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) from Lake Morena to Sunrise Trailhead 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 Campo & Lake Morena, begin hiking, wild camp.
Day 3 — Hiking north
Continue hiking north, learn backpacking skills on trail.
Day 4 — Mount Laguna
Arrive in Mount Laguna, meal in town & resupply, continue north and wild 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.
This is a Beginner trek — no backpacking experience required. It's rated Beginner because of its physical demands, not because of what you've done before: expect 8–12 miles a day at a group-friendly pace, with breaks built in, plus a mid-trek food resupply so you're never carrying your full trip's food at once. If you can walk comfortably with a 25–35 lb pack and do some cardio in the months beforehand, you'll be in great shape.
Comfortable walking 8–12 miles a day with a 25–35 lb backpack. Some light training beforehand (walking or hiking a few times a week, building up mileage) is a great idea — we'll send a simple prep guide once you're signed up.
Don't have gear? No worries — most of our hikers are beginners. Bring your own, or use full gear rental options available 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.
2,890 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
“Goldfish”
I'm Triple Crown Treks' Social Media Manager and a guide. I grew up in Washington and am now based in Bend, Oregon, where the mountains, desert, and alpine trails truly feel like my backyard. My experience includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2024, the Camino de Santiago, France's GR54, and the Tour du Mont Blanc. I want everyone to feel confident, capable, and deeply connected to the trail.
3,400 miles · CPR · WFA
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“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
2027 dates are live — pricing and booking open soon.
Get notified the moment 2027 bookings open:
Oct 5 – Oct 11, 2026
Max 5 hikers
Oct 4 – Oct 10, 2027
Max 8 hikers
Pricing & booking coming soon
Oct 13 – Oct 19, 2027
Max 8 hikers
Pricing & booking coming soon
A $250 nonrefundable deposit reserves your spot; the remaining balance is due 45 days before the trek unless you're booking inside that window, in which case full payment is required. Questions first? Email hello@triplecrowntreks.com to ask about this trek.
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
$695
