Re: Want to get away?

We have had some discussions recently (including with our own JKW here) about the wisdom of posting all of our trip reports--especially the ones that point people to those out of the way corners that have yet to be discovered by the great social media masses. Fair enough. We can certainly share their concern that every secret corner will someday be mobbed by a multitude seeking a selfie.

So we decided this time to just post some of the ways you can find a little solitude in the Sierra...

Get off the internet. If you want to escape the crowds, get your information somewhere else.

Get on the internet. Search the web for less used trailheads, difficult passes, and tough climbs.

Get out the Map. You just might discover that little lake only a half-mile off the main trail.

Avoid trails that have "trademarked" names: PCT. JMT, HST, etc.

Go Early. You will likely see far fewer people.

Go Late. late in the season or late in the day, there are fewer people about.

Go Middle of the Week. And avoid those big crowds.

Go up. The tougher the climb, the most likely that most people will choose another route.

Go Long. Hike in an extra day, and you'll have the place to yourself

Camp away from water. That granite knob above the lake will have great views, and far fewer mosquitoes.

Go Off Trail. And leave the foot traffic behind.

The full article is here:

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/about-3

So what did we miss, or what did we get wrong?

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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

Agree with all of that advice. Works for day hikes too. I've even done day hikes where I ended up less than half a mile from the road - in some cases with the road fully visible - yet with no one near me because I'd hiked up a ways.

I'd add that there's what I call the "inverse internet" method, which is a combination of things you mentioned: look at a map, find something that seems interesting, and then see if you can find information about it on the internet. The less you find, the more likely it is to be uncrowded. Among the many hikes in YNP that I'd like to do (and will be lucky if I can get to just a few of them) are several for which I've found almost nothing on the internet...which makes them that much more attractive. All involve an off-trail component.

BE careful with that term, Geezer. If "inverse internet" becomes a catch phrase, it might "catch" on, and then....

Well, you know. grin.

Thanks for the comments. It is still possible to get solitude in the mountains. I think we're all grateful for that.

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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

I've been to places mentioned on the internet yet had them to myself, usually through a combination of the other factors you mentioned: time of year, time of day, distance from the trailhead, elevation gain, distance required off-trail...

I miss the JKW/Basilbop/Chickon TRs per se, as I won't get to do 1/100th of the hiking they do so for me the photos were vicarious enjoyment, but I also get why they no longer post those TRs (aside from the not-inconsiderable time involved in posting). I also miss the responses to the TRs, as they showed I'm not the only nutcase who will make travel plans so he can squeeze in a day at YNP.

I miss you guys, and, as I mentioned to ParkLover the other day, I really enjoyed many on this forum. But the unknown masses who might read, take what info they want and then just ruin the land with fire rings, trash, rock piles, etc. drove me off. We have revisited so many places that were damaged. Breaks my heart every time.

I wonder if we should simply keep those reports of "secret places" in a private forum for members who have somehow demonstrated a respect for the sanctity of the place, its flora & fauna.

Obviously this isn't the only site out there but for our regulars here who still feel so inclined to post such reports, it might help. Like parklover, I don't get to Yosemite anywhere near as much as I'd like (haven't been there since Sept, 2019) and I, too, cherish these reports (as, well as the historical ones that some of us have posted over the years.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/08/2022 08:54AM by DavidK42.

Since I can't hike anymore, I have lived vicariously through everyone's hiking stories. However, I totally understand the reasoning behind not posting them in a public forum anymore. I can't remember who said this, but it is true. "The greatest threat to the national parks is social media." We are seeing more and more incidences of people crowded into serene places and not practicing LNT. Wishing you many wonderful future hikes and I will be there with you in spirit.

Another perspective on social media and the outdoors: www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jul/07/instagram-hiking-tags-geotags-great-outdoors

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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963