Special Events on the Pacific Crest Trail

Using the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for competitive special events requires thoughtful planning and implementation to avoid significant damage to the natural resources in the trail corridor or disruption of use of the trail by hikers and equestrians.

The PCNST is a trail constructed and maintained primarily for public use by hikers and equestrians. Occasional use for special events such as competitive trail running should be done, if at all, at such times, in such locations, and with special attention to management techniques which avoid significant resource damage or disruption to other users of the trail.

A number of trail running events have been held on the PCT in recent years without significant interference with normal trail use. The Pacific Crest Trail Association urges agency personnel to consider the characteristics of these successful events, locations and scheduling before authorizing new or expanded special events.

Adopted by the Pacific Crest Trail Association Board of Directors, February 4, 2001