CAMPO, Calif. — Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail presents a significant challenge, especially for those attempting the full route from Southern California to Canada. At the trailhead in Campo, Eric Kipperman is there to prepare hikers for the journey and highlight the obstacles they will face.
Recently, Kipperman has issued warnings that the trek may be even more demanding than usual. Following federal budget cuts, plans to clear fallen trees and repair storm-damaged sections have been canceled for 2025.
“This year, we’re anticipating less trail maintenance, so it’s crucial for hikers to prioritize safety,” Kipperman advised backpackers from both Europe and the United States at the starting point near Campo, an hour’s drive from San Diego.
He emphasized that parts of the 2,650-mile (4,265-kilometer) trail, which runs through California, Oregon, and Washington, currently lack defined paths.
This issue is not limited to the West Coast. As the summer hiking season approaches, funding freezes are obstructing repairs on the East Coast’s Appalachian Trail, where nearly 500 miles (800 kilometers) were damaged by Hurricane Helene. This situation highlights the widespread impact of significant government budget cuts affecting even the most remote areas of the country, which are frequented by vacationers seeking an escape from modern life.
Wildfires and increasingly severe storms, partly due to climate change, have already taken a toll on these famed trails. The majority of trail advocates express concerns that federal funding cuts jeopardize their preservation, according to the organizations that oversee these trails.
The U.S. Forest Service described the current situation as “dynamic and evolving,” reassuring the public of its commitment to maintaining safety and accessibility in recreational areas essential to local economies.
Significant staffing layoffs have impacted key agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, which lost approximately 3,400 employees, and the National Park Service, with nearly 1,500 workers cut, including those specializing in trail repair. These layoffs have also led to cancellations of job offers for seasonal workers skilled in rebuilding infrastructure and training volunteers.
While courts have mandated the rehiring of thousands of workers, some reports indicate that many are not returning.
“Hikers will encounter obstacles, such as downed trees across the trail that may remain uncut,” noted Justin Kooyman, director of Pacific Crest Trail operations. “This will result in a more rugged experience.”
Although the trails remain passable and many hikers might not notice any significant damage, maintenance is essential for their long-term survival, according to trail advocacy groups. Over 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the Appalachian Trail remain closed after Hurricane Helene, posing additional wildfire risks.
Last month marked the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail, which extends 2,193 miles (3,530 kilometers) from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Its founder recognized the need for a retreat from the stress following World War I and the 1918 flu epidemic.
Both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails became the first National Scenic Trails under the 1968 National Trails System Act, with the accomplishment of completing them symbolizing human resilience and inspiring a multitude of literary and cinematic works. The number of those who complete the trails in one continuous journey, known as thru-hikers, is quite small, with many not finishing and some sadly losing their lives in the attempt. Most users hike for short periods to experience the stunning landscapes.
“There seems to be a growing disconnect regarding the value of these protected outdoor spaces for our mental and physical health,” stated a leader from the trail conservation community. “If we lose these natural treasures, it would represent a profound loss for our society and nation.”
Trail conservation groups indicate that they are functioning with about one-third less federal funding than needed. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy reports that at least $1.5 million is at risk due to federal budget reductions.
The National Park Service maintains that funding for the Appalachian Trail continues as it engages in collaborative efforts to address challenges and uphold the trail’s legacy.
Both trails are currently facing a backlog of maintenance needs, as wildfires have ravaged close to 250 miles (400 kilometers) of the Pacific Crest Trail in recent years.
These disruptions worsen existing conditions and promote the spread of invasive species, ultimately increasing future costs, according to trail association leadership.
The Pacific Crest Trail winds through both scorching deserts and towering forests of giant sequoias, culminating in the scenic peaks of the Sierra Nevada. After crossing more than 50 mountain passes, it concludes in Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness at the Canadian border.
As the trail gains popularity through various forms of media and inspired storytelling, the organizations managing it are adapting to accommodate an influx of inexperienced hikers.
Kipperman, one of the two designated trail guides at the southern endpoint, welcomes hikers at the Mexican border, checking permits and providing essential safety advice before their journey begins. Typically, crest runners operate from March to August, covering the most hazardous and hottest months of the year.
This year, however, the services will only be available at the southern terminus until mid-May unless more federal funds become available.
Kipperman, also known by his trail name “Pure Stoke,” enthusiastically shares potential dangers, such as rattlesnake encounters and dehydration, while also emphasizing the importance of responsible practices like managing waste and ensuring clean water. He refrains from discussing political implications, focusing instead on practical advice for hikers.
“It’s essential to be adaptable and assess whether continuing forward on the trail is truly the right choice for your situation,” Kipperman advised, alerting hikers about potential hazards, including trail washouts around Mile 225.
After listening to Kipperman’s informative briefing, an eager backpacker expressed interest in contributing to trail restoration efforts.
Another hiker from Germany, laden with gear and water, remarked on his need for this trek as a form of personal renewal and detoxification. He acknowledged the federal cuts but chose not to dwell on them.
“I prefer to learn through experience rather than overthink. I want to challenge myself without any expectations,” he remarked, emphasizing a mindset of perseverance along the way.
