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Hardcore Hikers Are Fighting Each Other Over Quitting The Pacific Crest Trail

By Emily Guerin
Published Mar 23, 2020 5:30 PM
PCT
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You’d think that long-distance backpackers would be jumping at the chance for their favorite kind of social distancing. But it’s not that simple for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

Some small towns that hikers rely on for re-supplies, like Mammoth Lakes, are asking outsiders to stay away. Hikers already on the trail now (many northbound hikers start in March or April) say they feel unwelcome, and are having a hard time getting supplies or hitchhiking.

As a result, many hikers are canceling their trips. But some are committed to going anyway. And some are already out on the trail. In PCT forums on Facebook, there is already a lot of shaming by people on both sides.

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