Recipient Responsibilities

  1. Begin the hike at the Mexico/California border.

  2. Stay in communication with the PCT Grant Committee - Send us trip reports at least every 30 days. Let us know if you stop hiking.

  3. Honor the commitment to “pay it forward" and commit to a volunteer project, either before or during the hike. A suggested list of projects can be found here.

Apply For The Pacific Crest Trail Grant

How It Works

  1. Application Deadline: January 31, 2027 for the 2027 PCT hike.

  2. Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Have received a PCTA permit;

    • Be 18–33 years old as of April 1 of the year they plan to thru-hike the PCT;

    • Have significant ties to Washington State;

    • Have a financial need;

    • Have the ability to complete the PCT based on past outdoor experience;

    • Have a compelling reason well articulated for wanting to hike the PCT;

    • Be willing to help pay it forward and commit to the volunteer portion of the grant.


    The grant committee will review all eligible applications and select a recipient by unanimous vote.

  3. Selection Process:

    • First: all eligible applicants meeting the criteria will be placed in a lottery and five will be selected at random.

    • Second: the five random applicants will be required to provide the Grant Committee with a driver's license or other government ID and participate in an interview to ensure they meet the criteria.

    • Final: after interviews, all remaining eligible applicants who met the criteria will be entered into a lottery. The grant recipient will be selected at random.

  4. Grant Recipient: The recipient will receive $2,000 upon selection of the grant followed by $750 per month while on the trail, up to $5,000. Proof of hiking progress must be provided to the PCT Grant Committee.

Apply For 2027