In short
Pacific Crest Trail 2027: first wave of permits opens on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, starting at 10:30 a.m., Los Angeles time. A second wave of permits follows on Wednesday, January 13, 2027. Best season: starts from March to May.
Entry dates announced by the specialist press.Check the official website.
What are the dates for 2027?
- Today
- Nov. 4, 2026 First wave of permits opens10:30 a.m., Los Angeles time
- Jan. 13, 2027 Second wave of permits opens
- Starts from March to May Best season
How reliable these dates are: announced by the specialist press.
What do you book and at what price?
| What you book | The long-distance permit |
| Price | Long-distance permit freeRough estimate, check the official website. |
What is the route like? from OpenStreetMap
Move your finger or mouse along the curve to read the km and the altitude. Approximate curve, from a terrain model.
Pacific Crest Trail, Mexico to Canada
4,221 km+120,864 m gain190 m → 3,566 m
Altitude by distanceMin 190 m · max 3,566 m
144 huts, lodges and campsites within 400 m of the route, shown on the 3D map. Length measured along the OpenStreetMap track, one way; elevation gain and altitudes from a terrain model. Approximate figures, check them against the official guide. Tracks © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Pacific Crest Trail on the 3D map Follow the route in 3D, then explore the 62 other trails and races on the map. Open the 3D mapWhat do you need to book?
- A trip of at least 500 miles (otherwise, a local permit).
To be met before you can book. Double-check the official rules.
How do you book, step by step?
- Registration closed on 22 OctoberWithout registration, wait for the 2nd wave: registration from 5 November to 11 December.
- Get your time slotThe PCTA emails it the day before: a random slot between 10:30 am and 3 pm Pacific time.
- Apply for your date on November 4, 2026Northbound start, south of Sonora Pass, between 1 March and 31 May 2027.
- Date full? Aim for 13 JanuaryThe 2nd wave releases the remaining 15 permits per day.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each.
The next bookings to open
Other great hikes that need booking, in order of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Pacific Crest Trail 2027: what is the opening date?
First wave of permits opens on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., Los Angeles time.
How many PCT permits per day?
50 northbound starts per day south of Sonora Pass: 35 released on 4 November, the other 15 on 13 January.
Does the PCT permit cost anything?
No, it is free. The form only offers an optional donation for trail maintenance.
I missed the PCT registration, what now?
Register from 5 November at 10:30 am to 11 December at 3 pm Pacific time, for the 2nd wave on 13 January 2027.
Pacific Crest Trail: are there requirements to book?
Yes: A trip of at least 500 miles (otherwise, a local permit).