Climate change is impacting hiking on the infamous Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail spans over 2,600 miles from the US-Mexico border to the US-Canada border, passing through diverse landscapes. For many, hiking the trail from end to end is a lifelong goal. However, this year's wildfires disrupted hikers' journeys along the trail. According to Chris Rylee of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, wildfires affected the entire trail, with no region being exempt. Over 600 miles of the trail were closed due to wildfires, forcing hikers to leave the path. Some fires directly burned parts of the trail, while others burned nearby or covered the area in unhealthy smoke. The risks to hikers persist even after a fire has passed, with dead trees posing a falling hazard and burned areas being prone to landslides and floods. Climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency of extreme wildfires in the Western US. These dangers can ruin the PCT dream for hikers, destroying a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The impact of wildfires on the Pacific Crest Trail highlights the challenges faced by hikers and the need for awareness about the risks involved.