PCT-Inspired Playlists

A few years ago, I was passing through Death Valley in late January. While I was at the visitors center, I asked the ranger about trail conditions on Wildrose Peak. He told me that the trail was clear of snow, but there had been several mountain lion sightings in the area. Since I would be hiking alone, he warned me to stay vigilant. In his enthusiasm, he started to describe how mountain lions typically pounce from the uphill side of their prey. Most likely in response to my widening eyes, he trailed off in mid-sentence.

“Go on,” I prompted.

“Well, they’re very stealthy.” He continued. “You’d probably never hear it coming.”

For some time after that, I was a little paranoid when hiking alone. I definitely didn’t wear headphones. These days, I’m a little more relaxed, but I do still keep the volume turned way down. With that in mind, here are a few hiking-inspired playlists.

PCT NOBO playlist

  1. California – U2
  2. Staying Out For The Summer – Dodgy
  3. Wide Open Space – Mansun
  4. One Horse Town – The Thrills
  5. Neon River – Keane
  6. This River Is Wild – The Killers
  7. Into The Fire – Thirteen Senses
  8. Burning Land – Meekah
  9. Silence – Delerium
  10. All Good Things Come To An End – Nelly Furtado

Daily-Routine Playlist

  1. Every Day Is A Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
  2. I Disappear – Metallica
  3. Move Along – All American Rejects
  4. Walk On – U2
  5. Take The Long Way Home – Faithless
  6. Moving – Supergrass
  7. Walkaway – Cast
  8. Take The Long Road And Walk It – The Music
  9. One Step Too Far – Faithless
  10. Club Foot – Kasabian

Nighttime Playlist

  1. Big Sky – John O’Callaghan
  2. She’s A Star – James
  3. Planetary (Go!) – My Chemical Romance
  4. Airplanes – B.o.B.
  5. Satellite – Guster
  6. Silenced By The Night – Keane
  7. Starlight – Muse
  8. Sometime Around Midnight – The Airborne Toxic Event
  9. We Are All Made Of Stars – Moby
  10. Love Is Darkness – Sander Van Doorn

For When the Weather Is Good

  1. Sun Is Shining – Bob Marley
  2. Brighter Than The Sun – Colbie Caillat
  3. See The Sun – Aurosonic
  4. Island In The Sun – Wheezer
  5. Southern Sun – Paul Oakenfold
  6. Seven Days In The Sun – Feeder
  7. Chase The Sun – Planet Funk
  8. Walkin’ On The Sun – Smashmouth
  9. Steal My Sunshine – Len
  10. Sunburn – Muse

And When the Weather Is Less Than Perfect

  1. Bad Day – R.E.M.
  2. No Rain – Blind Melon
  3. Sandstorm – Darude
  4. Electrical Storm – U2
  5. Run For Cover – The Killers
  6. Rainy Day – Coldplay
  7. Why Does It Always Rain On Me – Travis
  8. Only Happy When It Rains – Garbage
  9. Take Me To The Clouds Above – LMC vs U2
  10. Snow – JJ72

Bid Your Family and Friends Farewell: “Time to Meet New People” Playlist

  1. Don’t Let It Break Your Heart – Coldplay
  2. Since I Left You – The Avalanches
  3. Hello – Martin Solveig
  4. The Power Of Goodbye – Madonna
  5. Hello, Goodbye – The Beatles
  6. Say Hello – Deep Dish
  7. Time To Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman
  8. Say Hello Wave Goodbye – David Gray
  9. Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds

And Finally, a Mixed Bag

  1. Destination Calabria – Alex Gaudino
  2. As The Rush Comes – Motorcycle
  3. A Life Less Ordinary – Ash
  4. Viva La Vida – Coldplay
  5. Hall Of Fame – The Script
  6. Don’t Falter – Mint Royale
  7. You’re Not Alone – Olive
  8. Beautiful Day – U2
  9. The Runners – The Naked And Famous
  10. There Goes The Fear – Doves

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Comments 1

  • Kevin Neft : Nov 29th

    Never enough music to be had while hiking for that long. Just for fun I started a crowd sourced playlist for the class of 2020 on Spotify. Definitely an eclectic mix!

    Reply

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