[pct-l] Hike Walker Pass

[Bob Bankhead]

The PCT crossing at Canebrake Road is out in the middle of nowhere, about 1/8th mile from Chimney Creek campground. Even during the summer, there is rarely a camp host there. Except for hunting season, it sees few campers but is a popular spot for the homeless crowd. The host I met there in '05 packed a .45 for that very reason; he had had problems with them several years running. Consequently, BLM has a hard time getting volunteers for that job. Probably not a very good place to leave a car.

On the off-chance you are thinking of leaving your car at or near the junction of Canebrake Road and highway 178, be advised Canebrake Road is a very long, exposed, dirt road from thereup to Chimney Creek CG. I've driven it the opposite direction, and it is not something I'd want to walk down; no water, very little shade, and if memory serves, it's about 15 miles.

If you must start at the Canebrake Road crossing,  I would suggest that you park at the Walker Pass campground, have your ride take you around to the trail crossing, and then hike south to your car.

A better (IMO) alternate would be to park at Kennedy Meadows store and just walk to there from Walker Pass (or the reverse).  It adds 23 miles, but will make it easier to get back on the trail northbound at a later date. 

Wandering Bob

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Amanda L Silvestri 
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:08 AM
  Subject: [pct-l] Hike Walker Pass


  I am doing a series of shorter hikes along the PCT.  Having hiked from Mexico to Walker Pass, that is my next hike.  Following the AZDPCTKO I will be hiking from Walker Pass to Canebrake Rd.  Anybody want to come along?  It may still be a bit cold at night and I will not be breaking any land speed records, but you are invited to join me.  I hope to drive up from the Kick-Off on Sunday and start hiking the morning of Monday April 28th or Tuesday April 29th.  As always, getting back to the car is a problem.  So,  I am also looking for someone to drive me from Canebrake Road (where I will leave my car) back to Walker Pass on  Sunday evening, or Monday.  If you are willing and able to provide me this service, I will be very grateful and will pay for your gas.  
     
    Hiking my own hike(s)
     
    Amanda