I’ve decided I want to section-hike the entire PCT over the next few years. I live in Los Angeles and can probably take a couple 2-week trips each year with many other 4-day weekends throughout. By “few” years, I’m not even sure what’s reasonable to expect. I’ll learn as I go, but I’m really ready to throw myself into this.
I backpacked a bit in high school (about 6 weeks a year), but not at all in the 18 years since then. I bought some new gear in 1998 but never ended up using it on the trail. It might be serviceable to get my feet wet again, but I’m ultimately planning on buying all my gear anew.
I suppose I have two questions:
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What are the good resources for someone planning to section-hike (or even day-hike) the PCT? I have the Wilderness Press guide for SoCal already. My primary concerns are related to logistics of getting back to my truck, and which sections of the trail are well-suited for 3- or 4-day section hiking.
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What are the best ways to hook up with like-minded individuals to plan treks with? I’ve done the meet-up.com thing in other cities before I moved back to CA, and the groups seemed (please forgive me if you’re in one of these groups) pretty lame. Anyone local to SoCal who can point me to some great groups for these kinds of adventures?
Thanks in advance for any pointers. There seems to be a wealth of information out there, and I’m a bit over-whelmed/over-saturated as where to find the really relevant info; I’m trying to find the best intel quickly so I can start planning some good over-nighters within reasonable driving distance of L.A. in early spring and maybe get in some of the desert miles as day hikes before then.
Thanks again!
/Tom
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