Project overview: Protect natural resources and visitor safety by performing critical repairs and maintenance on a hazardous and eroded 18-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through northeastern Yosemite National Park.

How your support helps: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650-mile trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, traversing some of the most popular wilderness areas in California, Oregon, and Washington. With nearly 70 miles of the PCT contained within Yosemite National Park, this well-used trail is in poor condition due to increasing numbers of hikers, weather damage, and a lack of staff to perform necessary maintenance.  

This year, National Park Service staff have identified an 18-mile section of the PCT in Yosemite that is in critical need of repairs— from Lower Kerrick Canyon to Burro Pass. Limited staff capacity has resulted in eroded tread, drainage issues, and safety concerns for visitors.  

The trail’s current condition has major impacts on visitors and local ecosystems. By rehabilitating this corridor, park staff will not only protect natural resources but also ensure that this iconic trail remains safe, sustainable, and accessible to the thousands of hikers and backpackers who traverse the PCT each year. 

This year: In 2026, National Park Service teams will improve several features of an 18-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail from Lower Kerrick Canyon to Burro Pass. Work will improve drainage, reset uneven trail tread, tackle erosion, and address other long-standing issues that could otherwise escalate into more costly repairs and pose hazards to visitors. 

Project partner: Yosemite National Park