[pct-l] 5 day trip for beginner

[pshaw999 at cox.net]

Travis,

In 2008 when I was contemplating a PCT thru hike I decided I needed to do a
test-hike just to see if I was cut out for such an endeavor. I had no
backpacking experience prior to this, just day trips up the local mountains.
Living in LA I decided the Sierras would be a good choice and after some
research I found the Deadman's Canyon loop. It was 50 miles around and
climbed over two 11000 + ft passes. It was a great route because it was very
quiet and was a good introduction to the isolation of long distance hiking.
I actually never met a soul all the way through Deadman's Canyon (named
after a sheepherder who died of an appendicitis) and it was quite
spectacular scenery. But it is a summer hike and by now it will all be
snowbound so it's probably not relevant if you are planning a thru hike in
2012. But if you have the time, I'd highly recommend that route. You access
it from Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park at the Lodgepole campground on
the Generals Highway. You can get your permit on the web and pick it up from
the ranger station at the trailhead. There is a also a great website journal
that will help with the route and planning - just Google Deadman's Canyon
and you should find it.

Hope this helps.

Peanut Eater (PCT '09)

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Travis Madden
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:19 PM
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] 5 day trip for beginner

Hello, I have just started getting into backpacking and am looking for a
good 5 day introduction hike to start me off. I am in good condition and can
easily cover over 20 miles a day. A hike within California is preferable (I
live in the Santa Barbara area). Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.

-Travis
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