Читать книгу Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California - Wendy Lautner - Страница 12
ОглавлениеIntroduction
How to Use This Guidebook
THE OVERVIEW MAP AND OVERVIEW MAP KEY
USE THE OVERVIEW MAP on the inside front cover to pinpoint the exact location of each hike’s primary trailhead. Hike numbers appear on the overview map, on the map key facing the overview map, in the table of contents, at the beginning of each hike profile, and at the top of each trail map.
The book is organized by region as indicated in the table of contents, and the hikes within each region are noted as day hikes, overnight hikes, or a combination of the two. They are also labeled on the Table of Contents as out-and-back, loop, or point-to-point routes. A legend on the inside back cover explains the symbols found on the trail maps.
TRAIL MAPS
Each hike contains a detailed map that shows the trailhead, the route, significant features, facilities, and landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks. I gathered map data by carrying a Garmin eTrex Legend and Garmin eTrex Venture HC while hiking. This data was downloaded into a digital mapping program, TOPO USA, and then processed by an expert cartographer to produce the highly accurate maps in this book. Each trailhead’s GPS coordinates are included with each profile (see page). In each hike’s summary information, I also recommend a commercially available, color map that you may find useful, particularly for backpacking or cross-country trekking.
Crossing the outflow of an unnamed lake in Yosemite’s high country on the way from Ireland Lake (Hike 2) to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
ELEVATION PROFILES
Corresponding directly to the trail map, each hike contains an elevation profile that enables you to easily visualize how the trail rises and falls. Key points along the way are labeled. Note the number of feet between each tick mark on the vertical axis (the height scale). To keep flat hikes from looking steep and steep hikes from appearing flat, height scales are included to provide an accurate assessment of climbing difficulty.
GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES
To collect accurate map data, I carried a handheld GPS unit (Garmin eTrex series) as I scouted. The data collected was then downloaded and plotted onto a digital U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topo map. In addition to rendering highly specific trail outlines, this book also includes the GPS coordinates for each trailhead in two formats: latitude–longitude and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Latitude coordinates tell you where you are by locating points west of the zero-degree meridian line that passes through Greenwich; longitude coordinates do so by locating points north or south of the zero-degree line that belts the Earth, aka the equator.
Topographic maps show latitude and longitude data as well as UTM grid lines. Known as UTM coordinates, the numbers index a specific point using a grid method. The survey datum used to arrive at the coordinates in this book is WGS84 (versus NAD27 or WGS83). For readers who own a GPS unit, whether handheld or onboard a vehicle, the latitude–longitude or UTM coordinates provided on the first page of each hike may be entered into the GPS unit. Just make sure your GPS unit is set to navigate using WGS84 datum. Now you can navigate directly to the trailhead.
Most trailheads, which begin in parking areas, can be reached by car, but some hikes still require a short walk to reach the trailhead from a parking area. In those cases, a handheld unit is necessary to continue the GPS navigation process. That said, however, readers can easily access all trailheads in this book by using the directions given, the overview map, and the trail map, which shows at least one major road leading into the area. But for those who enjoy using the latest GPS technology to navigate, the necessary data has been provided. A brief explanation of the UTM coordinates from Warner Valley Road to Terminal Geyser follows:
UTM Zone (WGS84) | 10T |
Easting | 0635907 |
Northing | 4478154 |
The zone number (10) refers to one of the 60 vertical zones of the UTM projection. Each zone is 6 degrees wide. The zone letter (T) refers to one of the 20 horizontal UTM zones that span from 80 degrees south to 84 degrees north. The easting number (0635907) indicates in meters how far east or west a point is from the central meridian of the zone. Increasing easting coordinates on a topo map or on your GPS screen indicate that you are moving east; decreasing easting coordinates indicate that you are moving west. The northing number (4478154) shows in meters how far you are from the equator. Above and below the equator, increasing northing coordinates indicate that you are traveling north; decreasing northing coordinates indicate that you are traveling south.
To learn more about how to enhance your outdoor experiences with GPS technology, refer to Outdoor Navigation with GPS by Stephen Hinch.
THE HIKE PROFILE
In addition to maps, each hike contains a concise but informative narrative of the hike from beginning to end. This descriptive text is enhanced with at-a-glance ratings and information, GPS-based trailhead coordinates, and accurate driving directions that lead you from a major road to the parking area most convenient to the trailhead.
At the beginning of each hike is a box that gives hikers quick access to pertinent information: quality of scenery, condition of the trail, the hike’s appropriateness for children, the difficulty of the hike, the degree of solitude expected, hike distance, approximate hiking time, and outstanding highlights of the trip. The first five categories are rated using a five-star system. Below is an example:
26 Middle Deadfall Lake and Mount Eddy
SCENERY:
TRAIL CONDITION:
CHILDREN:
DIFFICULTY:
SOLITUDE:
DISTANCE: 13.4 miles round-trip to the top of Mount Eddy and around Middle Deadfall Lake; 6 miles round-trip to Middle Deadfall Lake
HIKING TIME: 2–5 hours
MAP: USFS Shasta-Trinity National Forest
OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Middle Deadfall Lake, wildflowers, natural spring, views of Mount Shasta from Mount Eddy
The four stars indicate that the scenery is very picturesque. The trail condition is excellent (one star would mean the trail is likely to be muddy, rocky, overgrown, or otherwise compromised). The hike is doable for able-bodied children (a one-star rating would denote that only the most gung-ho and physically fit children should go). The one star for difficulty lets you know that the hike is easy (five stars would be strenuous). The two stars for solitude mean you can expect to encounter some people on the trail (one star would mean you might well be elbowing your way past other hikers).
Distances given are absolute, but hiking times are estimated for an average hiking speed of 2 to 3 miles per hour, with time built in for pauses at overlooks and brief rests. Overnight-hiking times account for the effort of carrying a backpack.
Following each box is a brief italicized description of the hike. A more detailed account follows in which trail junctions, stream crossings, and trailside features are noted, along with their distance from the trailhead. Flip through the book, read the descriptions, and choose the hikes that appeal to you. The recommended hikes chart (see pages) also helps you choose a hike to fit your mood and group.
Weather
TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS in California are extreme. Folks in the Central Valley may very well be sweltering as the mercury easily passes the 100-degree mark in July and August. But on those very same days, the High Sierra can be downright frigid due to thunderstorms and high winds. The hikes described in this book range in elevation from around 2,000 feet at the Sacramento River outside Castle Crags State Park to 11,500 feet at the top of Sonora Peak. Pay careful attention to the elevations in which you’ll be traveling, and plan accordingly. Thunderstorms in the High Sierra (anything above 6,000 feet) are especially common from July to October but can happen in any other month as well. Always pack a waterproof (or very water-resistant) shell, a warm layer (like fleece, not cotton), and a warm hat.
The summer hiking season, depending on snowfall, generally extends from early April to late October. But there’s also a best time for every hike. For hikes set at the 5,000-foot elevation mark and under, wildflowers will be most abundant April through June. Hikes at this elevation are also good late-season hikes (October and November), depending on the current year’s storm cycle.
For hikes above 5,000 feet, you’ll have to watch the snowpack carefully to best time your hike. Generally, the trail is clear of substantial snowpack between the 5,000- and 8,000-foot elevation marks as summer rolls into late June; by July, the meadows and mountainsides between these elevations are covered in beautiful wildflowers. For hiking above the 8,000-foot mark, I recommend August because it is generally the warmest month and, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the wildflowers and miss the mosquitoes. But never expect to be lucky. September is another perfect month to enjoy hiking above the 5,000-foot mark, but take note that the wildflowers will most likely be burned out below 8,000 feet (if not 10,000 feet). If you plan to exceed 10,000 feet in elevation, always expect to be cold no matter what month you’re hiking. As a rule of thumb, the temperature decreases about three degrees with every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. And as you gain in elevation, the likelihood of wind increases also.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Nothing ruins an outing more often than the body’s resistance to altitude adjustment. The illness is usually characterized by vomiting, loss of breath, extreme headache, lightheadedness, sleeplessness, and an overall sick feeling. When traveling to a higher altitude, give your body a day or two to adjust to where there is less oxygen, hotter sun, and less air pressure. Drink plenty of water, and lay off the alcohol. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. It’s that easy. (As always, if serious symptoms persist, locate the nearest emergency room or call 911.)
LIGHTNING
Get an early start on all hikes that go above tree line. Violent storms are common in June, July, and August. Try to reach high-altitude summits by 1 p.m. and turn back when the weather turns bad. If you are caught in a lightning storm above tree line, stay off ridgetops, spread out if you are in a group, and squat or sit on a foam pad with your feet together. Keep away from rock outcroppings and isolated trees. If someone has been struck, be prepared to use CPR to help restore the victim’s breathing and heartbeat.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia occurs when your core body temperature becomes dangerously low. This condition can occur at any time of the year, and cold temperatures, wind, and rain and snow set the stage for complications. Look for signs of shivering, loss of coordination, and loss of judgment.
Preparation is your best defense against getting cold to the core. Remember the mantra “wet is not warm” to prevent hypothermia.Keep your inside layer as dry as possible.
SWIFT WATER
Mountain streams can be dangerous during high snow runoff in May and June. Even a narrow stream may be deep and fast, as well as cold. Stay back from the banks of streams and rivers, especially if you cannot see the bottom. Provide proper supervision for children who tend to be attracted to water. Rocks at the streamside and in the stream are often slippery, and water beneath them may be deep. Powerful currents in streams can pull people underwater and pin them below the surface. In case of a flash flood, climb to safety.
Water
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: A hiker working hard in 90-degree heat needs approximately ten quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons—12 large water bottles or 16 small ones. In other words, pack along one or two bottles even for short hikes.
Some hikers and backpackers hit the trail prepared to purify water found along the route. This method, while less dangerous than drinking it untreated, comes with risks. Purifiers with ceramic filters are the safest. Many hikers pack along the slightly distasteful tetraglycine-ñhydroperiodide tablets to debug water (sold under the names Potable Aqua, Coughlan’s, and others). I have used the SteriPEN with excellent results. Lightweight, compact, and battery-operated, the device uses ultraviolet light to render harmful microbes sterile.
Probably the most common waterborne bug that hikers face is giardia, which may not hit until one to four weeks after ingestion. It will have you living in the bathroom, passing noxious rotten-egg gas, vomiting, and shivering with chills. Other parasites to worry about include E. coli and cryptosporidium, both of which are harder to kill than giardia.
For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain healthy. If you’re tempted to drink found water, do so only if you understand the risks involved. Better yet, hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) six ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate after the hike.
The Ten Essentials
ONE OF THE FIRST RULES OF HIKING is to be prepared for anything. The simplest way to be prepared is to carry the ten essentials. In addition to carrying the items listed below, you need to know how to use them, especially navigation items. Always consider worst-case scenarios like getting lost, hiking back in the dark, breaking gear (for example, a broken hip strap on your pack or a water filter getting clogged), twisting an ankle, or experiencing a brutal thunderstorm. The items listed below don’t cost a lot of money, don’t take up much room, and don’t weigh much, but they just might save your life.
WATER: Durable bottles and water treatment such as iodine or a filter
MAP: Preferably a topo and a trail map with a route description
COMPASS: A high-quality model
FIRST-AID KIT: A good-quality kit whose contents you’re familiar with and that contains instructions
KNIFE: Preferably a multitool device with pliers
LIGHT: Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries
FIRE: Windproof matches or lighter and fire starter
EXTRA FOOD: Always bring more than you need.
EXTRA CLOTHES: Rain protection, warm layers, gloves, and a warm hat
SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, lip balm, sunblock, and a sun hat
First-Aid Kit
A TYPICAL FIRST-AID KIT may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make a variety of kits) are available. Even though there are quite a few items listed here, they pack down into a small space:
Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps
Adhesive bandages
Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)
Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)
Butterfly-closure bandages
Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for severe allergic reactions to bee stings, usually by prescription only)
Gauze (one roll)
Gauze compress pads (a half dozen 4 x 4-inch pads)
Hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Insect repellent
Matches or pocket lighter
Moleskin or Spenco Second Skin
Sunscreen
Whistle (It’s more effective at signaling rescuers than your voice is.)
The following items are optional but worth their weight (make your own lists for different seasons and keep them in your hiking pack):
Aluminum foil
Bandana
Carabiners
Cellular phone (emergencies only)
Dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
Digital camera
Disinfectant wipes (baby wipes)
Extra batteries
Flashlight
Foam pad (for lightning strikes)
Garbage bag
Gloves (for warmth)
GPS receiver
Hand warmers (air activated)
High-energy food and drinks
Lip balm
Long pants
Plastic bags with zip closure
Rain coat and rain pants
Shorts
Socks
Snakebite kit
Sunglasses
Toilet paper
Watch
General Safety
NO ONE IS TOO YOUNG FOR A HIKE. Be mindful though. Flat, short, and shaded trails are best if you’re carrying an infant. Toddlers who have not quite mastered walking can still tag along, riding on an adult’s back in a child carrier. Use common sense to judge a child’s capacity to hike a particular trail, and always expect that the child will tire quickly and need to be carried.
Hiking is a great way to introduce a child to hands-on lessons beyond the classroom in the natural environment. Check out the top five hikes for children on page.
NEVER RELY ON A CELL PHONE, but bring one just in case. While signals and access are inconsistent, they are also becoming more common. A backcountry equestrian on the PCT turned me on to a very cool technology for keeping his wife informed of his whereabouts. Called SPOT GPS technology, it allows account holders’ friends and family to constantly track carriers’ whereabouts. The device features a help button that immediately sends coordinate locations to search and rescue professionals. Improvements are being made daily to allow users to upload pictures, videos, and so on that are tied to exact locations.
ALWAYS CARRY FOOD AND WATER, whether you plan to go overnight or not. Food will give you energy, help keep you warm, and sustain you in an emergency until help arrives. You never know if you’ll have a stream nearby when you become thirsty. Bring potable water, or treat water before drinking it from a stream. Boil or filter all found water before drinking it.
STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS. Most hikers get lost when they leave the path. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which direction to head in. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went awry. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you have passed thus far, reorient yourself and trust your judgment on how best to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to do so, return to your vehicle the same way you came in. If you become completely lost and have no idea how to return to the trailhead, stay where you are and wait for help—most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.
BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING STREAMS. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a foot log, go ahead and ford the stream instead. When crossing, use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance, and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life for.
BE CAREFUL AT OVERLOOKS. They may provide spectacular views, but they’re potentially dangerous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.
STANDING DEAD TREES and storm-damaged living trees pose a real hazard to hikers and tent campers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. When choosing a spot to rest or a backcountry campsite, look up.
TAKE ALONG YOUR BRAIN. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important piece of equipment you can bring with you on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoid accidents before they happen.
Animal, Insect, and Plant Hazards
THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL through Northern California is home to many species of wildlife. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies are seasonably common on the trail. The most commonly seen mammals include deer, marmots, and squirrels, but it is not inconceivable to see a California black bear, especially in the Tuolumne Meadows area. You probably won’t see mountain lions, but they are out there. Rattlesnakes are a hazard on sections of the PCT, generally those areas under 6,000 feet. In the plant world, poison oak has a well-deserved nasty reputation and should be avoided at all costs. And possibly the most dangerous things on the trail are microscopic waterborne organisms.
MOSQUITOES, TICKS, AND FLIES
Mosquitoes, ticks, and flies are the most common pitfalls of the PCT hiking experience, mosquitoes being the most plentiful of the three. Fortunately, the populations of these pests thins considerably after most of the standing water in an area has dried up.
Only female mosquitoes draw blood, proving my theory that females tend to work harder than males. The best protection is complete coverage if you’re expecting to travel in mosquito-infested terrain—and on the PCT in the summer, you should expect this.
Bug-net trekking hats are incredibly useful at keeping mosquitoes out of your ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Plus, nets that are attached to wide-brimmed hats keep the net away from your face and provide a less annoying screen through which you can enjoy the scenery.
When hiking in mosquito territory always carry light, loose, long layers. Zip-off pants are popular with many hikers. Leggings in the case of an emergency cover-up will not do the trick as many mosquitoes and/or flies can bite through leggings. Opt for light, loose-fitting, long layers to stave off itchy bites.
Keep in mind that mosquitoes on the PCT aren’t so much dangerous as they are annoying. Some people choose to carry bug repellent containing DEET as a first-course step of treatment. Not only is DEET harmful to the environment, it’s also harmful to apply directly to the skin and can ruin clothing. I recommend carrying bug dope only as a last resort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the plant-based repellent lemon eucalyptus oil to be as effective in the same concentrations; plus it smells better and is safe to use on your skin and clothing.
Ticks tend to be most common in the densely forested areas below 4,000 feet north of the Lake Tahoe area on this section of the PCT. Check your clothing and skin after every hike for any hitchhiking ticks you may have acquired along the way. To remove a tick, grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible with tweezers, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not puncture a tick, as this might release harmful bacteria.
BLACK BEARS IN CALIFORNIA
An estimated 25,000 to 35,000 black bears call California home. They normally avoid humans, but you should always leave them an escape route if you encounter them. Black bears can sprint up to 35 mph and are strong swimmers and great tree climbers.
While these bears populate most of the area highlighted in this guidebook, the most common place to see bears on this section of the PCT is in the Tuolumne Meadows area in Yosemite National Park. Never leave scented products of any kind—food, beverages, or personal-care products such as lotion and sunscreen—in your vehicle unattended in the park area. The National Park Service provides unlocked communal lockers where hikers can store such items. Additionally, it is illegal to stay overnight in the backcountry in the Tuolumne Meadows area without a regulation bear canister, which you can buy or rent at the ranger station on Tioga Road.
MOUNTAIN LIONS