Hiking Solo

I’m generally a solo hiker. The “long” hikes I’ve done before (90-100 miles) have all been solo. With the 4500 permits given to PCT hikers every year, I had visions of Sherpa lines of people, hiking the trail for at least the first few hundred miles. What I found is the opposite. For nine days, I have almost entirely hiked by myself. I’ve seen a handful of other hikers, especially at water sources or in town, but on at least two days so far, I’ve seen three or fewer hikers in my entire day. I know they’re out here, just didn’t realize how easy it would be to get some solitude.

I’m not antisocial by any means, and I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with other hikers along the trail. Of the few dozen or so hiker as I’ve seen, I’ve seen just a handful more than once. I hiked with some folks coming into and out of Warner Springs, I like a lot. But, they were hiking, fewer miles than me, so I passed them. They’re also all taking a zero in Idyllwild so they will be behind me for a while.

I don’t plan to find a tramily anywhere along the trail, but I know as I get a little farther up the trail and eventually match people going at my pace. I’ll find some friendly faces to share stories with about our hiking adventures. I also realize that just like me, the other hikers are all working out their own pace and schedule. 

I decided to do this hike because of the beauty and adventure, but there’s so much more I’m discovering. I can’t wait to see what the coming days bring.