Appreciation post: How the Sierras changed my whole view on hiking with other people

Last summer I did the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon solo and swore off group trips forever after dealing with slow hikers. Then 2 weeks ago I joined a buddy on a section of the PCT near Donner Pass and he showed me this trick for crossing snowfields that I'd never even thought of. Anyone else have their mind changed about hiking alone vs in a group after a specific trip?

2 comments

2 Comments

troy_adams15d ago

See, I'm the opposite on this. I've done groups where one guy's "pro tip" ends up almost getting us lost because he was sure of a shortcut that didn't exist. Solo you only have your own mistakes to deal with, which is way cleaner than having to fake being grateful for bad advice. Group trips always end with someone's ego getting bruised or someone feeling rushed, so why not just skip the drama and go at your own pace?

andrew_jackson15d ago

Jumped headfirst into a group backpacking trip in Yosemite with my brother and his friends, swore I'd hate it but ended up learning a route through some boulder field I would've never figured out solo. Now I make people show me their tricks before I decide if I hate them or not!