The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail (Great Hiking Trails)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this large format coffee table style book. Most will probably purchase this for the photography (and it will not disappoint!) but the hidden gem here is the writing. The authors provide the reader with the history of the Pacific Crest Trail, accompanied by interesting vignettes featuring key figures related to the trail both current and historical. Readers who are not familiar with thru-hikers will be introduced to some of these characters by “trail name” such as Billy Goat and to “Trail Angels” such as Meadow Ed. Backpackers will recognize Eric Ryback, author of one of the original books on the PCT. These days the Pacific Crest Trail has become well know thanks to Cheryl Strayed’s book and the movie Wild. What is not well known is much of the history of the trail itself. The authors provide a compelling tale of the ups and downs of the trail’s history. I enjoyed most the story of the YMCA Relay Boys. It is hard to imagine sending off young teenagers off in small groups along what was then a not very well known (or marked) trail! The authors also provide chapters on the volunteers and stewards past and present who have dedicated time to maintaining the PCT. Interspersed throughout the opening chapters are compelling photographs both present and historical. The latter part of the book (“Mexico to Canada”) takes the reader on a visual journey through the PCT section by section. The photography is spectacular and really captures the varied beauty of California, Oregon, and Washington.This book is an easy gift for the backpacker, section hiker, or past/future thru-hiker on your holiday gift list. However, anyone who appreciates the American wilderness will enjoy this book. The book was on my table when my parents were visiting, and they spent quite a bit of time reading through it and looking at the photographs. They are not hikers; but they both commented on how much they enjoyed this book. I have personally only been on small sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, but protecting our national scenic trails and wilderness areas is important to me. That is part of the reason I was drawn to this book. I recently purchased two additional copies to give as holiday gifts!

A lovely coffee table book. The writing is well done and clear so far, detailing the history of the PCT. There's new stuff in there to me, and it's pleasant and interesting to read how so many disparate stories came together to form the trail.Photographs are a mixed lot, which is actually kind of charming. From what I can tell they're all pictures taken by hikers on the PCT. You'll get varying qualities from different cameras and photo sizes and skill levels. Usually this might be a detractor but here I think it's a benefit. It gives the trail a more real and lived in sense than traditional landscape photography can afford.The book follows the trail from South to North. Because it's hiker photos, I find that the distribution of photos is interesting. Places I personally love, like Lassen, don't get the attention that they might otherwise get. I hear that Lassen, and particularly the Hat Creek Rim is particularly viewed with ambivalence or even disliked. So the photography reflects that. What you end up with after editing is a heat map of hikers on the PCT and how the trail impacts them in the moment. Some stretches slip by, others are focused on. It's interesting.Finally, I'll mention the price point. It is, in my view, relatively inexpensive for a coffee table book. Between the quality writing, the varied and interesting pictures, and the price point, really the book is a great value and an easy recommendation if you enjoy backpacking, thru-hiking, or even the west coast's wilderness.

A beautifully bound book with gorgeous photography— it is a must for just reading or planning THE HIKE, or to share during wishing and a hoping hiking discussions.I only wished the authors, Mark Larabee and Barney Scout Mann, would have photographed the Canadian end of the trail as they did the Mexican. It is interesting to note how the area around the Mexican monument has changed in forty years, that offensive fence tells us about the sign of the times.The excellent and expansive historical research gave me pause to reflect on the challenges the trail pioneers encountered and endured. More so, was understanding and appreciating the love they had for the trail and the determination to complete it from border to border.It is well-written in that it flows from page to page and immerses you in the views and then, brings you back to reality, there are switches and more switches to go up and down; fog and snow, heat and rain that will test your resolve. But, then there is the scenery with flowers and birds that make it all worthwhile.The foreword by Ms. Cheryl Strayed sets the tone as to why I even look at this book much less consider the challenge. But then, she invites me to share her experience, to enjoy the beauty, to make the sacrifice and pay the price of a lifetime experience that will stay with me the rest of my life.Mil gracias Ms. Strayed y señores Larabee y Mann!

An incredible book, unlike any other currently out about the PCT. It's beautiful, big, and full of amazing photos and stories.For those that have hiked it, this book will bring tears of joy as you reminisce about the people, the trail, and the seemingly endless miles of freedom. You'll see the familiar faces of those who created, fought for, and made the trail what it is, and the legends who have walked it. Every page is filled with some of the most incredible photography to bring you back to your favorite places.For those that haven't been there, this book will help you understand what an absolute treasure this winding strip of trail truly is, and will make you truly appreciate it when it's your turn to take those steps.Many thanks to all these unsung heroes, for all their tireless efforts to protect the trail and help the hikers.In summary, this is a great book for all who enjoy the wilderness. It will make a great Christmas present for anyone who likes to hike.

I have a problem with Barney Mann. I met him and his wife last year when they hosted me before I set out on the PCT. A lovely couple and the epitome of trail angels. I thought I'd gotten the PCT out of my system, and now Barney goes and does this. Now I have to do it again.If you want the most georgeous coffee table book this is it, but its also a richly fascinating insight into the history of the trail - answering many question heard along the journey. I'll tread those dusty miles again next year or the year after, but it wont be long, and when I hear people ask how it all came about I can just say read Scout's book.

Wonderful book. Pictures are stunning.

This is a wonderful book of the history of the Pacific Crest Trail,creation,logistics,legalities,efforts, credits and ongoing work.Full of beautiful pictures,a couple of maps,and explanations of all the protected areas put together to make the trail itself.Very informative.Great coffee table book and a keepsake conversation piece.Not a detailed guide book,though it is sequenced from one end to the other.For me anyone hiking the pct might like this to show their friends in a general overview what it's all about.

In diesem Band gibt es zahlreiche tolle Bilder vom PCT zu bewundern. Alleine schon deshalb hat sich die Anschaffung gelohnt.Man erhält viele Informationen aus dem Text, allerdings ist das Buch in englischer Sprache verfasst; wer hier unsicher ist, könnte Verständnisprobleme haben.

A "must have" for everyone who is contemplating hiking the trail or who has been there. Great Photography, good (although not outstanding) print quality.