After hiking 981 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail this year, I decided to end my hike and come home. Here’s why… If you’re curious about the backpacking gear I used along the PCT this year, check out my 2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r Don’t forget to subscribe to The Hungry Hiker RU-vid Channel: ru-vid.com
I admire how attuned you are to what feels right. Congratulations on 981 miles! No small feat. In a future video can you talk about what you do in the winter to scratch that backpacking itch? Maybe you don't miss it for a season or do you make trips to the desert or go snow camping?
981 miles is nothing to sneeze at. The majority of us will never, ever do anything close to that so my hat's off to you Kathleen. It's one thing to solo hike, but when you're an experienced hiker and you know that Winter is coming quickly to the mountains, it's time to leave while it's still safe to do so. Hope you're doing well & welcome home.
Yeah, how often do you meet people that have hiked even a 100 miles? Problem is, if you hang in some circles, hiking a 1000+ miles is normal, but that's like the top 5% of people who are into it.
I'm so glad you listened to what your body and soul needed and didn't get caught up in pushing through for pushing through's sake. 981 miles is incredible. The experience of backpacking isn't only through-hiking a complete trail - it really is about the experience, and you had the experience you wanted this year. Thank you for representing healthy choices!
I kept telling myself that no matter what, I want to always love hiking. It wasn't worth it for me to push through bad weather out there by myself so I'll come back next year and pick up right where I left off in better, warmer weather that I feel more comfortable hiking in. You nailed it - it's about the experience. For me, it's always about the journey and not necessarily the destination.
You’re a smart one! The trail will be right where it is now, next year. I love that you’re being true to yourself and the hike you want to hike, while honoring your body, mind and soul. Thanks for taking us along . . . it’s been so much fun. Looking forward to a wrap up video and some intel on what’s down the trail for you 🎉❤😊👏
Thank you for the explanation. This is what makes hiking special as a sport, to me. In basketball, baseball, or tennis, I never think, "Woah, conditions are getting more dangerous...time to change/quit." But hiking leaves you more to think about. Thanks for preserving your enjoyment and sharing your rationale with us. It's very helpful to learn from.
I like the concept of an open-ended long distance backpacking trip. Essentially a journey without a predetermined destination. You went with the flow, allowing the terrain, the changing seasons and your health to determine where it ends for now. Well done. All the best to you moving forward.
Good for you. "Confidence Solo" also means making the right decisions for yourself. It doesn't always have to mean pushing forward at risk/dislike. You've been a great example as I'm learning to lead an all-female BSA troop of fierce young ladies!
Thank you and yes, it's really important to have the confidence to make those smart decisions for yourself when you're out in the backcountry. Summit Fever can kill.
You really inspire me to go solo hiking/ backpacking, I build trails and I can't imagine what beautiful views you have seen completely alone. Thank you!! And get some rest.
Thanks Kathleen for sharing your hike and experience with us. It was amazing and I’m so happy for you! I look forward to your further adventures next year on the PCT!
Sounds like you stopped hiking this season for all the right reasons! You had a great hike from what I've seen so far and you've got some great miles ahead next year. Let's make this winter in the PNW a fun season for hiking and backpacking 🎉
The Sierras are MY jam! YOU made the absolute right call! This time of year up there is really sketchy! PLUS with all the resupply places closing is a huge issue! The weather in those elevations is no joke this time of year! One day I was heading up MT. Whitney in sunny skies. By the time we go to 10K ft it was clouding over from the west. In the next few hours we had rain thunder lighting striking just above us sleet and finally about a foot of snow..That was mid Sept. With all those passes going south you made the ONLY call there was to make! DON'T GET DEAD!
Exactly! I'm super happy with my decision, especially after seeing how much the conditions and weather have changed since I got off trail. The weather can change really quickly up in the mountains.
I think you totally made the right decision. I hiked the entire JMT southbound in 2022 and 2018. This year my friend Matt and I decided to only hike from Happy Isles to VVR because of limited time, the bridges being knocked out, the river crossings, the weather and trail conditions. 2023 was a very tough year to be in the Sierra Nevada. I have no regret only hiking a portion of the JMT this year.
Yey for hiking your hike, and hell yeah for Amtrak! When I went back to Michigan after completing the Oregon Coast Trail I used Amtrak for most of it. I got a ride from Brookings to Eugene from a friend, took Amtrak Cascades from there up to Seattle, hung out there for about a week, took an Empire Builder roomette to Chicago, and then the Wolverine line home to SE MI. Yay, trains!
I agree with your decision to end your hike this year. Congratulations on the miles you did, with the weather changes that are going on it was the smart call. Next year will be fantastic, safe journey home. Curious George 😊
Brava! I’m so glad to hear that you listened to yourself and accepted this hike for what it was… can’t wait to see the rest of your adventure next year!
That's awesome. Good for you to walk what you did. It's always best to follow your instincts. You are wonderful and very inspirational. Looking forward to hearing about your trip home. 😊
Good job, and good decision! I could not imagine being along in the Sierra with the season ending, and resupply stations closing. That’s the way a person ends up on Kyle Hates Hiking!
That's one of the best things about doing trek's solo, you get to call it whenever you want. Extra town day, taking an extra hour for a nap under the tree, pushing ahead even though you will hike in the dark, deciding that a couple days of sore muscles are worth it or not. Given the time of year, and the bouncy weather in the Sierra, waiting makes sense. I mean you might end up with a sudden need for snow shoes, helicopter trips, ... it's that time of year. Anyway, It's a real joy to travel with you on your hikes, thanks for bringing us along. Oh, I had this fun idea a while back, i.e. getting a group together to make a hiker stop somewhere along the trail, I was thinking near Snoqualmie pass. Perhaps buy some land, build a cabin, have a gear locker, ... food/water/showers/ camping spots... Could also work as a winter sports place.... Perhaps a number of your fans would do it as share holder corp(kickstarter) and or gofundme...
I agree. This is a huge reason why I decided to stay solo and not link up with a trail family. I wanted to have the freedom to make my own decisions out there instead of having to consult with a group. I met a ton of amazing hikers out there, but was always happy to be free to do whatever I wanted when I was out there.
Congratulations that’s a whole lot of work to get where you are. You’re so knowledgeable that you make “quitting” without ego seem easy ! I want to judge myself less if things end. Can’t wait to hear about how you got north/ how you planned it short notice 😊
Trust me, there was nothing easy about making this decision, but I know it was the right one for me. Stay tuned. I have a new video coming this Sunday that will show how I got home from the trail this year.
I'm a noob to hiking but not to traveling; I work as a courier and have driven well over 2 million miles. One thing I've learned is that it's good to stop when it doesn't feel right. Having resupply and transport options close shop because the weather will be going bad soon is a huge reason why it's okay to stop. I had to learn this the hard way over the years and it should be repeated so that others know that it's totally okay- some might say really wise- to stop and start again at another time. Good luck with your next adventure.
All fantastic points! safety is important! As the season changes and there is less opportunity to refuel and more opportunity for weather that could be challenging, I think you made the right decision. celebrate your achievements and keep putting out awesome content
Absolutely! And I wanted to make sure I was quitting on a bad day so I gave myself almost 200 miles to really think through my decision and plan to get home.
I've been hiking the trail since 2016. Still haven't finished, hiked Oregon three times and have put in over 3000 miles. I have 80 miles of the Sierra's and about 500 miles of the desert left. Happy trails 😀
Thank you for sharing your experience. I believe that you provide empowerment for others who also enjoy hiking--especially women. Hiking your own hike? Yeah, we all should. I'm glad you had a good SOBO experience. It looks like a lovely place :)
We can now add you with Simone Biles as another shining example of how really smart and strong it is to STOP when you know inside yourself that it's time to stop. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You're a champion!
I'm with you. I love hiking solo. I've learned that I endlessly talk to my hiking partners if I'm with someone else. Which means I don't see much of the trail because I'm flapping my blooming jaws the whole time. So solo hiking is best for me too.
Great video! Hiking 900mi solo is NOT a failure! Also going into it without any expectations and knowing ur limits. There's always next time! Happy trails!☺☺
I agree. I wouldn't consider any part of my hike this year a failure. I went out there and hiked as much as I could and can come back next year and pick up right where I left off. Time to start planning for next year!
Lol...the beginning of your vid made me hungry! I've never done anything more than day hikes, and have been flogged after some of them. That said 981 miles seems like a long, long way to go on foot at altitude. To me you are a Master hiker and a trail Boss! Good for you. Good for you for perceiving what your body and mind were telling you! Many people don't and sometimes something bad happens. Also it seems like because it was getting late in the season would significantly affect your logistics. Good luck in your future hikes.
Yes, I'm very excited about all of the trail I did get to hike this year. This year was an especially challenging year out on the PCT with all of the crazy weather and trail conditions.
@@TheHungryHiker If you would have skipped down to SoCal, it is still very warm here. It was about 100° yesterday and I’m close to San Bernardino mountains. It’s better to not take chances while in Mt. Baldy area because so many have died there in the last few years!
@@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677 Skipping ahead to Southern California was an option, but as I explained in my video, that wasn't the hike I wanted to have this year. I wanted to do a continues hike going south through the Sierra and then Southern California so I'll come back next year and finish. Timing will just depend on the type of weather the Sierra has this winter.
Sounds like you had a great hike and the Sierra's will be there in all their glory the next time you make it down that way. I've done the JMT and think that the late July thru mid ti late August is the sweat spot for hike in the Sierra. Since you've done the PCT would you have any recommendations for really beautiful/enjoyable 50 to 70 mile sections (besides the JMT) that you would recommend? I'm up in WA also and plan on doing the Stevens to Snoqualmie section, but I would be interested in any recommendations you might have sections that are the best of the best. Thanks for all of you other video's!
Sounds like a good plan. I hope they fix the downed bridge on the JMT (San Joaquin). Later in the season people can cross the river there, but maybe not in the summer
Not sure how much work was made on having the bridge replaced this summer in the Sierra, but I know they "blew up" the old bridge since it was damaged and to help prevent hikers from crossing over on it. I also heard of hikers fording the river, but even late season, I don't think this would have been something I would've been comfortable doing, especially solo.
Hiking 981 miles is nothing to sneeze at. It is quite an accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself. I'm still hoping to do the PCT in summer 2026 SOBO so I enjoyed watching your progress. Doing the southern PCT in September/October could be a challenge due to the lack of water. I'm looking forward to your future videos.
Absolutely! I'm really proud of what I accomplished out on trail over the last two months. I know that I can come back next year when the weather is nicer and I feel more comfortable with the conditions. Now time to plan the next big adventure!
If you ever are doing a section hike near the southern terminus and need a hiking companion let me know. I'm always up for an adventure. However, like you, I tend to solo hike and have been doing it since I was 17 (I'm 67 now). It always takes my brain a bit to adjust to backpacking with other people. The last PCT section hike I did with other people was with a San Diego Backpacking Meetup group. We hiked from Mt. Laguna to Lake Morena. 34 people did the trip which was WAY too many people for my liking. Looking forward to watching your next adventure. @@TheHungryHiker
Glad you listened to your body, decades ago many pro triathletes ended up w significant autoimmune diseases- overdid. I ended up w RA as 110 percent was my,,,, am encouraged seeing more people doing these listening more to what’s right for their well being. Good job! As always enjoy whatever adventure you’re doing. Safety first!
I remember a Mammoth Bus from Mammoth to South Lake Tahoe... Then a Reno airport shuttle from there. But you're showing a train in the preview. That could be fun, too. I want to do the California Zephyr, but I've driven between San Francisco -> Tahoe -> Salt Lake City -> Grand Junction -> Denver already.
Section hiking is always a realistic possibility. You can cherry pick the section you want to hike and plan your trip around the warm weather hiking season instead of having to race against the weather like all of the thru-hikers have to do. Over the years, I've come to really enjoy (and prefer) section hiking over thru-hiking.
I'd rather get a video next year called "I picked up the PCT where I left off" if the other option is a series of "how I almost died today" videos. Good for you!
Looking back what month is a good time to depart the Canadian border, in order to reach the Sierras’ in a lower risk time frame? Average miles per day, typical mid packer not too fast but not slow either. Thanks in advance looking forward to more content.
NOBO hiker this season and stopped in Kennedy Meadows and the Sierra was the main reason we got off trail where we did. This year has been exceptionally weird weather-wise in Cali and while the first 100 miles were great with extra water the Sierra were only *just* becoming passable by the time we got to Kennedy Meadows (July 2nd). It was a weird decision because while the trail isn't going anywhere, trail accessibility (in terms of cost and general economic stuff making it out of reach for more people) is definitely a point of concern but since moving to WA I've gotten the bug to get back out there despite this being my first thru hike and being sorely unprepared for it LOL There was no right decision to make there but you made the one that made the most sense and called it how it was, on trail I heard a lot that giving it a day or two to sit and think about quitting once you zero'd was the way to go to have the most clear mind and it shows! Plus in your case (as in mine, gratefully), at least some of the trail expenses can be a tax writeoff :)
I like your outlook on hiking the hike that suits you - versus being chained to a rigid driven outlook. I often wonder if some hkers actually enjoy it as much as they could if the ego was not the greatest motivator.
I did the JMT in 2019 in August and there was snow everywhere and it was freezing every night. Going through in late September early October would be much colder conditions. I think you made a wise call.
Thank you! I know I made the right call for me. One of my non-negotiables for my solo section hike last year was snow in the Sierra. The first sign of snow in the forecast and I was out of there.
