Audrey Payne’s 2,650-Mile Pacific Crest Trail Journey: From Carson City to Canada on the Capital to Canada Quest
This summer, long-distance hiker Audrey Payne set out to do what few ever complete—walk the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.
As the first participant in the Capital to Canada Quest, Audrey became the only hiker in 2024 to complete the full 2,650-mile route, linking Carson City, Nevada to the northern border.
In this week’s Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey reconnects with Audrey to relive her journey through the Sierra Nevada, the challenges of wildfire country, and the meaning she found in solitude.
Starting in the Desert
Audrey began her trek on April 7 at Campo on the U.S.–Mexico border.
The first 700 miles through Southern California offered both beauty and challenge.
“The desert wasn’t my favorite part, but it was a great place to start,” she said. “Smooth trails, sunny days, and a perfect way to find your trail legs.”
Those early weeks carried her north to Kennedy Meadows South—the symbolic gateway to the Sierra Nevada.
Crossing the Sierra Nevada
Having completed the John Muir Trail during 2023’s record snow year, Audrey returned to the Sierra prepared for the high passes.
“Last time, I was terrified,” she recalled. “This time I knew what to expect. Every day felt amazing.”
Traveling with her trail partner “Pickles,” she found peace in the quiet sections of the range, often going days with little company.
The Carson City Connection
Midway through her hike, Audrey reached Carson City, marking a major milestone in the Capital to Canada Quest, a collaboration with Visit Carson City highlighting the new Cap-to-Tahoe Trail.
“Visit Carson City was wonderful to work with,” she said. “Hiking out of the capital was special—the trail was quiet, well built, and beautifully maintained.”
She spent a few restful days exploring local restaurants, catching a movie, and enjoying a calm contrast to the summer bustle of South Lake Tahoe.
“I tell everyone hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail—start or end in Carson City. It’s worth it.”
Through Fire and Heat
Northern California tested her resolve with burned forests and intense heat.
“For weeks I walked through burned forest in ninety-degree weather. There was no shade, just dust and ash. It was hard mentally.”
Even in the destruction, she noticed signs of recovery.
“The plants are coming back—but many are thorn bushes. Still, nature finds a way.”
Crossing into Oregon offered brief relief before more wildfire scars returned.
Finding Purpose in Washington
When asked about her favorite section, Audrey chose Glacier Peak Wilderness in Washington.
“It’s so remote—no roads for miles, massive old-growth trees, and trails covered with fallen trunks. It’s tough, but it’s the wilderness experience I was looking for.”
At the top of one steep climb, she paused to take in the view.
“The sun was out, the glaciers were shining, and I thought—this is my why.”
Trail Magic, Gear Lessons, and Reflections
Trail magic was rare, but one moment stood out—a chance reunion with a friend from Colorado at an Oregon trail-angel event.
Her favorite town was Bend, Oregon; her favorite meal, Peak Refuel Butternut Dal Bhat; her favorite indulgence, vegan ice cream.
Not everything went smoothly.
“My brand-new tent failed early on. Zpacks loaned me another, and it was perfect. I was sad to give it back.”
After months on trail, she carried home more than mileage.
“The PCT wasn’t about the miles,” she said. “It was about rediscovering simplicity—eating when you’re hungry, sleeping when you’re tired, and appreciating every sunrise.”
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