PCTA Crest Runners Conclude 2026 Season

The Pacific Crest Trail Association's (PCTA) Crest Runner season for 2026 has concluded. These volunteers patrolled the backcountry, collected data, and interacted with thru-hikers, section hikers, equestrians, and weekend backpackers along the trail.

Their work began in Campo, California, at the southern terminus of the PCT. There, the primary focus was reminding hikers of Leave No Trace principles, easing nerves, answering questions, and sharing current desert conditions. The role shifted as the season progressed into the mountains.

Role in the Southern Sierra

The second half of the season was spent hiking throughout the Southern Sierra. Crest Runners worked alongside the National Park Service and Forest Service on stints lasting four to seven days. Their patrols covered areas from Kennedy Meadows South to Horseshoe Meadows, Kearsarge Pass, Bishop, and Mammoth. In these revered landscapes, their role evolved to primarily support the agencies with monitoring permit compliance and educating hikers on responsible use and wilderness ethics.

Crest Runner Olive Fortner stated it is a great privilege to recreate in the Sierra Nevada backcountry. She noted that conditions enabling access are not always guaranteed, especially amid staffing and funding challenges for public land agencies. Every individual plays a role in preserving these spaces through actions like picking up trash, packing out toilet paper, camping away from water, and avoiding trampling vegetation.

Observing Trail Impact

This season, Fortner observed signs of wear in popular areas like Kearsarge Pass, Rae Lakes, Thousand Island Lakes, and the east side of Mount Whitney. This impact diminishes the wilderness experience. While many backcountry users read their permit agreements and know Leave No Trace basics, she hopes hikers remain open to education from trail stewards. The shared goal of land managers and groups like the PCTA, Friends of the Inyo, and the John Muir Trail Wilderness Conservancy is to preserve a lasting wilderness experience.

The principles of Leave No Trace, which demand significant backpacking experience, are key for trails like the PCT. Fortner emphasized that Crest Runners and Wilderness Rangers are on the trail to preserve user enjoyment through thoughtful permitting, place-based regulations, and education, not to police experiences.

A Personal Connection

Fortner, a long-time visitor to the Sierra Nevada, reflected on her personal connection to the land. From learning to ski in Mammoth Lakes as a child to her first backpacking trip in 2019, she spent the entire summer exploring trails made accessible by others' hard work. She described it as a privilege to help care for these spaces alongside organizations and individuals dedicated to preservation.

She also remarked on the visible growth in PCT hikers over the first 900 miles of their journey. As hikers continue north, the Crest Runners' season ends. Fellow Crest Runner Eileen Wassel will continue with the PCTA as its full-time Volunteer Coordinator. Fortner plans to continue her own PCT section-hiking efforts.

A Volunteer's Perspective

Eileen Wassel, the new PCTA Volunteer Coordinator, shared her thoughts on the trail experience. "Hiking any section of the PCT is such a meaningful and major experience," she said. "Many people wonder how to adjust back to society after leaving the trail. The secret is that you don't!"

Wassel expressed honor in helping people maintain a meaningful relationship with the PCT, which becomes like a second home. She loved meeting people over the summer and hopes to see them at volunteer outings.

As hikers move past the Sierra Nevada into Northern California, Oregon, and beyond, Fortner urged caution regarding smoky conditions reported further north. She advised keeping an eye on trail closures and reroutes while remaining mindful of the ecosystems and communities along the path. She thanked hikers for their kindness and cooperation this season.