Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail/JMT

[Bonny]

I want to do something epic to celebrate my 55th birthday next year (August 2016). You know, one of those I'm glad to be alive adventures. I've always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail although at age 54 doing the whole 2,600 miles is no longer appealing.

I've only hiked a small portion of the PCT which is near our cabin in So. CA.

I'm thinking about concentrating on the John Muir Trail (211 miles) which goes from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney which unfortunately is probably one of the most popular sections. Or I might go north and head up to Tahoe. Anybody hike the PCT? I'd invite a couple of girlfriends to hike sections with me (and help re-supply) but a lot of it I think I would be by myself.

If I average 10 mi/day that would take about three weeks. I would plan on going in September to reduce the crowds and up my chance of getting a permit.

Anybody do something like this? How was your experience? Got any tips?

[bobosensei]

DH and I are planning to hike the appalachian trail next summer after he is out of the army.  I'm getting most of my information from whiteblaze.net and appalachiantrials.com, though both of them are geared towards the AT they both have information on other trails.  I find that the online forums have tons of anecdotal advice which is helpful when you aren't even sure where to start.

whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php/488-John-Muir-Trail

[Bonny]

bobosensei,

Yeah, there's a very helpful PCT website which I'm reading through with lots of good tips. I also hope to get down to REI in the next week or so which will have some books. I was hoping that I might hear from some "real" people who have done it on either this forum or the Bogleheads.

ETA: And good like with your hike. I have a funny story about when DH and I lived in the D.C. Area we hiked a small section in Great Falls, VA. We did it just before Superbowl during a winter thaw. Silly DH wore WHITE cords and wound up falling about 20 times. When we finally got back we rode the metro back out to our home in Falls Church. Needless to say he got a few odd looks.

[Deleted]

The PCT comes through my area. It's on my "to do" list.  

[HoneyBBQ]

May I express my jealousy?? I have always wanted to hike the AT and the PCT (damn you, Wild!). Please post lots of pictures. 

I have several friends who have section hiked in WA but don't know any in CA.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

I was going to suggest you watch the recent movie but Honey BBQ beat me to it.

There is a Facebook page by The Real Hiking Viking.  I've lost track of his current goal, but he just finished the Muir Trail that crosses the PCT.  (I thought he was hiking the PCT end to end but he keeps taking detours, LOL.)  Very cool pictures and updates.

Since I am on the East Coast, I am very familiar with the Appalachian Mountain Club which has advice for those hiking the AT.  There has to be a similar group for the PCT.

A bucket-list hike like that is on my list.  Just need to launch the kiddos first.  

[cael]

That is awesome, go for it! I have no advice, my longest hikes have been like 10 miles, haven't done any through hiking. Doing the whole AT is on my bucket list but I figure I'll have to do it when I'm older... and I dunno if I could get DH to come with.

I would love to do a long hike on the PCT someday, or the one that goes through CO... forget the name, continental divide something or other maybe?

[Bonny]

I read Wild shortly after we moved back to the States and rented the movie last Monday; had to show it to my BFF after visiting Yosemite. Did I tell you she cried when we got to Tunnel View and she could see El Cap, the valley & Half Dome? I did my job!

The movie was REALLY good; better than I thought it would be but Reese Witherspoon was way too clean.

[cael]

Oh, Wild! I got the book and wanted to see the movie! School reading has kept me from reading it yet though. maybe next week when class is over I can finally read it.

[HoneyBBQ]

Hopefully by the time I get to hike the PCT the hiking mania will have subsided. 

I guess to get back to the OP - Bonny, are you a seasoned backpacker? Not sure what tips you'd need depending on your level.

I'm guess straight off the bat that you will progress from 10 miles a day to 15 by the end of your 3 weeks depending on elevation gains and your fitness level at the start. 3 weeks is enough to get "some" trail legs.

[Bonny]

Aug 3, 2015 17:10:06 GMT -5 HoneyBBQ said:

Hopefully by the time I get to hike the PCT the hiking mania will have subsided. 

I guess to get back to the OP - Bonny, are you a seasoned backpacker? Not sure what tips you'd need depending on your level.

I'm guess straight off the bat that you will progress from 10 miles a day to 15 by the end of your 3 weeks depending on elevation gains and your fitness level at the start. 3 weeks is enough to get "some" trail legs.

"Seasoned" would be stretching it. I've gone on four backpacking trips including my solo gig in the Grand Canyon.

What could possibly go wrong?

The only thing that makes me a little nervous is the bear danger and getting into my food stash. I suspect there's just some food hanging techniques that I need to learn.

[billisonboard]

I have hiked all sections of the Washington portion of the PCT. I did it over 4 summers. I did different lengths with the longest trips about 100 miles. One summer was an early 100, mid 50, then another late 100.

There are sections I would love to hike again and some been there done that sections. Section J was great. The northern half of H was  one of the most incredible experiences of my life. 

[Bonny]

Aug 3, 2015 17:55:18 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

I have hiked all sections of the Washington portion of the PCT. I did it over 4 summers. I did different lengths with the longest trips about 100 miles. One summer was an early 100, mid 50, then another late 100.

There are sections I would love to hike again and some been there done that sections. Section J was great. The northern half of H was  one of the most incredible experiences of my life. 

Section H in California is what I'm thinking of hiking.

How much snow did you run into?

[HoneyBBQ]

Aug 3, 2015 17:45:50 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Aug 3, 2015 17:10:06 GMT -5 HoneyBBQ said:

Hopefully by the time I get to hike the PCT the hiking mania will have subsided. 

I guess to get back to the OP - Bonny, are you a seasoned backpacker? Not sure what tips you'd need depending on your level.

I'm guess straight off the bat that you will progress from 10 miles a day to 15 by the end of your 3 weeks depending on elevation gains and your fitness level at the start. 3 weeks is enough to get "some" trail legs.

"Seasoned" would be stretching it. I've gone on four backpacking trips including my solo gig in the Grand Canyon.

What could possibly go wrong?

The only thing that makes me a little nervous is the bear danger and getting into my food stash. I suspect there's just some food hanging techniques that I need to learn.

Bear country - yes, you either need to hang or see if bear canisters are legal. Not sure how tall and agile you are, I have trouble hanging my food and prefer the ease (and weight) of canister packing. Are there campsites with bear boxes you can use?

[Tennesseer]

Bonny-after you hike the PCT, might I suggest walking/hiking the Natchez Trace for a bit of 18/19th century southern culture and history?  The Trace runs from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi.

Some background on the Natchez Trace along with a map.  The word 'Stand' on the map means Inn which existed during those long ago times.

Natchez Trace




 

[Bonny]

Aug 3, 2015 18:18:33 GMT -5 HoneyBBQ said:

Aug 3, 2015 17:45:50 GMT -5 Bonny said:

"Seasoned" would be stretching it. I've gone on four backpacking trips including my solo gig in the Grand Canyon.

What could possibly go wrong?

The only thing that makes me a little nervous is the bear danger and getting into my food stash. I suspect there's just some food hanging techniques that I need to learn.

Bear country - yes, you either need to hang or see if bear canisters are legal. Not sure how tall and agile you are, I have trouble hanging my food and prefer the ease (and weight) of canister packing. Are there campsites with bear boxes you can use?

Just started my research and don't know how "developed" the campsites sites in the back country are.

[billisonboard]

Aug 3, 2015 18:07:06 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Aug 3, 2015 17:55:18 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

I have hiked all sections of the Washington portion of the PCT. I did it over 4 summers. I did different lengths with the longest trips about 100 miles. One summer was an early 100, mid 50, then another late 100.

There are sections I would love to hike again and some been there done that sections. Section J was great. The northern half of H was  one of the most incredible experiences of my life. 

Section H in California is what I'm thinking of hiking.

How much snow did you run into?

Very little. I need to give credit where credit is due and say I had a great hiking partner who did most of the planning.

[Bonny]

Aug 3, 2015 18:26:22 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Bonny-after you hike the PCT, might I suggest walking/hiking the Natchez Trace for a bit of 18/19th century southern culture and history?  The Trace runs from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi.

Some background on the Natchez Trace along with a map.  The word 'Stand' on the map means Inn which existed during those long ago times.

Natchez Trace




 

Let's see if my feet still work.

All kidding aside thanks for sharing. Never heard of this trail. I thought the most likely next trail would be a section of the AZ trail.

[Bonny]

More reading on bears and food. One has to use one of the approved bear resistant containers in Yosemite. No food hanging is allowed. There are food lockers in 5 of the high country campsites.

[HoneyBBQ]

That's easier.

This was in my inbox this morning, maybe it's too low level for ya, but maybe someone can use it.


www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/travel-ideas/beginners-guide-backcountry-hiking-prep

[Deleted]

The AT is on my bucket list, but I may have to do this with younger son when he gets old enough.  I don't think I can wait until he's launched or I'll be getting too old myself!

[Bonny]

Aug 4, 2015 10:49:21 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

The AT is on my bucket list, but I may have to do this with younger son when he gets old enough.  I don't think I can wait until he's launched or I'll be getting too old myself!

Yeah, this would be my caution to folks. Don't wait too long. The friend who got me hiking now has hip and back problems and has difficulty with carrying a backpack.

I did my Grand Canyon Rim to Rim practically spur of the moment because I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to do that hike.

[Bonny]

Planning this trip will be a lot of work. Permits are extremely hard to come by + I will need to reserve lodging, campsites, and resupply stations. The permitting and trail traffic weren't issues Cheryl Strayed had back in 1995.

The good news is that I doubt I'll need to mail myself packages like she did.

[tskeeter]

Aug 3, 2015 13:08:06 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I want to do something epic to celebrate my 55th birthday next year (August 2016). You know, one of those I'm glad to be alive adventures. I've always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail although at age 54 doing the whole 2,600 miles is no longer appealing.

I've only hiked a small portion of the PCT which is near our cabin in So. CA.

I'm thinking about concentrating on the John Muir Trail (211 miles) which goes from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney which unfortunately is probably one of the most popular sections. Or I might go north and head up to Tahoe. Anybody hike the PCT? I'd invite a couple of girlfriends to hike sections with me (and help re-supply) but a lot of it I think I would be by myself.

If I average 10 mi/day that would take about three weeks. I would plan on going in September to reduce the crowds and up my chance of getting a permit.

Anybody do something like this? How was your experience? Got any tips?

M/M Tskeeter can be support crew.  Wine will be delivered at key locations near Lake Tahoe!  Would have to check out the JMT, but might be able to handle some "supplies" there, too.

BTW, in addition to wine, the Tskeeter house also has an 80 gallon hot water heater, a washing machine, and a minivan.  Transportation between the trail and showers/laundry can be arranged.

[billisonboard]

Aug 4, 2015 16:10:14 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

Aug 3, 2015 13:08:06 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I want to do something epic to celebrate my 55th birthday next year (August 2016). You know, one of those I'm glad to be alive adventures. I've always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail although at age 54 doing the whole 2,600 miles is no longer appealing.

I've only hiked a small portion of the PCT which is near our cabin in So. CA.

I'm thinking about concentrating on the John Muir Trail (211 miles) which goes from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney which unfortunately is probably one of the most popular sections. Or I might go north and head up to Tahoe. Anybody hike the PCT? I'd invite a couple of girlfriends to hike sections with me (and help re-supply) but a lot of it I think I would be by myself.

If I average 10 mi/day that would take about three weeks. I would plan on going in September to reduce the crowds and up my chance of getting a permit.

Anybody do something like this? How was your experience? Got any tips?

M/M Tskeeter can be support crew.  Wine will be delivered at key locations near Lake Tahoe!  Would have to check out the JMT, but might be able to handle some "supplies" there, too.

BTW, in addition to wine, the Tskeeter house also has an 80 gallon hot water heater, a washing machine, and a minivan.  Transportation between the trail and showers/laundry can be arranged.

If you decide to leave the maddening crowd behind and come north to a more peaceful part of the trail, I offer to do what I can to assist. Not close to the trail but can travel to supply or transport.

[Bonny]

Aug 4, 2015 16:10:14 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

Aug 3, 2015 13:08:06 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I want to do something epic to celebrate my 55th birthday next year (August 2016). You know, one of those I'm glad to be alive adventures. I've always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail although at age 54 doing the whole 2,600 miles is no longer appealing.

I've only hiked a small portion of the PCT which is near our cabin in So. CA.

I'm thinking about concentrating on the John Muir Trail (211 miles) which goes from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney which unfortunately is probably one of the most popular sections. Or I might go north and head up to Tahoe. Anybody hike the PCT? I'd invite a couple of girlfriends to hike sections with me (and help re-supply) but a lot of it I think I would be by myself.

If I average 10 mi/day that would take about three weeks. I would plan on going in September to reduce the crowds and up my chance of getting a permit.

Anybody do something like this? How was your experience? Got any tips?

M/M Tskeeter can be support crew.  Wine will be delivered at key locations near Lake Tahoe!  Would have to check out the JMT, but might be able to handle some "supplies" there, too.

BTW, in addition to wine, the Tskeeter house also has an 80 gallon hot water heater, a washing machine, and a minivan.  Transportation between the trail and showers/laundry can be arranged.

Woot! Woot!  That alone might be a reason to head north to Tahoe instead of south on the JMT.

[Bonny]

Aug 4, 2015 16:58:56 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 4, 2015 16:10:14 GMT -5 tskeeter said:

M/M Tskeeter can be support crew.  Wine will be delivered at key locations near Lake Tahoe!  Would have to check out the JMT, but might be able to handle some "supplies" there, too.

BTW, in addition to wine, the Tskeeter house also has an 80 gallon hot water heater, a washing machine, and a minivan.  Transportation between the trail and showers/laundry can be arranged.

If you decide to leave the maddening crowd behind and come north to a more peaceful part of the trail, I offer to do what I can to assist. Not close to the trail but can travel to supply or transport.

Awwww!

Bill, are you in WA or OR? I just read a little segment on the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River. Sounds wonderful! I wonder how far that is from Portland? MIL lives in Portland and I'd love to visit for a day trip.

I think I need to do CA first. DH was really concerned about me hiking the GC alone but I was able to convince him that I would be lucky to have 15 minutes to myself.

[billisonboard]

Aug 4, 2015 18:53:23 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Aug 4, 2015 16:58:56 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

If you decide to leave the maddening crowd behind and come north to a more peaceful part of the trail, I offer to do what I can to assist. Not close to the trail but can travel to supply or transport.

Awwww!

Bill, are you in WA or OR? I just read a little segment on the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River. Sounds wonderful! I wonder how far that is from Portland? MIL lives in Portland and I'd love to visit for a day trip.

I think I need to do CA first. DH was really concerned about me hiking the GC alone but I was able to convince him that I would be lucky to have 15 minutes to myself.

I am in WA. Bridge of the Gods is about an hour from Portland. From what I recall, I wouldn't recommend a day hike north from the bridge. It is a little urban. I haven't gone south.

[sarcasticgirl]

Aug 3, 2015 14:48:15 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I read Wild shortly after we moved back to the States and rented the movie last Monday; had to show it to my BFF after visiting Yosemite. Did I tell you she cried when we got to Tunnel View and she could see El Cap, the valley & Half Dome? I did my job!

The movie was REALLY good; better than I thought it would be but Reese Witherspoon was way too clean.

I was going to mention Wild... 

Reese Witherspoon made it rather unappealing for me. I love hiking... but at the end of the day, I need a shower and a bed- a real one. 

[movingforward]

I love hiking... but at the end of the day, I need a shower and a bed- a real one.

This is me.  I love being outdoors and can be out there all day hiking, swimming, etc. but camping - uh, no.  My idea of camping is a luxury RV - LOL!