[pct-l] Worried About My Knees

[DayLate07 .]

Dan,  out of all the long distance trails the PCT is probably the most knee
friendly.  That say it may not be for you.  My recommendation would be to
just go for it and see how you do.  Worst case you will decide you can't do
it but you will still have a great time on the trail when you can.

I think if you start a Campo you will figure out within a few days if the
southern part of the trail is for you.  Luckily there are multiple places
to bail back to civilization in this section.

Go out, start doing whatever you planned (thru?, or long section?) and if
you make it you had a great trip.  If you have to bail because your knees
can't take it you still had a great trip - it's all attitude.....  There
are no bad days out on the trail....

Day-Late





> I have arthritis in both knees and am worried about steps (up and down)
> along the PCT.
> Smooth trail is fine (even when steep), but lots of steps above a standard
> stair tread height causes lasting swelling/pain.
> I have read that the PCT does not have many tall steps, but would like to
> hear from an experienced hiker.
> I appreciate that damaged areas, blow downs, creek fordings, etc. will be
> present and pose a challenge.
> I am mainly concerned with many tall steps (say 50 to >100) in a given
> days hiking.
> Please comment on the conditions from the Border to Kennedy Meadows vs.
> The Sierras and beyond.
> Thanks, Dan
>
>