Hoban Biology and Anatomy teacher John Laubacher embarked on a 2,650-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail on April 15, 2024. The trail, stretching from the Mexican border near Campo, California, to the Canadian border, took him 109 days to complete, an average of 13 hours of hiking each day.
Undertaking an expedition of this scale is no small feat. While many hikers train and prepare extensively, Laubacher relied on his love for the outdoors, knowledge of nature, and the kindness of strangers. His only prior training was a two-day hike years before.
“For me, the two main criteria were being able to pay for it and having a stable job to come back to,” Laubacher said. “My long-term sub contract had ended in March, and I’d been offered my old position for the fall. This was the only time I’d be able to do it.”
From the moment he set foot on the trail that April morning, Laubacher felt a sense of liberation. “The first 50 days were amazing. My spirit had never felt so free,” he said. But as he passed the 1,000-mile mark, the trail grew lonelier. With fewer hikers around, the journey shifted from a physical test to a mental challenge. He pushed himself to hike 30 miles a day, driven by pride and determination.
Along the way, Laubacher witnessed breathtaking views. One highlight was summiting Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental U.S. To reach the peak by sunrise, he began hiking at 1 a.m. and reached the summit after four and a half hours. The sunrise, he said, was “all the motivation I needed.”
For most of the trek, Laubacher traveled alone, depending on the generosity of local residents for essentials like food and shelter. “You rely on the townspeople because you’re carrying almost nothing,” he explained. “Most people know they’re your best shot and often invite you in. But others might drive right by the 12-day unshowered beast you’ve become.”
Laubacher also formed friendships with hikers from around the world, each adopting a trail name, a playful nickname shared among fellow travelers. His was “Pump,” a nod to his daily routine of 150 push-ups to stay fit for the demanding hikes.
As the end drew near, emotions ran high. Laubacher admits he cried during the last 40 days, battling exhaustion but fueled by the light at the end of the trail. With his longest day logged at 39.8 miles and 9,000 feet of elevation, he arrived at the final 100 miles with a weary but determined spirit.
For the last 60 miles, Laubacher’s father joined him. Nearing the end of the trail, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief. “I could finally wake up and not have to walk 13 hours a day, just to figure out where I’d sleep that night.” He completed the trek on July 31.
“I did it,” he said with a laugh.