Walk the first section of the Pacific Crest Trail — and discover what you're made of.
Whether you're dreaming of a thru-hike or just want to dip your toes into the long-distance trail life, this 5-day guided trek (7 days total) on the Pacific Crest Trail's southernmost stretch in San Diego County is the perfect place to start. You'll hike through golden desert hills, sleep under the stars, and learn the core skills every backpacker needs — all in a supportive group of fellow adventurers.
Day 1 — Meet in San Diego
Group grocery run, welcome dinner & orientation.
Day 2 — Shuttle to the trailhead
Shuttle to the trailhead, begin hiking, and make camp.
Day 3 — Hiking north
Continue hiking north, learn backpacking skills on trail.
Day 4 — Trail town stop
Reach a trail town for a hot meal and resupply, then continue hiking and make camp.
Day 5 — Hiking north
Continue hiking north.
Day 6 — Return to San Diego
Return shuttle to San Diego, stop for apple pie, beach celebration & final night in accommodation.
Day 7 — Departure
Departure from San Diego.
Specific trailheads, campsites, and daily route details are shared with registered hikers before departure, and may change with permits, trail conditions, and weather.
Tent arrangements: TCT provides and coordinates all tents. Hikers typically share two-person tents, but private tents may be available depending on group size and campsite capacity. Private tents are never guaranteed, and TCT makes all final assignments. Please don't bring or independently rent a tent.
Airport transportation between the designated airport and our group accommodations is included in your 2027 trek price, both on arrival and departure. Depending on the destination, transportation may be provided by a scheduled shuttle or prepaid public transit. We'll send you detailed instructions before your trek.
This is a Beginner trek — no backpacking experience required. “Beginner” refers to the experience level needed, not “easy”: expect 8–12 miles a day at a group-friendly pace while carrying a 25–35 lb backpack. We'll take breaks along the way, and a mid-trek food resupply means you won't have to carry the entire trip's food at once.
You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but some preparation will make the trek much more enjoyable. Walking or hiking a few times a week and gradually building your mileage before the trip is plenty — we'll also send you a simple training guide after you book.
Don't have gear? No worries — most of our hikers are beginners. Bring your own, or rent what you're missing à la carte after booking.
“Trip”
I'm from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Psychology and Spanish, and hiked the PCT immediately after graduation — it changed the trajectory of my life. Now I travel full-time and lead group trips, though my favorite endeavor by far is this one. My heart is happiest in the mountains, in good company.
2,935 miles · EMT-B · CPR
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“Granny Candy”
I hiked the PCT in 2025. Growing up, I spent summers in the mountains of NorCal not far from the trail, so it was always a childhood dream of mine. I love everything about trail life — the connection to nature, the space to let your mind wander, the way little things become absolutely luxurious. I'm so excited to introduce you to PCT life and all that comes with it!
2,650 miles · WFA · EMT-B · CPR
“Argonaut”
I'm from Seattle, Washington. A year after graduating college in 2023 I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, where I met Katie. Backpacking has led me to some of the best experiences of my life — I've encountered miserable storms and many beautiful days. No matter the weather, if you're hiking with me, know it's going to be a great adventure.
2,234 miles · WFA · CPR
Follow on Instagram“I met 6 strangers. We spent 5 days together in the wilderness, tired and stinky. By the end of the 5 days, we were family and I was looking for anyway to hold on to all of them. I will never be the same. Thank you all, especially Katie!”
Mystery
PCT · October 2025 Trek
“I absolutely loved going on my first backpacking trip with Katie! She was so understanding and helpful whenever I had any questions! I can't wait to see what future hikes she does and hopefully join those as well!”
Cocoa
PCT · October 2025 Trek
“I was expecting to have fun with some outdoor time but ended up experiencing the world with an incredible group that changed my life! As a new adult it's easy to forget how important play is and Katie facilitated the perfect trip for me to play, learn, and get outside on a budget - with the added bonus of having made new forever friends ❤️ Not only will I be delving into a new hobby I'm feeling more comfy with from now on, but I'll DEFINITELY be signing up for another trek with TripleCrownTreks!!!”
Giggle Mafia
PCT · October 2025 Trek
“this trip has completely changed me and my life. i can't even begin to describe what it has done for me and what meeting my new forever friends have done for me. this trip was crafted for me by the universe before i even knew who katie was and i know that for a fact. everything about it just felt so right when i booked the trip and now after experiencing it, i knew that's exactly where i was supposed to be in those moments in time. the trail is truly magical, the views and living out in the wilderness, you just feel so free and alive. there's truly nothing like it and the way you feel. but being able to make core memories and nonstop laugh with your new besties is truly what made the trip the most magical. i will forever be changed by my girls, i don't think ive met anyone like them and even the people i briefly met along the way have forever inspired me. i could go on and on about this trip, but honestly words just don't even do it justice. i couldn't be more grateful to katie and the trail and everything in between for this experience of a lifetime <3”
Mayhem
PCT · October 2025 Trek
A $250 deposit reserves your spot and counts toward your trip price. It's non-refundable if you cancel, but fully refunded if TCT cancels your departure. The remaining balance is due 28 days before the trek unless you're booking inside that window, in which case full payment is required. See our Cancellation & Refund Policy. Questions first? Email hello@triplecrowntreks.com to ask about this trek.
Planning your travel: We strongly recommend booking refundable or changeable flights, lodging, and transportation whenever possible. Backpacking trips may occasionally need to be modified, postponed, or canceled due to weather, wildfire, trail closures, or other conditions outside TCT's control. Independently booked travel expenses are not included in your TCT trip purchase.
Not sure if this trek is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute call with us — we'll talk through the mileage, difficulty, gear, experience level, and any questions you have. No pressure to book.
It depends on the departure, not the trek — look for the Women Only or Coed label on each date below. We currently offer both group types across our treks.
Yes — most of our hikers are total beginners. We'll teach you everything from pitching your tent to filtering water, and you'll never be the only one learning as you go.
From
$825
