The
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is the jewel in the crown
of America's scenic trails, spanning 2650 miles from
Mexico to Canada through three western states. It reveals
beauty of the desrt, unfolds the glaciated expanses
of the Sierra nevada, and provides commanding vistas
of volcanic peaks and glaciers in the Cascade mining
sites and evidence of human's endless quest for natural
resources. Thousands of hikers and equestrians enjoy
this national tresure each year. Some only travel a
few miles, while others complete every mile in a single
season!
The
history of the Pacific Crest Trail started when the
route was first explored in the late 1930s by teams
of young men from the YMCA. Once proven feasible, trail
pioneers Clinton Clarke and Warren Rogers lobbied the
federal government to secure a border-to-border trail
corridor. they had to settle however, for serveral disconnectind
trails along the crest of each state. Largely through
the efforts of hikers and equestrians, the PCT was eventually
designated one of the first scenic trails in the National
Trails System authorized by Congress in 1968, and was
dedicated in 1993.
The
PCT has five distinct sections, each one having unique
climate, geology, flora and fauna. These sections are
Southern California, Central California, Nothern California,
Oregon, and Washington.
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