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I was set on the PCT for my big trip next year, but a guy at the gear shop changed my mind
He was telling me about his hike on the Hayduke Trail last spring. He said he saw maybe three other people in two weeks, and the routefinding kept it from feeling like just a long walk. I always thought I wanted the classic, well-marked experience, but his stories about scrambling in Utah and navigating with paper maps sounded way more engaging. Now I'm looking at the 800 mile Arizona Trail instead, which seems like a good mix of challenge and solitude. Has anyone here done a longer route that isn't one of the big three trails?
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reese866mo ago
The Arizona Trail is a solid choice, but have you checked water sources for that time of year?
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thomas_miller286mo ago
Oh man, that's a huge point. I got totally burned on a section hike last spring because a couple of the usual caches were bone dry. Had to bail out early, it was rough. Definitely worth double checking those reports.
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hannaht295mo ago
Wait, hold on. You're telling me people actually went out there and didn't check water reports first? That's wild to me. Like, the Arizona Trail is no joke, especially in spring when everything is drying up. I always check the water report like a week before I leave, and then again the day before. Sounds like a brutal way to learn that lesson though.
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