Wrightwood, California — Health officials and trail organizations are investigating after dozens of hikers reportedly became sick while traveling through a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail in California.
The illnesses, believed to involve a highly contagious stomach virus such as norovirus, have alarmed hikers and outdoor experts as cases continue to emerge near the Wrightwood area along the iconic trail.
Illness Reports Trigger Health Investigation
The Pacific Crest Trail Association confirmed reports of a “gastrointestinal illness” affecting hikers in the area and said it is now working with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to assess the situation.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches more than 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, attracting thousands of hikers every year.
Trail officials emphasized the seriousness of the reported outbreak.
“Illnesses like norovirus or other communicable diseases are serious issues, people should prioritize their health and safety,” Chris Rylee, the association’s communications director, said in a statement.
“We sincerely wish for all affected hikers a speedy recovery and the chance to get back to the trail.”
Reddit Users Warn of Possible Norovirus Outbreak
A Reddit community dedicated to the Pacific Crest Trail described the situation as a possible norovirus outbreak, with reports suggesting multiple hikers became violently ill over the past two weeks.
According to posts shared online, there have reportedly been between 7 and 12 confirmed cases around Wrightwood, while many more hikers experienced symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.
“Since Sunday, there have been approximately 2 dozen hikers who’ve had symptoms and 7 who were seen and diagnosed with Noro by medical professionals,” one Reddit post stated.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the exact source of the illnesses, but some hikers believe cases may have originated near a water cache in Swarthout Valley between Cajon Pass and Mount Baden-Powell.
Elderly Hiker Airlifted After Becoming Extremely Ill
One of the more serious cases involved 73-year-old Ron Hals, who was hiking the first 1,000 miles of the trail as a personal challenge following the death of his wife.
Hals told SFGATE he became dangerously weak while camping near Wrightwood on the night of May 14.
“I’ve never been that weak,” Hals said, describing how he struggled to even leave his tent.
As his condition worsened, he eventually called 911 and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, where he was later diagnosed with norovirus.
The emotional rescue deeply affected Hals.
“My emotions were very much on the surface, and I admit that I cried because I didn’t want to go,” he said. “But I knew that these people had risked their lives to come find me, and I couldn’t just tell them to go away.”
Experts Warn Virus Is Extremely Difficult to Stop
Health experts warn that norovirus spreads rapidly, especially in remote outdoor areas where hikers often share water sources, campsites and rest areas.
The California Department of Public Health says the virus can survive for weeks on surfaces such as phones, doorknobs, furniture and other commonly touched objects.
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Officials estimate there are approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and around 900 deaths each year in the United States linked to norovirus, primarily among older adults.
Outdoor health experts say outbreaks in wilderness areas are not unusual. In 2022, more than 200 hikers reportedly became sick with the virus at Grand Canyon National Park.
Retired public health educator and hiker Noelle Harrison described the virus bluntly.
“Norovirus is like the cockroach of viruses,” Harrison said. “It’s almost impossible to kill, and if you end up getting sick in really remote areas, some of its more severe symptoms can put you in a really bad place.”
Hikers are now being urged to practice proper hygiene, wash their hands frequently and avoid using unsealed water sources while traveling through affected sections of the trail.
What do you think about the reported illness outbreak on the Pacific Crest Trail? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
