It seems like every year someone on the PCT-L posts the crazy idea that Pacific Crest Trail hikers don’t really need to carry maps. They are wrong. You need to carry maps if you are hiking the PCT.
More than 95% of the trail is well maintained and easy to follow but you will encounter areas where maps are necessary. Also, without maps you can be hiking on the trail and still not know exactly where you are. The trial is 2,663 miles long, after all.
Here are a few photos showing why maps are needed.
An unmarked fork in the PCT south of Lake Morena.
Another unmarked fork in the PCT south of Lake Morena.
Erosion covers the PCT after a wildfire south of Tehachapi in early spring 2008.
Off road vehicle trails cross the PCT near Tehachapi.
A pile of sticks is the only indication the PCT turns left, departing an abandoned road north of Sierra City.
Miles of snow in the Three Sisters Wilderness on July 4th, 2009.