If you’re a part of the hiking community, then you have probably noticed that many hikers no longer go by their real-life name when they’re on the trail. Instead, they are referred to by a trail name.
A trail name is a nickname that a hiker uses to express a personality. Many people will dub themselves, but some may wait for a friend to point out a quality that makes for a good nickname.
That being said… trail names may be one of the only times it’s okay to choose your own nickname.
If you read some of the PCT and Appalachian 2,600 Miler Club logs, you’ll come across various names. Some, better than others.
2,600 Miler Club
The 2,600 Miler Club is led by the organization that covers everything PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). It is here that you’ll find the log books (which are now online) of all of the hikers who have fully completed the trail.
The Pacific Crest Trail spans from the US/Mexico border to the US/Canada border and is a top to-do on my life bucket list. People spend years preparing for it as they have to be physically, financially and most of all, mentally prepared to complete this grueling adventure.
To achieve full credit for most 2,000+ mile thru-hikes you have to complete it within twelve months. It’s okay to do it section by section, as long as it’s completed within that timeframe.
Plenty Of Time To Think
You’re going to have a long while to think about it if you can’t come up with anything, just yet. Just look at the list of cities you’ll hike through if you follow the PCT:
This isn’t the longest of the hikes, either.
California
- Campo (mile 1.4)
- Lake Morena (mile 20)
- Mount Laguna (mile 41.5)
- Julian (mile 77.3)
- Banner (mile 77.3)
- Stagecoach Trail RV Park (mile 77.3)
- Ranchita (mile 101.2)
- Warner Springs (mile 109.5)
- Holcomb Village (mile 111.3)
- Anza (mile 151.9)
- Paradise Valley Café (mile 151.9)
- Hemet Lake Market (mile 168.6)
- Idyllwild (mile 179.4) – depends on side trail
- Cabazon (mile 209.5)
- Banning (mile 209.5)
- Big Bear Lake/Big Bear City (mile 266.1)
- Fawnskin (mile 227.6)
- Cajon Junction (mile 342)
- Wrightwood (mile 369.4)
- Crystal Lake Cafe and Store (mile 383.5)
- Acton KOA (mile 444.3)
- Acton (mile 444.3)
- Agua Dulce (mile 454.5)
- Green Valley (mile 478.2)
- Lake Hughes (mile 485.7)
- Hikertown/Neenach/Wee Vill (mile 517.6)
- Mojave (mile 566.4)
- Tehachapi (mile 566.4)
- Lake Isabella (mile 652)
- Inyokern (mile 652)
- Ridgecrest (mile 652)
- Kennedy Meadows South (mile 702.2)
- Lone Pine (mile 744.5) – depends on side trail
- Independence (mile 789.1)
- Bishop (mile 789.1) – depends on side trail
- Muir Trail Ranch (mile 857.7)
- Vermilion Valley Resort (mile 874.5)
- Red’s Meadow (mile 906.6)
- Mammoth Lakes (mile 906.6) – depends on side trail
- Tuolumne Meadows (mile 942.5)
- Bridgeport (mile 1016.9)
- Kennedy Meadows North (mile 1016.9)
- Markleeville (mile 1048.4)
- Kirkwood (mile 1076.5)
- Meyers and South Lake Tahoe (mile 1090.8)
- Echo Lake (mile 1092.3)
- Olympic Village (mile 1135.5)
- Donner Ski Ranch (mile 1153.4)
- Soda Springs (mile 1153.4)
- Truckee (mile 1153.4)
- Sierra City (mile 1195.4)
- Graeagle via Gold Lake (mile 1211.6)
- La Porte (mile 1234.8)
- Bucks Lake and Lake Shore Resort/Haskens Store (mile 1263.5)
- Quincy (mile 1267.9)
- Belden and Caribou Crossroads (mile 1286.8)
- Chester (mile 1331.1)
- Drakesbad Guest Ranch (mile 1350.1)
- Old Station (mile 1373.5)
- Burney (mile 1411.3)
- Fall River Mills (mile 1411.3)
- Burney Falls State Park (mile 1419)
- Castella (mile 1501.1)
- Dunsmuir (mile 1501.1)
- Mt Shasta (mile 1501.1)
- Callahan (mile 1560.2)
- Etna (mile 1599.7)
- Seiad Valley (mile 1655.9)
Oregon
- Callahan’s Lodge (mile 1718.7)
- Ashland (mile 1718.7)
- Hyatt Lake Resort (mile 1742.7)
- Fish Lake Resort (mile 1773.4)
- Mazama Village at Crater Lake (mile 1821.7)
- Shelter Cove Resort (mile 1906.6)
- Elk Lake Resort (mile 1952.6)
- Sisters (mile 1983.8)
- Bend (mile 1983.8)
- Big Lake Youth Camp (mile 1995.1)
- Olallie Lake Resort (mile 2045.6)
- Government Camp (mile 2086.5)
- Timberline Lodge (mile 2097)
- Cascade Locks (mile 2146.7)
Washington
- Stevenson (mile 2147.2)
- Trout Lake (mile 2228.9)
- White Pass (mile 2294.9)
- Snoqualmie Pass (mile 2393.1)
- Steven’s Pass Resort (mile 2464.1)
- Skykomish (mile 2464.1)
- Stehekin (mile 2571.9)
- Mazama (mile 2591.1)
Canada
- Manning Park Resort (mile 2650+)
The Hard Part
Even though you’ve got a long time to hike…
Most trail names are chosen on the first day of your thru-hike. This way, you can introduce yourself to the other hikers you come across on your trek.
What Do You Want To Be Known For
So, start up the self-assessment and come up with that perfect name!
Thanks for reading, hiker!
This post was written by Evan.
HykLyt 