[pct-l] Why California's Trails Are Disappearing From Our Maps

[Eric Martinot]

I clearly remember that section of trail a few miles after the first
bridge out of KM, hiked it in May 2012, and yes, it had evolved into a
braided unofficial trail that went straight up the mountain side more
steeply than a normal PCT grade, so I had a pretty good idea it wasn't
the official trail but obviosly many hikers had been up those parallel
trails and so it seemed reasonable to follow for awhile in search of
what looked more like official trail, and then close to the top and the
next trail junction the real PCT reappeared. But if it hadn't worked out
so well, I was ready to pull out the GPS and/or go back down and hunt
for the real trail, which presumably was the overgown mess mentioned in
earlier posts. 

Point is, 15 minutes of anxiety, off-trail erosion, and potential for
the non-aware to go astray, this was a clear example of what the trail
can become without maintenance.  So thanks to Ken and crew.

Beyond overgrowth and tree falls, I really do fear that long stretches
of the PCT tread itself are falling into disrepair, especially many of
the miles-long traverses across steep sandy or dirt terrain, a large
number of which are being reduced in places to 6-inch wide angled tread
that is hard on the feet and the nerves.