I Quit Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail | PCT 2023
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- I Quit Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail | PCT 2023 // After hiking 981 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail this year, I decided to end my hike and come back home to the PNW.
In this video, I’ll explain why I decided to end my hike this year in Mammoth Lakes and share with you some of my plans for hiking the PCT again next year.
There were many reasons that went into making this decision and it wasn’t an easy one to make. I’ve spent the last 200+ miles thinking about how I wanted to tackle the Sierra section, what I would do if conditions changed and took time to assess my comfort level with the conditions I was willing to deal with while I was out there on trail by myself in some of the most remote sections of the entire PCT.
Here’s why I quit the Pacific Crest Trail in Mammoth Lakes and came home.
My 2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r
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• I Quit Hiking the Paci...
After hiking 981 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail this year, I decided to end my hike and come home. Here’s why…
If you’re curious about the backpacking gear I used along the PCT this year, check out my 2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Hungry Hiker TH-cam Channel: th-cam.com/users/thehungryhiker
I admire how attuned you are to what feels right. Congratulations on 981 miles! No small feat. In a future video can you talk about what you do in the winter to scratch that backpacking itch? Maybe you don't miss it for a season or do you make trips to the desert or go snow camping?
Totally admire your sense of adventure and the ability to do it solo!
981 miles is nothing to sneeze at. The majority of us will never, ever do anything close to that so my hat's off to you Kathleen. It's one thing to solo hike, but when you're an experienced hiker and you know that Winter is coming quickly to the mountains, it's time to leave while it's still safe to do so. Hope you're doing well & welcome home.
Thank you!
Yeah, how often do you meet people that have hiked even a 100 miles? Problem is, if you hang in some circles, hiking a 1000+ miles is normal, but that's like the top 5% of people who are into it.
I'm so glad you listened to what your body and soul needed and didn't get caught up in pushing through for pushing through's sake. 981 miles is incredible. The experience of backpacking isn't only through-hiking a complete trail - it really is about the experience, and you had the experience you wanted this year. Thank you for representing healthy choices!
I kept telling myself that no matter what, I want to always love hiking. It wasn't worth it for me to push through bad weather out there by myself so I'll come back next year and pick up right where I left off in better, warmer weather that I feel more comfortable hiking in. You nailed it - it's about the experience. For me, it's always about the journey and not necessarily the destination.
Good job! 👍🏻Congratulations on your milage. Very impressive. See you next year in your video’s!
Wise decision making. Being safe and healthy is much more important than anything else! Curious to see how you made it home. 🍂🍁
Well said! 😊
You’re a smart one! The trail will be right where it is now, next year. I love that you’re being true to yourself and the hike you want to hike, while honoring your body, mind and soul. Thanks for taking us along . . . it’s been so much fun. Looking forward to a wrap up video and some intel on what’s down the trail for you 🎉❤😊👏
Thanks for following along! Still more videos coming from this hike. My story isn't over yet so stay tuned.
I like the concept of an open-ended long distance backpacking trip. Essentially a journey without a predetermined destination. You went with the flow, allowing the terrain, the changing seasons and your health to determine where it ends for now. Well done. All the best to you moving forward.
Thank you for the explanation. This is what makes hiking special as a sport, to me. In basketball, baseball, or tennis, I never think, "Woah, conditions are getting more dangerous...time to change/quit." But hiking leaves you more to think about. Thanks for preserving your enjoyment and sharing your rationale with us. It's very helpful to learn from.
You're very welcome!
Good for you. "Confidence Solo" also means making the right decisions for yourself. It doesn't always have to mean pushing forward at risk/dislike. You've been a great example as I'm learning to lead an all-female BSA troop of fierce young ladies!
Thank you and yes, it's really important to have the confidence to make those smart decisions for yourself when you're out in the backcountry. Summit Fever can kill.
Glad you had fun, you're safe, sound, and welcome home. Cheers!
Thank you!
GOOF FOR YOU! You’re entire hike was an amazing experience for you and THAT is all that matters!
Absolutely! Thank you!
Well done, good for you, thanks for the information. looking forward to your next adventure. see you on the trail.
Yay! More videos coming soon. This story isn't over yet.
smart and sound decision. the trail will always be there. sure it will be even prettier next season
100% absolutely agree!
Great video! Wise, very wise decision. I look forward to your next adventure! Best!
Thank you!
You Rock! What an accomplishment. Very much a success. Can't wait to see the rest of the trip.
Thanks so much!
Well done for trusting your instincts and experience and for hiking 980 amazing miles. The trail will be waiting for you next summer.
That's EXACTLY how I feel. The trail will always be waiting for me when I'm ready to return. Thank you!
The Sierras are MY jam! YOU made the absolute right call! This time of year up there is really sketchy! PLUS with all the resupply places closing is a huge issue! The weather in those elevations is no joke this time of year! One day I was heading up MT. Whitney in sunny skies. By the time we go to 10K ft it was clouding over from the west. In the next few hours we had rain thunder lighting striking just above us sleet and finally about a foot of snow..That was mid Sept. With all those passes going south you made the ONLY call there was to make! DON'T GET DEAD!
Exactly! I'm super happy with my decision, especially after seeing how much the conditions and weather have changed since I got off trail. The weather can change really quickly up in the mountains.
You're an inspiration! You're awesome for all of the miles done and awesome for knowing when to quit.
Thank you so much!
You really inspire me to go solo hiking/ backpacking, I build trails and I can't imagine what beautiful views you have seen completely alone. Thank you!! And get some rest.
I love this for you! Way to truly hike your own hike!
Thank you!
Sounds like you stopped hiking this season for all the right reasons! You had a great hike from what I've seen so far and you've got some great miles ahead next year. Let's make this winter in the PNW a fun season for hiking and backpacking 🎉
Good call, happy trails!
Thanks! 👍
I love that idea of southbound. It’s a whole different trail for sure
I absolutely loved hiking the PCT southbound and look forward to finishing the trail southbound as soon as I can. It's a whole new perspective.
That's one of the best things about doing trek's solo, you get to call it whenever you want. Extra town day, taking an extra hour for a nap under the tree, pushing ahead even though you will hike in the dark, deciding that a couple days of sore muscles are worth it or not. Given the time of year, and the bouncy weather in the Sierra, waiting makes sense. I mean you might end up with a sudden need for snow shoes, helicopter trips, ... it's that time of year. Anyway, It's a real joy to travel with you on your hikes, thanks for bringing us along. Oh, I had this fun idea a while back, i.e. getting a group together to make a hiker stop somewhere along the trail, I was thinking near Snoqualmie pass. Perhaps buy some land, build a cabin, have a gear locker, ... food/water/showers/ camping spots... Could also work as a winter sports place.... Perhaps a number of your fans would do it as share holder corp(kickstarter) and or gofundme...
I agree. This is a huge reason why I decided to stay solo and not link up with a trail family. I wanted to have the freedom to make my own decisions out there instead of having to consult with a group. I met a ton of amazing hikers out there, but was always happy to be free to do whatever I wanted when I was out there.
Thanks Kathleen for sharing your hike and experience with us. It was amazing and I’m so happy for you! I look forward to your further adventures next year on the PCT!
Thank you so much!
Yey for hiking your hike, and hell yeah for Amtrak!
When I went back to Michigan after completing the Oregon Coast Trail I used Amtrak for most of it. I got a ride from Brookings to Eugene from a friend, took Amtrak Cascades from there up to Seattle, hung out there for about a week, took an Empire Builder roomette to Chicago, and then the Wolverine line home to SE MI. Yay, trains!
Good job, and good decision! I could not imagine being along in the Sierra with the season ending, and resupply stations closing. That’s the way a person ends up on Kyle Hates Hiking!
Very true! I don't want to be the sad subjects in one of the Kyle Hates Hating videos. I want to LOVE hiking and keep doing it for a long time.
Proud of you for hiking your own hike.
Safety first! You do what’s best for you. Glad you enjoyed it, and hope next year is great!
Thank you!
1,000 miles! solo! Congrats to you! very smart call, doing the Sierra's now is Solo is a Nogo! thank you for all your great content!
Thank you!
I agree with your decision to end your hike this year. Congratulations on the miles you did, with the weather changes that are going on it was the smart call. Next year will be fantastic, safe journey home. Curious George 😊
Thank you!
God Bless you and the High Sierra. Few people have the moxie you do. You are Awesome!
Thank you so much!
Congrats! On 981! Sounds like a rational plan! Dying and hiking don’t compliment each other! Love your vids! Keep on trekking.😮
Well done! Great ending to your hike and your video.
Thank you!
I think you totally made the right decision. I hiked the entire JMT southbound in 2022 and 2018. This year my friend Matt and I decided to only hike from Happy Isles to VVR because of limited time, the bridges being knocked out, the river crossings, the weather and trail conditions. 2023 was a very tough year to be in the Sierra Nevada. I have no regret only hiking a portion of the JMT this year.
It was such a tough year for the trail and everyone out there. It will be interesting to see what this winter will be like.
I'm definitely going to be following the Sierra Nevada weather this winter. Last winter was insane!@@TheHungryHiker
Sounds like an amazing hike and great decision!👏💪🫶
Thank you! I had a blast out on the PCT last year and look forward to coming back to finish what I started. Very happy with my decision. :)
You did an awesome job as that's alot of miles!!! Good job !!! I really enjoy following you and wish you the best on your next adventure!!
Thanks so much!!
We can now add you with Simone Biles as another shining example of how really smart and strong it is to STOP when you know inside yourself that it's time to stop. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You're a champion!
I'm a noob to hiking but not to traveling; I work as a courier and have driven well over 2 million miles. One thing I've learned is that it's good to stop when it doesn't feel right. Having resupply and transport options close shop because the weather will be going bad soon is a huge reason why it's okay to stop. I had to learn this the hard way over the years and it should be repeated so that others know that it's totally okay- some might say really wise- to stop and start again at another time.
Good luck with your next adventure.
Great videos, Thanks for educating my kids!
Thanks for watching!
Good call. Be safe out there.
Thank you!
That's awesome. Good for you to walk what you did. It's always best to follow your instincts. You are wonderful and very inspirational. Looking forward to hearing about your trip home. 😊
You are a wise, happy, free spirited inspiration !
Thank you! 😀
Congratulations that’s a whole lot of work to get where you are. You’re so knowledgeable that you make “quitting” without ego seem easy ! I want to judge myself less if things end. Can’t wait to hear about how you got north/ how you planned it short notice 😊
Trust me, there was nothing easy about making this decision, but I know it was the right one for me. Stay tuned. I have a new video coming this Sunday that will show how I got home from the trail this year.
Love so much that you shared this.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Congrats. Just GREAT!!!
Thank you!
I definitely can tell you “quit “ on a good day! 🥾🥾🥰
Absolutely!!
Safety first! I enjoy your videos.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
I'm with you. I love hiking solo. I've learned that I endlessly talk to my hiking partners if I'm with someone else. Which means I don't see much of the trail because I'm flapping my blooming jaws the whole time. So solo hiking is best for me too.
Lol...the beginning of your vid made me hungry! I've never done anything more than day hikes, and have been flogged after some of them. That said 981 miles seems like a long, long way to go on foot at altitude. To me you are a Master hiker and a trail Boss! Good for you. Good for you for perceiving what your body and mind were telling you! Many people don't and sometimes something bad happens. Also it seems like because it was getting late in the season would significantly affect your logistics. Good luck in your future hikes.
Thank you!
Brava! I’m so glad to hear that you listened to yourself and accepted this hike for what it was… can’t wait to see the rest of your adventure next year!
Keeping yourself safe is a good thing thanks for calling it quits much love
I agree! Keeping yourself safe is always a good thing.
I've done this same section northbound and ended at Bridge of the Gods! Such a special section :)
It was pretty incredible out there.
All fantastic points! safety is important! As the season changes and there is less opportunity to refuel and more opportunity for weather that could be challenging, I think you made the right decision. celebrate your achievements and keep putting out awesome content
Thank you for sharing your experience. I believe that you provide empowerment for others who also enjoy hiking--especially women. Hiking your own hike? Yeah, we all should. I'm glad you had a good SOBO experience. It looks like a lovely place :)
Thank you!
Great hike and the food looked great!!
Thank you!
Very wise decision...there are just some times when hiking that it is best to have someone else with you for safety's sake...
I'm 100% happy with my decision on when and where I ended my hike this year. I'll be back for more!
Amtrak!! Looking forward to the next video. Great decision making IMO. Setting a great example for your solo female group!💪
Thank you! New video coming this Sunday showing the whole process of how I got home from trail.
Smart Call. Stay safe.
Thank you!
Section Hiking is vastly underated!
Agreed! The more I'm out on trail, the more I realize how much more I love and appreciate section hiking, especially the longer trips.
I really enjoy your content, glad to see you again❤!
Thank you!
Congrats for hiking your hike on your terms and doing what feels right for you! Thanks for taking us all along. ❤
Thanks so much!
Great job!!!!! So much respect for you and what you do!!! I can't wait to take your course and hike with you.
Awesome! Thank you!
You do you! Keep on having a blast YOUR way. ☮❤🤝
Thank you!
I've been hiking the trail since 2016. Still haven't finished, hiked Oregon three times and have put in over 3000 miles. I have 80 miles of the Sierra's and about 500 miles of the desert left. Happy trails 😀
Sounds great!!!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Excellent choice!
Thanks!
You are amazing and I appreciate your authenticity!
Thank you!
You are my solo backpacking hero! Love watching your journey.
I love this. Thank you!
I love your videos!
Thank you for watching!
No need for explanation girl, you are a BEAST!
I appreciate that. If I didn't give an explanation though, I'd have a TON of questions so I figured I'd make a video explaining why.
All good reads. Good job
Thank you!
You made an excellent decision. Looking forward to your adventure next year!!
Thank you!
Very cool about thinking it thru and being safe. Thats the most important thing.
Absolutely! And I wanted to make sure I was quitting on a bad day so I gave myself almost 200 miles to really think through my decision and plan to get home.
Love this!
Yay! Thanks for following along!
Sounds like a good plan. I hope they fix the downed bridge on the JMT (San Joaquin). Later in the season people can cross the river there, but maybe not in the summer
Not sure how much work was made on having the bridge replaced this summer in the Sierra, but I know they "blew up" the old bridge since it was damaged and to help prevent hikers from crossing over on it. I also heard of hikers fording the river, but even late season, I don't think this would have been something I would've been comfortable doing, especially solo.
I get the not skipping to the desert. Pct is something I am unlikely to get to do but the variation of the trail is what would draw me to it.
Section hiking is always a realistic possibility. You can cherry pick the section you want to hike and plan your trip around the warm weather hiking season instead of having to race against the weather like all of the thru-hikers have to do. Over the years, I've come to really enjoy (and prefer) section hiking over thru-hiking.
NOBO hiker this season and stopped in Kennedy Meadows and the Sierra was the main reason we got off trail where we did. This year has been exceptionally weird weather-wise in Cali and while the first 100 miles were great with extra water the Sierra were only *just* becoming passable by the time we got to Kennedy Meadows (July 2nd). It was a weird decision because while the trail isn't going anywhere, trail accessibility (in terms of cost and general economic stuff making it out of reach for more people) is definitely a point of concern but since moving to WA I've gotten the bug to get back out there despite this being my first thru hike and being sorely unprepared for it LOL
There was no right decision to make there but you made the one that made the most sense and called it how it was, on trail I heard a lot that giving it a day or two to sit and think about quitting once you zero'd was the way to go to have the most clear mind and it shows! Plus in your case (as in mine, gratefully), at least some of the trail expenses can be a tax writeoff :)
The *Smart* and Hungry Hiker. Great job and great decision. Have an awesome trip.
Thank you!
Howdy! Maybe I’ll see you next year (I’m going NOBO hopefully starting May 1st). Glad you had an awesome time out there this year going sobo! - Chica
I remember a Mammoth Bus from Mammoth to South Lake Tahoe... Then a Reno airport shuttle from there. But you're showing a train in the preview. That could be fun, too. I want to do the California Zephyr, but I've driven between San Francisco -> Tahoe -> Salt Lake City -> Grand Junction -> Denver already.
Stay tuned. The new video will be coming out this Sunday!
Hiking, including thru-hiking is about hiking your hike. So if you had an enjoyable time and feel good about it, then it's the right decision
I 100% agree
Great job
Thank you!
Absolutely a great decision!
I agree!
It’s still a great portion of the trail! Great job! Always do what feels right! Congrats!
Yes, I'm very excited about all of the trail I did get to hike this year. This year was an especially challenging year out on the PCT with all of the crazy weather and trail conditions.
@@TheHungryHiker If you would have skipped down to SoCal, it is still very warm here. It was about 100° yesterday and I’m close to San Bernardino mountains. It’s better to not take chances while in Mt. Baldy area because so many have died there in the last few years!
@@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677 Skipping ahead to Southern California was an option, but as I explained in my video, that wasn't the hike I wanted to have this year. I wanted to do a continues hike going south through the Sierra and then Southern California so I'll come back next year and finish. Timing will just depend on the type of weather the Sierra has this winter.
You did an amazing job! Wow! What an accomplishment. Don't mess with the Sierra Nevada - it's a killer mountain range. Love your vids. Cheers!
Thank you!
Trust your gut! Better safe than sorry!
I 100% agree!
Good job! Smart decision.
Thanks!
I'd rather get a video next year called "I picked up the PCT where I left off" if the other option is a series of "how I almost died today" videos. Good for you!
That's right. I'd always rather live to hike another day. The trail will be waiting for me when I'm ready to return.
Great video! Hiking 900mi solo is NOT a failure! Also going into it without any expectations and knowing ur limits. There's always next time! Happy trails!☺☺
I agree. I wouldn't consider any part of my hike this year a failure. I went out there and hiked as much as I could and can come back next year and pick up right where I left off. Time to start planning for next year!
@@TheHungryHiker Heck ya! You are a badass! And continue to perpetually train. Hope to run into u on the trails! Hehe!
As they say, "Hike your own hike".
Bravo Zulu.
100%!
Wise choice! My Mother always said, "Go with your feelings." She worked the back of an ambulance for twenty years.
Thank you!
Good decision! Always got to know your limits.
Absolutely! Probably one of the most important lessons I learned out on trail this year. Listen to your body AND your instincts.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Better safe than sorry! Good on ya 👍
That's how I feel. Live to hike another day.
981!!! And yeah, good time to not hike the Sierras. Epic! I'm also planning SOBO section hiking next year. We'll see... peace
I'm pretty proud of hiking all of those 981 miles. I had a LOT of fun out there this year.
I did the JMT in 2019 in August and there was snow everywhere and it was freezing every night. Going through in late September early October would be much colder conditions. I think you made a wise call.
Thank you! I know I made the right call for me. One of my non-negotiables for my solo section hike last year was snow in the Sierra. The first sign of snow in the forecast and I was out of there.
Best decision ever. The trail will be there next year.
I 100% agree!
I understand making that decision to call it quits in Mammoth after a monster breakfast at The Stove 😅😂
Just teasing. This was also the summer of no services in Tuolumne Meadows, where I worked for 9 summers back in the day
Hahahahaha!! Actually, I had lunch at The Stove and it was one of my last meals in Mammoth. I've certainly had food coma from many towns along the trail causing me to start hiking later in the day than I had originally planned. The breakfast I had coming out of Sierra City this year was one of them. I was so sad to see all of the damage down to the Tuolumne Meadows general store/post office this year from the winter snow. Hopefully they'll be able to get the store/post office and campgrounds up and running for 2024!
Smart call
Thank you!
Hike your own hike and be true to you. Cliché perhaps but completely true.
When the balance between enjoyment and beauty shifts to concern and worry, it's time to reflect and reconsider the next path.
It's your hike, nothing to prove.
I think a lot of us would have done the same.
Stay safe
As I have taught my boys, "don't push a bad situation." Great decision to hit the pause button!!!
Absolutely! It's an important lesson we can all learn and take to heart.