Resourses for pct riders

preparing for horse packing the Pacific Crest Trail.
A successful equestrian trip on the PCT takes a great deal more research than the same backpacking trip would take. Research needs to be done before and during the trip. Trail obstacles that would not pose a problem for hikers can easily be impassable for horses. 
Where to find up-to-date Trail Information about specific trails:
  • check trail conditions daily by calling 
    • rangers
    • packers
    • the PCTA
    • Backcountry Horsemen members
    • other local equestrians
    • PCT's Trail Information Specialist - this is a full time, paid position with the PCTA. As of November 2019, this job was held by Jack Haskel. JHaskel@pcta.org  916-285-1846  At that time, Cassidy Barkalow was Trail Information Assistant. cbarkalow@pcta.org  916-285-1843  Both these people's jobs involve helping regular people get information they need about the PCT. They are available to be contacted by anyone wanting information about the PCT.
    • regional trail maintenance groups - There is a network of volunteer groups who do the vast majority of work maintaining the PCT. Each group adopts a specific section of trail and keeps that section cleared of trees and in good repair. Each group holds various events throughout the year in which they organize people to go out and clear, repair or improve the trail in a specific area. The Southern 500 miles of the PCT is maintained by a group called the PCT Trail Gorillas. It has 5 chapters which each maintain a specific section of the PCT. They have a facebook page.
    • ​regional offices - Each 500 mile section of the PCT has a regional coordinator who keeps track of the needs of that section. As of Nov. 2019 the Southern California Region (about 500 miles between Mexico and Kennedy Meadows) was Anitra Kass. akass@pcta.org  951-257-4100
    • ask hikers as a last resort - hikers don't see the trail through the eyes of a horse and rider's needs
    • Google Earth - I just discovered that the Google Earth App allows you to virtually walk whole sections of the PCT, showing you exactly what the terrain is like and how flat potential campgrounds are. 


USEFUL RESOURCES:
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail.
Want to know more about who is on this trip? Me, my dog, my horses and any friends who happen to join me along the way...
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail.