Alps2Crags

In the heart of Northern California’s iconic Trinity Divide, water weaves through timeless valleys, surrounded by jagged granite peaks and ancient forests. Endangered and rare animals find protected corners to call home, while hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) find solace in wild spaces. At first glance, this landscape feels endless and untouched, but a closer look reveals vulnerable areas in need of protection.

The Trinity Alps to Castle Crags project (Alps2Crags) safeguards over 7,000 acres of land, creating a nearly fully protected corridor for the PCT from the Trinity Alps Wilderness to the Castle Crags Wilderness. Partnering with the Pacific Crest Trail Association and Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this multi-phased effort unites biodiverse forestlands that bolster climate resiliency, while ensuring that one of our nations most treasured routes for exploration and connection, remains accessible for generations to come.

Alps2Crags advances TPL’s broader efforts to “un-checker” the fragmented forestlands of Northern California—a lasting challenge from the 1860s when land was sold into private ownership to fund railroads. By connecting vital forest corridors and restoring areas for Wilderness designation, this project protects clean water from three major watersheds serving as lifelines for California’s businesses, climate goals, and public health. In doing so, it also safeguards critical habitats for over 30 species, including the northern spotted owl, Sierra Nevada red fox, California Lady’s Slipper, and the Pacific fisher.

Trust for Public Land has protected over 50,000 acres along the PCT, and this expansion is part of our sustained commitment to address its five greatest challenges—climate change, timber harvest, route protection, wildlife habitat, and lack of funding. We know that access to the outdoors is a vital human need, and that areas like this are where people take journeys of a lifetime. With your help, we can continue to keep the PCT and it’s adjacent landscapes protected for future generations to enjoy.