Parts of Pacific Crest Trail close in both ends of California as wildfires rage

Two California wildfires on opposite ends of the state have closed access to parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In Southern California, the Vista Fire has closed the Pacific Crest Trail near Mount Baldy. In Northern California, the Shelly Fire has closed the trail between Etna Summit and Box Camp Trail.

As of Friday, July 12, the Shelly Fire had burned 10,225 acres (16 square miles) and was 1% contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported. San Bernardino National Forest officials reported Friday that the Vista Fire increased to 2,700 acres, with 0% containment and 416 structures threatened.

Where does the Pacific Crest Trail run?

The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail runs between Canada and Mexico through California, Oregon, and Washington.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) estimates that between 700 and 800 people attempt to hike the entire trail each year, and around 60% finish. However, it's challenging to know the exact number of people who use the trail each year, as some estimates say hundreds of thousands or more than a million people use it.

July is when most long-distance hikers — those who cover the entire north-south trail leading between the Mexican and Canadian borders ― pass through Northern California, according to the Redding Record Searchlight.

How should hikers travel around the Shelly Fire closure?

Firefighters and emergency services request that PCT hikers not walk along Highway 3, a major road used to fight fires. The combination of smoke causes low visibility and emergency vehicle traffic, making walking unsafe.

People wanting to travel around the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountains via the I-5 corridor can use the Siskiyou STAGE bus stops at Castle Crags State Park, the PCT trailhead at Soda Creek Road, Dunsmuir (Amtrak), Mount Shasta City, Weed and Yreka.

The PCTA website did not provide alternative routes for PCT hikers navigating the Vista Fire. Hikers, though, are asked to stay off Mount Baldy area trails until further notice. Lytle Creek Road, an access point to campgrounds and other recreation sites in the area from Interstate 15, is closed and open only to residents.