Hard

Pacific Crest Trail

Dunsmuir, California · Shasta County · 2000

Pacific Crest Trail is a hard hiking trail near Dunsmuir in Shasta County, California.. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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41.14115, -122.16964

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About Pacific Crest Trail

Pacific Crest Trail is a hard hiking trail near Dunsmuir in Shasta County, California.. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in California

Trail conditions in California change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Pacific Crest Trail?

Pacific Crest Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Pacific Crest Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Pacific Crest Trail?

Yes — horseback riding is permitted.

When is the best time to hike Pacific Crest Trail?

California has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

Nearby

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Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleys

Photo: Holly MandarichHardCA

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