In Photos: Faces of the Pacific Crest Trail

This photo essay originally appeared on Brazen Backpacker. Emily Pennington is a freelance writer based out of Los Angeles, California. Find more of her work on her website and on all social media @BrazenBackpacker.

This year, I trekked high up into the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles to bring a dash of trail magic deep into the backcountry. My partner and I carried in 12 pounds of fresh fruit and veggies to thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. It ended up being one of the most memorable mountain weekends I’ve ever had.

These brave souls amble their way up and down a narrow strip of trail from Mexico to Canada, hiking over 2,650 miles in the process. They give each other wild trail names like Sherlock, Pinkman, and Crush, and harbor a Lost Boys-style camaraderie. We caught up with them somewhere near mile 400, by all accounts an early pit stop on a 4- to 6-month journey. I embarked on this portrait project to showcase the beautiful abandon written all over each one of their faces.

If you’re never been a trail angel for long distance backpackers before, I can’t recommend it enough. Their stories made me laugh until my cheeks hurt and remember to carpe the hell out of every last diem.

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