This is a PCT Hiker’s Worst Nightmare: Part 1 - Back to the Start
Russell Hepton’s (aka “Rock Solid”) PCT journey started with a book; Into the Wild in 2016, a random read that sparked something he didn't fully understand until years later. His plan was to hike the PCT in 2019, one of the most iconic national scenic trails in North America. Shortly after starting the trail, Russell met Trevor and less than two weeks after starting, passed through the accident site that claimed Trevor’s life one day later. COVID-19 and death threat forced him off trail. That experience changed the course of his life forever.
Russ now serves as the Vice President of Trek for Trevor and serves the foundation and the broader hiking community to promote safe hiking and exploration through preparation, awareness and eduction.
Russ is a skilled storyteller and videographer. In this 3 part docu-series, Russell shares the story of starting a 2,652 mile thru-hike in the midst of a global pandemic, the tragedy of Trevor’s accident on Apache Peak, and being driven from the trail by death threats.
The documentary is one of resilience. In 2022, Russell returns to the PCT to prove to himself dreams never die, they’re just postponed.
A brilliant story-teller, Russ shares raw footage and reflections of his hike, allowing the audience to see the splendor of the PCT in all its glory.
Part 1 of Back to the Start tells the story of the world shutting down. Lockdowns. A virus spreading. And a thru-hike dream that feels like it might die before it even begins.
Then the first twist drops. Does Russ start his hike in Mexico or Canada? Neither— instead, he starts at Castle Crags, 1,500+ miles north, because it’s the only way the timing works. One email to the PCTA. One permit window. Fifteen minutes to say yes or lose it. And suddenly he’s airborne, chasing a route that could make or break the entire year.
What follows is friendship that forms overnight, days of wilderness without roads, storms that spark wildfires, closures that erase hundreds of miles, and the uncomfortable truth that “hiking every mile” is becoming rarer every year.
And just when the trail finally feels smooth, nature reaches up and tries to snatch it away again.
If you’ve ever had a plan derailed by forces you can’t control, Part 1 will get under your skin.
