Want a 2026 PCT Permit? Register by Friday and Don't Miss Your Chance

Prospective thru-hikers’ first chance to nab a permit to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 is fast approaching. Hoping to try your odds on the West’s most famous long trail? Here’s what you need to know about scoring a permit.

Who Needs a Permit?

Anyone planning to hike or ride 500 or more continuous miles along the PCT must acquire a free PCT Long-Distance Permit. This serves as a catch-all for all of the permitted sections along the trail. Permits are limited in number, and the Forest Service imposes quotas for most starting locations. PCT Long-Distance Permits specify where and when you can start your thru-hike.

Key Dates

PCT hopefuls need to keep in mind a handful of important deadlines that fall into two categories: registration and permit application. All hikers must register in advance before applying for a permit; registration periods happen prior to permit release days; the first registration is currently open and closes on Halloween. Registration only takes a few minutes on the PCTA’s online portal. For specific registration and release times, visit the PCTA’s permit guide.

• October 22 to October 31, 2025 is the first registration period.

• November 13, 2025 is the first permit release day; 35 northbound thru-hike permits per start day and all of the 2026 southbound permits will become available.

• November 14 to December 12, 2025 is the second registration period. 

• January 13, 2026 is the second permit release day; 15 northbound thru-hike permits per start day will become available.

• January 14 registration reopens.

How Do I Apply For A PCT Permit?

A day prior to permit releases, the PCTA will assign each registered hiker a random time to log in to the permit management portal and apply for their desired start date and starting location. Application times fall between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT. The PCTA will email registrants with their application time, which will also appear in their portal.

Before applying, know your desired start date, as well as where you plan to start your thru-hike. The PCTA is a fantastic resource for all permitting matters; according to the website: “If there is a limit on the number of permits available per day at your start location, you’ll see a calendar showing the number of permits already taken for each day. You’ll only be able to select a day that has space available.”

Thru-hiker permits are limited, and especially so for hikers beginning at popular trailheads like the southern terminus. Research your desired start location ahead of time; permits go fast.