Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is no joke, but it’s also not something to stress yourself out over—especially when it comes to food. The first 180 miles of the trail will take you from the Mexican border at Campo to the charming mountain town of Idyllwild, with plenty of adventures, resupply stops, and snack breaks along the way. Let’s talk about what to expect on this stretch and, most importantly, what PCT snacks and easy meal ideas you should make room for in your pack!
The Journey: From Campo to Idyllwild
Campo to Mount Laguna (Miles 0–43)
Welcome to the PCT! The journey kicks off at the Southern Terminus in Campo, where the desert heat and excitement are high. The first stretch can be dry, so water management is key. After about 20 miles, you’ll hit Lake Morena, a great place for a break, as well as a little general store down the road where you can get snacks, hot food or a quick breakfast. By mile 43, you’ll reach Mount Laguna, your first solid resupply spot with a general store stocked with hiker-friendly snacks, as well as a good place for snacks.
Mount Laguna to Warner Springs (Miles 43–109)
The trail opens up to exposed ridges and desert terrain, so sun protection and hydration are your best friends. You’ll pass through the famous Scissors Crossing (mile 77), a common hitching point to Julian—home to some of the best apple pie and ice cream a hiker could dream of. Don’t miss out! Your PCT badge will get you a good amount of freebies. There is also usually a good amount of snacks and drinks stocked at Scissors Crossing.
After Scissors Crossing, you’ll get some hot, dry miles through the San Felipe Hills before reaching Barrel Spring and, eventually, Warner Springs (mile 109), another great resupply point with a community center that often helps out hikers. Getting a hitch over to the store was a bit of a bitch, but that could have just been time of day. Lots of people will send themselves a resupply box here - which we did as well but just as easily could have scraped through on the gas station snacks honestly. There also seemed to be a ton of left over snacks people leave behind at the community store because people sent themselves food that they ended up not needing.
Warner Springs to Idyllwild (Miles 109–180)
Leaving Warner Springs, you’ll pass through some dreamy oak woodlands before climbing into the San Jacinto Mountains. The terrain shifts, and suddenly, you’ll find yourself in higher elevations with cooler temps. By the time you hit Paradise Valley Café (mile 151), you’ll be dreaming about their legendary burgers (yes, even vegetarians rave about their options!).
From there, you can either continue straight to Idyllwild via the PCT (if conditions allow) or take a side trail into town. I didn’t believe it only takes about two days to go from Paradise to Idyllwild, but it’s true. So if you just want to power through and end with a pizza and beer in town then it’s a good way to go. Either way, congrats—you made it to one of the most beloved trail towns on the PCT!
Snack & Meal Must-Haves for the First 180 Miles
Now, let’s get to the fun part—food! You want lightweight, calorie-dense options that are easy to prep on the go. Here are some ideas to keep your pack light but your taste buds happy.
Essential Snacks
Nut Butter Packets – Almond, peanut, or hazelnut—choose your favorite! Squeeze onto a tortilla, mix into oatmeal, or eat straight from the packet.
Trail Mix with a Twist – Go beyond just nuts and raisins. Add dark chocolate, coconut flakes, and crystallized ginger for a mix that keeps things interesting.
Tuna or Sardine Packets – If you love savory snacks, these protein-packed gems are a game-changer. Try them on crackers or straight from the pouch.
Energy Bars (Homemade or Store-Bought) – Make your own with oats, peanut butter, and honey, or go for classics like RXBars, Clif Bars, or ProBars.
Dehydrated Hummus + Crackers – Instant hummus mix is a great protein boost and pairs well with pita chips or tortillas.
Fruit Leathers & Dried Mango – A lightweight, vitamin-packed snack that satisfies sugar cravings without taking up much space.
Beef, Turkey, or Vegan Jerky – High protein, chewy, and satisfying. Great for keeping hunger at bay between meals.
Instant Coffee or Electrolyte Mixes – Because morale-boosting beverages matter just as much as food!
Easy Meal Ideas
DIY Trail Wraps – Pack tortillas and fill them with peanut butter and honey, tuna and hot sauce, or hummus and dried veggies. We ended with a combo of the Starkist tuna packets, a few slices of a block of cheddar, and some crushed up Cheezits haha. You’ll be surprised what hits the spot.
Instant Mashed Potatoes + Cheese + Bacon Bits – Add boiling water, stir, and you’ve got comfort food in minutes.
Ramen Bomb (Ramen + Instant Mashed Potatoes) – A cult classic for a reason: ultra-filling and salty in all the best ways.
Couscous with Dehydrated Veggies & Olive Oil – Just add hot water and let it sit; no cooking required.
Oatmeal + Nut Butter + Dried Fruit – Breakfast that sticks with you and is endlessly customizable — I would get a box of oatmeal packets and portion for about two packets a day. Pretty early on we would mix a little instant coffee in for a little extra boost of energy.
Ramen Curry — Get the squeezable peanut butter packets, a little curry powder, some soy sauce packets, along with some jerkey and you throw it all in after the ramen gets done cooking. HITS THE SPOT.
Spanish Knorrs — There is a Spanish rice Knorrs packet (these little packets are about to be your best friend) and we would get these, get some sausage and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
Resupply Spots, Food Stops, PCT Snack Centers
Mount Laguna General Store (Mile 43) – Small but well-stocked for essentials.
Julian (Mile 77 via hitch from Scissors Crossing) – A must for fresh food, pie, and possible trail magic.
Warner Springs (Mile 109) – A decent resupply point, plus a great community spot to rest.
Paradise Valley Café (Mile 151) – Famous for its burgers and a great morale boost before the climb to Idyllwild.
Idyllwild (Mile 179/180) – A hiker haven with restaurants, a grocery store, and an all-around great vibe.
Final Thoughts
The first 180 miles of the PCT will throw a little bit of everything at you—heat, climbs, amazing views, and plenty of chances to eat well. Don’t stress too much about the carried weight; just make sure your snacks and meals keep you fueled and happy. Whether it’s a ramen bomb or a Julian apple pie, make the most of every bite. Happy hiking, and see you on the trail!
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