‘It was a wonderful experience’

Ken Schwarz of Corona del Mar began his 2,663-mile hike seven years ago with a single step on the U.S.-Mexican border.

The 59-year-old dentist wanted to complete the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada before his 60th birthday.

Last weekend, he did.

“It’s a wonderful experience. You don’t have to do it all at once — you can do it in parts,” said Schwarz, who has climbed in the Swiss Alps. “It’s a sport that you can do at any age, if your joints are good.”

The trail, which stretches through California, Oregon and Washington, is traveled by many avid hikers.

Schwarz and some of his friends came up with the idea to hike the trail, but only Schwarz completed the trek.

He did it by hiking sections of the trail during good weather. Schwarz, a former Newport Beach Parks and Recreation commissioner, found time to hike the path during his vacation.

Before setting off on a hike, Schwarz researched the history, biology and geology of each region. He prepared himself physically for the treks each year by playing tennis, running, cycling and taking practice hikes.

He learned about backpacking when his son Kenny, now 27, was a Boy Scout.

His favorite sections of the trail include the John Muir Trail in California, Jefferson Park in Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge in Washington.

Although he was never in any real danger on his journey, Schwarz did encounter wildlife such as snakes, bears, goats, wolves and porcupines. He also met plenty of friendly hikers on the trail.

The trail passes through 23 national forests and six national parks, said Schwarz, who is a member of the Pacific Crest Trail Assn. It’s hard to pick one memorable experience from the treks, he said.

“I think hiking a portion with my wife, Kathy, was a highlight because it took her out of her comfort zone,” he said.

Schwarz mostly hiked alone or with other hikers he encountered. He said there is a community of hikers who watch out for each other on the trail and sometimes form friendships.

Schwarz completed the trail at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 30, at Manning Park in Canada. Other hikers who had also completed the trail celebrated the achievement with him.

“It was pretty emotional,” he said. “I felt very happy. You want to slow down at the end because you don’t want it to be over. You want to enjoy the moment.”

Hiking the trail was quite an accomplishment, said Willard Courtney, Schwarz’ father-in-law.

“Fewer people have completed the trail than have climbed Mr. Everest,” Courtney said.

Schwarz said he wants to encourage others to attempt the trek.

“I think it’s a wonderful way to learn the history of California. You really get a perspective of how big our state is,” Schwarz said.