In 1995, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) embarks on an extraordinary journey, choosing to hike over a thousand miles along the Pacific Crest Trail alone. This daunting challenge represents not only a physical test but also a profound attempt to heal from personal turmoil following her divorce and the heart-wrenching loss of her mother, Barbara Grey (Laura Dern). Strayed's past is marked by years of reckless behavior, making this hike a pivotal moment in her life.
The film unfolds through a multi-linear narrative, intertwining Cheryl's grueling trek with illuminating flashbacks to her life—depicting her as a child, teenager, and young adult, alongside the complicated relationships with her mother, brother Leif (Keene McRae), former husband Paul (Thomas Sadoski), and others who influenced her life.
Before setting off on the trail, Cheryl spends a night at a motel where she shares her last known address linked to her ex-husband. The following day, after packing her heavy gear, she begins her ambitious goal of completing the hike in three months. However, on the eighth day, faced with the harsh realities of the wilderness, she runs low on food and is compelled to hit the highway in search of supplies. It is then she meets Frank (W. Earl Brown), a kind-hearted worker in the wild, who invites her in for dinner, despite Cheryl's battered condition.
Resuming her journey, she encounters Greg (Kevin Rankin), a fellow hiker, who advises her to steer clear of the notoriously snowy Sierra Mountain range. As she trudges onward, poignant memories emerge from her past—echoes of a turbulent youth spent battling drugs and a traumatic abortion that haunts her.
On the fourteenth day, Cheryl finally arrives at Kennedy Meadows, 100 miles into her venture, where she finds Greg waiting for her. With assistance from Ed (Cliff DeYoung), she learns that her gear needs adjustment, inspiring reflections on her mother's tragic cancer diagnosis and its unbearable impact on her life.
Days pass, and Cheryl finds herself entrenched in a snow-laden wilderness, where she suffers injuries, including losing a toenail, and struggles to find her footing. In a moment of crisis, she recalls the pain of her mother's decision to donate her corneas without forewarning. Undeterred, Cheryl improvises makeshift boots and perseveres to reach her next stop.
As she forges ahead, meeting Stacy (Cathryn De Prume) on the trail, Cheryl feels a surge of pride for still being on the journey despite the obstacles. Vivid flashbacks reveal her struggles in therapy post her mother’s death, highlighting her turbulent marriage to Paul, who ultimately files for divorce due to her unresolved issues.
The trek takes a perilous turn as Cheryl enters a desolate desert, pain amplifying as her water supply diminishes. When an empty water tank leaves her vulnerable, she encounters TJ (Charles Baker), a menacing hunter who threatens her safety. Just when her situation becomes grave, she is fortuitously rescued by TJ’s partner.
On the sixty-second day, Cheryl makes it to Oregon, stopping in Ashland, where she connects with Jonathan (Michiel Huisman) for a fleeting romance. Receiving a supportive package from her best friend Aimee (Gaby Hoffmann) rejuvenates her spirit, encouraging a much-needed respite.
As the journey continues, Cheryl's encounters grow enriching. At a trail store, a ranger does her a solid by opening the shop after hours, allowing her to replenish supplies. She meets fellow hikers inspired by her journey, sharing drinks and laughter—a brief but uplifting interlude.
Finally, on day ninety-four, Cheryl triumphs, completing her monumental trek as she crosses the Bridge of Gods, signifying not only the end of her physical journey but a significant milestone in her quest for healing and self-discovery.
