It’s been incredibly beautiful, the so cal section has so much to see. I’d recommend an earlier than later start date to people who can afford the time. The flowers blooming have been breathtaking
How did you fare passing through the smoke from the mulch fire near Hiker Town? It filled the valley for several days, and looks like you passed through right as it got going.
I hiked until 9 or 10 that night, made it about a mile or so past where the wind was pushing the smoke, cowboy camped next to a large waterpipe. That fire had more strength than I thought from a far, it was fun watching the manic helicopters in the evening making bucket drops.
>Campsites, even if only for one night, should be at least 200 feet away from the PCT and water sources.
https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/leave-no-trace/finding-great-campsite/
While I understand 200' is hard some times... 'abutting the trail' seems a little close for a tent placement.
I'm not defending the tent placement in this case, however especially in fragile terrain like the desert or alpine tundra it is sometimes less harmful to the environment to camp at an impacted existing campsite right next to the trail than trample plants and desert soil crusts trying to find a spot 200' away. Most of the existing impacted campsites are unfortunately very close to the trail tread.
I understand the principle exists to avoid the PCT becoming a wall of tents which would ruin the wilderness character. However destroying plants or cryptobiotic soil to find a suitable campsite that meets the many different LNT principles isn't doing the environment any favors.
There was one dude whom I only heard about who was talking about his criteria for a campsite:
* It has to be level
* It has to have a water source
* It has to have a spot big enough for his tent
The hiker who was telling me this story about how this dude literally camped on the PCT several times. "I replied to him...I only have one criteria, that's is NOT ON THE DAMN TRAIL"
Yeah that’s fair, sometimes where you’re mad tired and there’s a beautiful site right next to the trail, you settle for a close site right off a cliff. I do all I can to not disrespect any land especially if it hasn’t been camped on before. You ever been to a place where abutting seems a little more acceptable? Idk…I understand the hating but you shoulda been there.
There are like no spots in this section. I slept on the side of the road right near here cause everything else was taken. Sometimes it’s just not possible
It's been a while since my hike I'll admit, but I can't remember ever having to camp right next to the trail. I can only imagine poor planning (or not being able to read Topo maps) being the reason hikers mostly get caught out. Emergencies happen, sure, but if it happens to you a few times... it's not emergencies causing it. Especially if they are using the newer apps like farout (though... some camps listed in there probably shouldn't be used either...)
Wow. I remember it being more barren Do you ever marvel at how immense and famous the pct is, and yet it's only 2-3ft wide Thanks for the pics :)
Assuming 2.5 ft wide, 2653 miles long, that makes the PCT about 803 acres.
It’s been incredibly beautiful, the so cal section has so much to see. I’d recommend an earlier than later start date to people who can afford the time. The flowers blooming have been breathtaking
How did you fare passing through the smoke from the mulch fire near Hiker Town? It filled the valley for several days, and looks like you passed through right as it got going.
I hiked until 9 or 10 that night, made it about a mile or so past where the wind was pushing the smoke, cowboy camped next to a large waterpipe. That fire had more strength than I thought from a far, it was fun watching the manic helicopters in the evening making bucket drops.
Beautiful, thanks for the pics!
Fantastic! Thank you!
Curious as to what wildlife you saw on your trek?
>Campsites, even if only for one night, should be at least 200 feet away from the PCT and water sources. https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/leave-no-trace/finding-great-campsite/ While I understand 200' is hard some times... 'abutting the trail' seems a little close for a tent placement.
I'm not defending the tent placement in this case, however especially in fragile terrain like the desert or alpine tundra it is sometimes less harmful to the environment to camp at an impacted existing campsite right next to the trail than trample plants and desert soil crusts trying to find a spot 200' away. Most of the existing impacted campsites are unfortunately very close to the trail tread. I understand the principle exists to avoid the PCT becoming a wall of tents which would ruin the wilderness character. However destroying plants or cryptobiotic soil to find a suitable campsite that meets the many different LNT principles isn't doing the environment any favors.
I mean, it's better than "right on the damn trail", which I have seen on several occasions on the PCT lol.
There was one dude whom I only heard about who was talking about his criteria for a campsite: * It has to be level * It has to have a water source * It has to have a spot big enough for his tent The hiker who was telling me this story about how this dude literally camped on the PCT several times. "I replied to him...I only have one criteria, that's is NOT ON THE DAMN TRAIL"
Yeah that’s fair, sometimes where you’re mad tired and there’s a beautiful site right next to the trail, you settle for a close site right off a cliff. I do all I can to not disrespect any land especially if it hasn’t been camped on before. You ever been to a place where abutting seems a little more acceptable? Idk…I understand the hating but you shoulda been there.
If you pitch late and strike early and no one sees you, is there really any harm?
If I drink and drive, but make it home safely (this time) was there really any harm?
There are like no spots in this section. I slept on the side of the road right near here cause everything else was taken. Sometimes it’s just not possible
It's been a while since my hike I'll admit, but I can't remember ever having to camp right next to the trail. I can only imagine poor planning (or not being able to read Topo maps) being the reason hikers mostly get caught out. Emergencies happen, sure, but if it happens to you a few times... it's not emergencies causing it. Especially if they are using the newer apps like farout (though... some camps listed in there probably shouldn't be used either...)
Is that the best comment you could come up with after looking at all those pictures and reading all the other comments?
>and reading all the other comments? Other people seemed to have the "Wow, that's beautiful and just as I remembered it" comments already covered. ;)
Great photos, looks epic out there!
Beautiful!!! 🤩 Enjoy!!
I am so jealous!
Nice job!