| | -
| |  |
|
3 |
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 18.01 Miles |
2,322 AEG |
| | Hiking | 18.01 Miles | 6 Hrs 41 Mns | | 3.04 mph |
| 2,322 ft AEG | 46 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This was an unexpected journey.
I had set off to hike Mt Wrightson from Gardner Canyon. Unfortunately the Forest Service had other plans, as they were doing a prescribed burn along the road to the trailhead. I stopped to chat with some of the fire crew to see if the trailhead was open, and while technically it was, the road was choked with equipment and it was soon obvious that my original plan was not good for them or me. So I detoured to the closest accessible trailhead, which was the AZT.
I was pretty disappointed at first, as I had been looking forward to seeing snow and pine trees and enjoying a lung-busting incline. I had brought a puffy jacket and stove for a hot lunch and everything. Alas, I was confined to the lower elevations, and road-hiking no less.
Determined to cheer myself up, I decided to look on the bright side. If a murderous cow took me out on the road, it would be easier to recover the body. And I can hike faster on roads, so I don't have to spend as much time on them.
The scenery did a much better job at improving my spirits. I hiked nine miles without seeing a soul, and enjoyed the solitude. I saw lots of AZT hikers on the way back, all headed north, and that was fun, too. Everyone was enjoying their day, despite the fire going on. One hiker reported having gotten ash fall, like walking through snow. The AZT south of the Gardner Canyon trailhead was very close to the fire.
On the way back, the smoke from the fire was obscuring Wrightson and the Crest in a haze. As I returned to the trailhead, I got a great view of the flames and all the fire crews doing their work. The smoke had a faint vanilla odor to it.
Back at the car, I chugged a liter of coconut water while watching the fire for a bit, then headed home. Not the day I expected, but a good day nonetheless. |
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few here and there. This trail is probably not the best if you're into wildflowers. |
|
  |
FS 165 Stock Pond |
26-50% full |
26-50% full |
| | | Kinda green and slimy. Considering the proximity to Kentucky Camp and its tasty well water, it's tough to imagine getting water here. | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
