How to Send Me Mail

Hello!! 

A surprising number of people have asked me if they can send me care packages while I’m on the trail. This is so nice and I am genuinely touched that anyone besides my family would want to do this. Thank you!!!

It’s logistically a bit tricky, so I’ve put together a guide about how to send me mail on the Pacific Crest Trail. Please follow these instructions exactly because otherwise I probably won’t receive your mail and that would be really sad.

Also, if sending me mail sounds overwhelming but you want to do something else to send me love and support on the trail (thank you!!!!), scroll to the end of this post and check out some other ideas that have nothing to do with the US Postal Service but would still make me very happy!

Important general notes about sending mail:

• Let me know if you’ve sent something! I will have to ask for all of my mail, so you can’t really surprise me. If I don’t know you sent something I won’t know to ask for it and will probably miss it. Please send me a text or email (281-734-1070) (brandonsopher289@outlook.com) if you’re sending me mail!

• The ETAs on the following list are estimates. I may be there a week (or more!) earlier or later. Most places will hold hiker mail for 15-30 days, so sending something earlier is probably the best bet. I will update my mailing list as I go so hopefully the ETAs will be somewhat accurate.

• Always use USPS Priority Mail if you are sending a box! Some locations may be inaccessible by UPS and other carriers. The USPS Priority Mail boxes are free at all post offices, you can just grab one and fill it up and then pay for postage when you send it off. There is also no weight limit to these boxes.

• Never ever ever use USPS Standard Post. Trail rumor says I will never receive this package. Ever.

• Letters can be sent via USPS First Class!

• Use the addresses exactly as shown on the following mail list. 

• Write “Hold for PCT Hiker, ETA: MM/DD/YY” in the bottom left corner of every package or letter.

• If you want, make your box or envelope unique with stickers or colorful tape so it can be identified easily. 

• Remember that I have to carry every single thing I receive on my back! I would love to receive postcards and letters and food, but no non-consumables please! Thank you for understanding!

How to address every single thing you send me in the mail:

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: MM/DD/YY
General Delivery/Address
Town, State Zip Code
*In the bottom left corner write Hold for PCT Hiker, ETA: MM/DD/YY*

Where to send me mail, ETA’s included:
*Please do not send me mail to any addresses other than the ones listed below as I am already stopping at these spots to pick up other essentials. Also please note that all ETAs are estimates, especially the ETAs that fall after Kennedy Meadows (locations 5-8).

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: 5/16/22
General Delivery
Warner Springs, CA 92086

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: 5/19/22
General Delivery
Idyllwild, CA 92549

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: 6/12/22
c/o The Saufley’s
11861 Darling Road
Agua Dulce, CA 91390

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: 6/24/22
c/o Kennedy Meadows General Store
96740 Beach Meadow Road
Inyokern, CA 93527

Brandon Sopher
PCT Hiker, ETA: 7/4/22
General Delivery
Tuolumne Meadows
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Please note: This list only takes me through part of California. I’ll update it with more California, Oregon, and Washington addresses when the time comes!

Other Ways To Show Me Love That Doesn’t Involve Snail Mail:

If you don’t feel like dealing with this snail mail scenario but still want to do something nice for me while I’m on the trail, here are some ideas:

1. Read my blog and leave a comment! I love blog comments! You can also follow me on Instagram and leave comments there.

2. Contribute to my fundraiser!

3. Email me! Some people have asked if sending email will be less complicated than sending a postcard, and the answer is a resounding yes! I’d love to hear what’s going on with you, what’s going on in the world, and anything else you’d like to share. I promise to eventually email you back, even if it takes me six months. Email: Brandonsopher289@outlook.com