Norovirus Is Ravaging Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail

May 21, 2026

At least two dozen hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail have shown norovirus-like symptoms, and seven cases have been confirmed. The illnesses appear to be concentrated near Wrightwood, California, with a water cache in Swarthout Valley drawing attention as a possible source, though the exact origin is still unclear.

The outbreak has caused serious disruption for thru-hikers, including one evacuee who had to be flown to a hospital. Trail volunteers and local officials are responding by replacing the shared water station with sealed bottles, and nearby lodging has temporarily closed to help limit spread.

The broader concern is that norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact, which makes long-distance hiking especially vulnerable when sanitation is limited. Officials are still investigating the situation and plan to share more information as it becomes available. The Inertia