My Dad is hoping to join me for a week during my PCT hike this year. I am trying to pick out a good spot for him, but since I’ve never been hiking out west I’d love some advice. Any suggestions for a scenic place where an ice axe wouldn’t be necessary and the weather isn’t too extreme?
Thanks a ton,
Lost
Lost
It depends on when you want to him to meet you. For example, if you get up to WA by the start or middle of August (and I’d encourage you to do so), then the route from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens pass is super scenic and can be done easily by a non-thruhiker in a week.
But, maybe you don’t want to try to time things that way. Personally, I think the desert is super cool. So, I’d have him meet me in Agua Dulce and hike to Mojave. I really liked the aquaduct and think it is a pretty unique environment, at least for people not from around there.
NorCal is nice, but harder to get to, especially with a shuttle. However, the link from Dunsmuir to Etna is nice and you can probably get something going there.
Personally, I’d want to meet him as early on as possible so I don’t have a “Must be here at a certain time” hanging over me. So, why not from the border to Warner Springs or Idyllwild?
Suge
Suge’s suggestions are pretty good… Mostly, the logistics might dictate what’s best. I’m not sure if you could do Idyllwild to Wrightwood in a week, but there are a lot of on/off options in that area, and it’s mostly pretty nice. Just remember that he’ll likely be doing fewer miles than you will - even if you’ve been on the trail for only a couple weeks. Don’t expect to keep-up with whoever you’ve been hiking with until that point. (Unless your Dad is especially athletic).
jonathan L
Agua Dulce, Mojave is hot and remember you have those waterless stretches.
How about having him meet you at Tuolome Meadows, Yosemite. You all can take your time and hike down to the valley. Do half dome, clouds rest, Yosemite Falls.
It is one of the most beautiful places on the 1000 miles I hiked of the PCT. And its not terribly tough terrain.
Happy Trails and Best of Luck on the PCT!
TDS
Totally Different Subject
The section § in northern California from Castella to Etna was really nice.
The area of the Three Sisters Wilderness is also very scenic.
Or the section around Tahoe.
Ginny