The Incredible Journey of Cheryl Strayed: From Loss to the Pacific Crest Trail

In 1995, Cheryl Strayed was facing the darkest time of her life. After the death of her mother and the end of her marriage, she found herself lost and overwhelmed. To heal, she made a bold decision. To hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a gruelling 1,100-mile trek from the California-Mexico border all the way to Canada.

With no prior long-distance hiking experience and little preparation, Cheryl set off alone, carrying a heavy backpack that earned her the nickname “Monster.” She battled blistered feet, extreme weather, wild animals, and her own self-doubt. Along the way, Cheryl met fellow hikers who helped her through tough moments, and the trail gradually transformed from a physical challenge into a spiritual journey.

Her story of resilience, courage, and transformation was immortalized in her memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which later became a major motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon.

Cheryl’s journey isn’t just about hiking, it's a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest trails lead to the most profound healing.