canada. How the trail has changed. The New York Times posted an article about this issue in 2022, having collected stories from thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail about how issues related to climate changing were changing the nature of the trail.
I cannot express this strongly enough: get out there if you want to do this thing. The trail will only become less hospitable as extreme weather and weather events make the trail harder to complete over the course of a season. Here are a couple of things to think about:
Rising Temperatures and Wildfires
One of the most visible effects of climate change on thru-hiking is the rise in temperatures and the subsequent increase in wildfire activity. Warmer and drier conditions create a more favourable environment for the ignition and spread of wildfires, leading to heightened risks for hikers on the trails.
In recent years parts of the Pacific Crest Trail have been threatened or closed due to raging wildfires. I walked for days and days and days through 160 miles of burn zone on the PCT in 2022. Many hikers got plucked out of Seiad Valley and spat out in Ashland after a fire engulfed the trail. And the Canadian border was closed when a fire broke out near Manning Park. Hikers were turned away at Hart’s Pass, just a day from the end of the trail.
Thru-hikers now face the challenge of adapting to the changing patterns of wildfires. Planning and flexibility have become critical, with hikers needing to monitor fire alerts, trail closures, and alternate routes. Many organisations and land management agencies have implemented measures to enhance hiker safety, including increased communication, updated maps, and the provision of real-time fire information.
Staring off into the smoke as it descended on Washington – I hear there are some great views out there.
Drought and Limited Water Sources
Climate change-induced droughts can diminish water sources along thru-hiking trails (maybe not the Appalachian Trail, let’s be honest that thing seems always wet). Reduced snowpack and shrinking glaciers result in lower stream flows and drying springs, making water scarcity a serious concern. There are sections of the desert on the Pacific Crest Trail that I could not have done without the generosity of trail angels keeping water caches filled.
Plan water resupplies carefully, carrying lightweight water filtration systems, and being mindful of water consumption are essential practices. Don’t rely on day hikers to give you water. Just carry the extra weight and camel up at sources.
A vital water cache in the desert, relentlessly replenished by Devilfish, the number one best trail angel.
High Snowfall and Snowpack Challenges
Climate change has also influenced the patterns and amounts of snowfall in many mountainous regions along thru-hiking routes. While snow is an expected and often welcomed challenge for thru-hikers, the changing climate has brought both unusually high snowfall and unpredictable snowpack conditions. These conditions can make hiking unsafe, or fundamentally alter the nature of the activity from hiking, to mountaineering. In 2023, the snow pack on the Pacific Crest Trail was 300%. That’s totally bonkers. Hikers went though the Sierra, but with significantly more gear, and definitely as mountaineers, not ultralight thru-hikers.
To confront these challenges, thru-hikers must adapt their gear, skills, and preparation. Thru-hiking in heavy snow means specialised equipment such as snowshoes, crampons, and avalanche safety gear. You also really want to have the ability to assess snowpack and potential avalanche environments and be able to route find in the snow to minimise risks associated with unstable snow conditions. I would not have had the skills or confidence in the snow to have gone through the Sierra this year on the normal time-line. No way.
Descending Glen Pass in the Sierra on the Pacific Crest Trail in a low snow year.
Climate change is undeniably transforming the nature of thru-hiking. Hikers must now contend with the increased occurrence of wildfires, limited water sources due to drought, and unpredictable snowfall patterns. That doesn’t mean don’t do it, it actually means just do it now and be prepared to adapt while you’re out there. Thru-hikers are resilient. And you know, masochistic. Also, don’t be so tied to a particular vision of your hike that you make busted, unsafe decisions.
Make good choices!
