As a Colorado local, a PCT hiker, and the Sierra section in a few weeks......hiking any of the 56 14ers is best done before noon, starting before sunrise with a headlamp. We are known for afternoon storms, hail, etc. Stay safe, stay free! Great recommendations!!!!
Dixie, can't thank you enough for your channel and all the effort that goes into it. It was enough to help my 16 year old son to backpack North Done and Whitney last summer. We live in Missouri and had zero experience and not been above 1000 feet. My daughter's turn is next year and she chose Colorado. You just cemented the trail we will choose. Thanks again.
Hey Dixie- thought I'd add my 2 cents for a good spot. I've not hiked the whole way, but the 14 mile section of the AT from Carver's Gap to Hwy 19E which traverses the Roan Mountain Highlands at the Tennessee/ North Carolina border is a memorable spot. I could not believe the views from the balds up there, and one day, I hope to get back up there and spend a couple days. If you time it right (mid to late June) the Rhododendron blume makes for a real 'mountaintop experience.' With the abundant open views and your penchant for doing a celebratory twirl at such locations makes me wonder how you made it through the area with your internal gyro intact, as constant twirling would be in order across the whole area, with maybe a vocalization of "The Hills Are Alive...." And many thanks for your posts- you're an inspiration!
I was hoping you would post something like this and here it is! The filming and photography in your episodes is always top notch. A good side endeavor might be to put out a Dixie Trail Hiking Calendar with your beautiful scenery photography for each month of the year. Am also interested in any videos you would like to make compiling your favorite and most beautiful spots on each of the three trails. No need for info on how to hike them, just video or pics of your favorite or most beautiful spots. Thanks!
Living just outside Pearisburg,VA I would agree with the VA sections you mentioned....I'm lucky that I'm 90 miles from Damascus and about 35 from McAffee and Tinker Cliffs area...Mt Rogers area never gets old to me....thanks for sharing ..
The first time I ever saw Old Faithful erupt, was in May of 2012. It was snowing so hard that I could barely tell the geyser was erupting. I knew more from the sound than from what I could see. Enjoyed the video as usual.
Can you imagine what Granny Dixie will be like after a lifetime of hiking?! Her grandbabies are going to sit around her and listen to *incredible* stories.
These are great selections. How hard to decide what section hike is the most grand. I agree, everthing on the PCT is awesome. One of my favorite parts is Echo Lake going south to Ebbets Pass, about 45 miles.
Thx Dixie for a timely video in advance of my summer hiking plans. I moved to Tahoe area couple years ago and new to backpacking. Glad to see one of your PCT favs is the desolation wilderness, literally in my backyard 👍. We’ve had a below average snow seasons so far, with the upshot of perhaps being able to hit the trails, snow free in early June unlike last year when we had snow on trails until late July.
Thank you from Lake Tahoe! I also can sit by Lake Aloha for days, as a matter of fact, it was at Lake Aloha last summer that I tore calf muscles and ended my season. And it's Aloha I'm returning to first thing this spring now that I'm healed up. So happy you listed Echo lakes to Donner.
Thank you for doing this video! It’s a dream of mine to one day so the full PCT but in the meantime section hiking is more doable. Idnn b love to hear some of your favorite shorter thru hikes! Planning on doing the JMT next year! 💕
Wow Dixie this is the perfect video for me. At 57 and with family and scouting obligations there is no way I can take 6 months off but I can take a week or two or three and these are fantastic recommendations. And with the way my mind works, I just want someone to point me in the right direction and go. I still have to do my homework but I don't have to pour over hiker sites and get 60 different opinions on what is the best section to do. Very helpful Keep up the good work.
how many people get a smile on their face every Wednesday when Dixie comes on with a video.?. i do. never a dull subject. thanks Dixie stay safe and warm.
I love the Smoky Mountains, from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. It’s a very tough section hike but you don’t need to pack a tent as section hikers have priority at the shelters. I’ll be hiking that section again in three weeks. See you on the trail.
Come try the Ouachita Trail! It's 223 miles from Oklahoma to Arkansas and like a mini AT. It takes most people 10-15 days. Lots of terrain change, plenty of water (other than one 20-mile section), 21 shelters, and a great group of people maintaining/supporting the trail.
I love the Smoky Mountains, from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. It’s a very tough section hike but you don’t need to pack a tent as section hikers have priority at the shelters. I’ll be hiking that section again in three weeks. See you on the trail.
A friend of mine was telling me about Mt. Rogers today. He said the ponies gather in a large blueberry field there. Apparently, many of the ponies are gathered and sold each year to help control the population. I haven’t been past NC on the AT. Sounds like a good stretch. Thanks!
Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing another great video, very informative. You chose several of the most picturesque areas in America. All the best to you Dear and your family. Be safe, take care and always take time to have fun. 🤗
Favorite section on the PCT is definitely the South Lake to North Lake loop. You can fly into Mammoth Lakes airport (United has flights) and Eastern Sierra Transit has a shuttle to Bishop. The loop takes you from South Lake, over Bishop Pass, Dusy Basin, down to LeConte Canyon, some of the most beautiful lakes and meadows, over Muir Pass, and through Evolution Valley. You head back East up Piute Creek trail back to Piute Pass and down to North Lake. Then it’s back to Bishop, California. Total loop is just over fifty miles, so perfect for a week long backpacking trip. I happen to live in Bishop, and it’s one of the best sections of the PCT. Enjoy!
This is a really well put together video. Really impressed with all the detail and great delivery. Looking forward to a 3 day section hike at Grayson next week !
This is a great big help you should do more break downs like this ..who better to review short hikes than you. I have been going through all yours and seeking lost videos of the CDT to figure out about a ten day hike..very helpful thanks
Love your hikes and videos. I’m not a hiker (going to try) but lucky I’m in Boston close to NH/Maine/Vermont. There’s places in Maine, Rangely area where you are almost guaranteed to see moose. I like the western mountains and lakes but Acadia National Park in Maine is incredible.
I really liked the section of the PCT north of Carson Pass starting from the Snow Park (parking lot) on HWY 88. That was a really pretty section to hike and you can go up to I think it is HWY 89 or just do it as an out and back. Definitely going to check out the desolation wilderness section from Echo lake north. That looks like a beautiful area. Have been really wanting to do some hiking around the desolation wilderness area so this might be a good place to start.
Another great video. Just a few days ago I finished watching your CDT through hike, I know, but in my defense I only discovered your channel a month or so ago. Any way, it's great to go to the experience through your eyes. You're amazing
I’m so pumped about this video Dixie. Me and one of my good friends from high school are meeting up to hike the exact section (Tahoe) of the PCT this summer!!! I’m driving out from Texas to meet him to do it. I can’t wait. It’s kind of crazy because I grew up in California and I have never done this section of the PCT. I’ve done sections north of Tahoe (Plumas Co.area)but not this one.
Hi I live in NorCal, so echo lake to donner is a favorite. Hiked it 2018. I hope to do the northern Washington section this summer. I love section hiking, just have the time for a thru hike. Always enjoy your vids and narration along with your opinions.
Yet another excellent video for new hikers as well as those coming into the States from elsewhere with limited time. On a side note, you'd make a great public speaker. I forgot what your career is/was, but you're very good at it. Thanks again for all your insight!
Fantastic, thank you....I emailed you with a question back in 2017(Felipe Castellon), you answered and said to go out and hike more. 3/25/2020 start date, PCT. The question was regarding hiking with a puffy and then freezing when it gets wet. Thank you Dixie. I don't get bored of your videos and find them very helpful and entertaining.
Amazing trails, not much chance of doing any of them though as I am UK based. Still it's wonderful to see al you guys hitting the trails. Guess I will have to stick with Europe trails for now. Thanks for all your videos it's been great watching you travel, keep pressing on 👍🏼😁, Jon.Walker.
Great video for those of us that are supercharged about your thru-hiking but have been more excited about sections on the National Scenic Trails rather than full journeys. The two sections of the PCT you pointed to are on my list. I will be in Yellowstone this summer 8-9 days on the Lamar Valley. The most interesting sections of the CDT from me are that strange and wild areas near Cuba NM and the Gila where Aaron went boondocking. On the AT, I have how cool it would be to fly to NYC and take bus north to go to the Whites or the Long Trail access points. In Yellowstone I have had good luck hitching but it was almost always foreign tourists, often with kiddos, that helped me shuttle around. When driving, I was always shuttling young workers from the Lodges to Gardiner or Cooke City to shop or hike.
Hi, Dixie. Thank you so much for doing these videos. I have watched many of them. My dream would be to hike the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. My wife and I love hiking, but we are not very experienced. I'm a retired college professor and live in Tucson, Arizona. - DrDave.
Thankyou Dixie! We've been planning out some section hikes so this was really helpful. May we're taking Sampson (our dog) on his first backpacking trip on the AT. Next is Colorado. We'll see from there. My wife hasn't seen the Rockies before so she may want to do that again. After that I'm retired so it's long hikes everywhere!!
I absolutely loved Damascus during trail days and Grayson Highlands (the ponies and that open area) I loved it..didn't wanna leave..and found out there is a huckleberry farm near there...YuM...
The entire AT section in the Smoky’s is amazing. I hiked it back in 2007; and, in 2014, I did a dayhike up to Mt LeConte, up the Alum Cave Bluff Trail, then down the Boulevard Trail to the AT, whence I bore north to Charlie’s Bunion, finishing the day by hiking back to the Newfound Gap parking lot (a trail maintainer graciously gave me a ride to my car, parked down at the Alum Cave Bluff trailhead)
That first section you mention with lake aloha is actually called desolation wilderness. A cool hike that’s available is the tahoe rim trail which is a 170 mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
The very first section you mention is also dog friendly. My puppy girl and I did that section last September. There is an area at echo lake chalet where you can park your car for the week or so you’ll need. We were lucky enough to find some lovely people to drive us back to the car from donner summit. The drive back is about an hour. Don’t know if shuttles would allow dogs. I didn’t know there was a shuttle service. If you do have your dog I would advise you have shoes for them it you’re hiking that section. The snows were completely melted when we went through and there are long stretches of ankle twisting rocks which can ruin your puppy’s hike by hurting their pads.
I live in Western WA about an hour south of Seatac. There are lots of places to hike in the Cascades area where the PCT goes through. I'd be willing to be a shuttle but only if I can tag along 😉. I enjoy hiking and backpacking and also like being a tour guide.
thanks for doing this video! I wish I could go see the western ones! I agree with you on some of the AT ones. My favorites were also the Roan/Grayson highlands balds, and the whites (Franconia ridge is the best!), but I love camping at Speck Pond!
Dixie, your Trail Days plan sounds great and kind of familiar! Hey the more the merrier. I am planning on doing a bus to Bristol, TN then shuttle/Uber/hitch to Damascus. My plan is to hike/crowdsurf the 255 miles past Catawba to Daleville. I’ll get myself to Roanoke and a bus back home. According to the 12 mile plan that should be just under 3 weeks. Good to know there is an earlier opportunity to get off trail if needed. Looking forward to the merry month of May. Probably right when the skeeters wake up too. 🤪
Looking forward to seeing your NZ Trip! Do you have an idea for a start date yet ? Also just an idea, Ohio’s buckeye trail is the biggest loop in the US and I can’t find much footage of it so maybe that’s an option in the future ?
Hi Dixie, I don't konw if you're looking for ideas for content to create videos, but things like this is what I look for. I look for videos from thru hikers of their "Favorites" or "top 5's" of everything & anything regarding the AT. Thanks & great job!
On Breckenridge transport, I snowboard so know it very well. Renting a car works ok, but it’s not great economically, I live in Texas and find it better to drive my truck up, but that’s personal preference. However you get to silverthorn, once you are in any of the ski towns in the area they have a great shuttle service, they are having staff issues right now, so they arrive 20-40 mins apart instead of 20 mins apart like normal, and they bring you to any of the ski towns west of Denver, and around them. Most stops have indoor areas, but be dressed to sit in the cold, I once stood out in the 2 degree night for about an hour and a half at various stops, in a 10 meter visibility snow storm, not fun even in snowboard gear. I don’t want to dissuade you, the service is amazing, that was basically my only bad experience with it, it is also free and relatively quick. Especially in summer I think it must be awesome.
AWESOME!! To see Lake Aloha up front was great! And too funny because I’m looking to hike the Desolation Wilderness section there in a couple weeks. Such a beautiful place on the TRT/PCT👍🏻🤟🏻
I did the Damascus, VA to the Partnership Shelter section back in August 2016. I came back 10 days later with my mountain bike and rode the Virginia Creeper Trail which shares the AT for about 1/4 mile.
Have only done one section of these trails and that was on the AT from Winding Stair Gap to NOC with my son and his scout patrol. Would love to explore more of the Southern AT section hikes. Not sure which one to try, next.
Wenatchee has a airport and isn't too far from Leavenworth. I use to live there, you can puddle jump from Seattle to Wenatchee, any suggestions Dixie on day hikes on the PCT from that Rosary Lakes area as we are living in Eugene Oregon and new to hiking.
I loved Glacier NP more than even Yosemite. Thru hikers tend to either hit it too early or too late in the season, but section hikers and LASHs can really soak in the beauty!
I'm doing a backpacking trip this Spring and all you video's have given me the confidence to feel prepared and get out there. So thank you! I love your videos, they're fantastic!
i was watching this to see if the section i planned on hiking on the PCT was a good one and what do you know, its the first suggestion. i live only like 45-ish minutes from Donner Summit so that makes it pretty easy to arrange for someone to pick me up. glad i at least kind of know what i'm doing lol
I would echo your recommendation of the Mt. Rogers area and the Whites in New Hampshire. I have hiked in both areas and they are notable for providing some open views and a solid break from the green tunnel.
Hi Dixie. Great ideas for section hikes. Love all your videos. Did you make it to PCT days last year? Would have liked to have met you if you were there. Did manage to meet Darwin & Snuggles, Second Chance and Little Bee and The Restless Kiwi. That was great. Maybe you will get out to Oregon again sometime?
There are so many sections on all 3 of the crown trails that are great. Folks looking to do a week long section need to do their homework and plan ahead. You put some good info out there thanks Have Fun & Hike Safe
Great video, but as a New Mexican I would recommend Grants to Cuba NM..great variety of habitats , mountain forests, open desert, great rock formations.. Maybe even an experienced mountain lion. (Already tamed by Dixie)
Ahh grays and torreys are gorgeous! I did those at the end of last summer and i didn’t realize grays is the highest point on the cdt. The whole trip was lovely.
Good video good topic. I fall into the category of ppl you named at the beginning so I couldn't do thru hiking. But I'd love to go backpacking so thanks for the list of good sectionals to check out.
Dixie, thank you for these suggestions! Definitely going to make note of these - not sure thru-hiking is my thing, but section hikes I can absolutely manage! I was looking at the JMT but seems difficult to get permits etc. so your northern California would be a nice alternative. Just hiked the Whites last year so I've already got those under my belt :)
LadyZi, I agree that obtaining a permit to hike the JMT SOBO, or starting out of the Whitney Portal is VERY difficult, however it is quite easy to get a permit for a NOBO JMT hike. I did it this last summer and started out of Lone Pine, CA and started out of an area called Cottonwood Pass. Simply go to recreation.gov and then find the tab for Inyo National Forest wilderness permits. We had no trouble getting our first pick start date, which was July 28th. This is not a lottery system...if the date is available it's yours. NOW, this route will add approximately 30 miles to your trip, but that is a bonus in my opinion. I guess my point is......go NOBO! Besides, you also will not have to fight the sun in your eyes most of the time...Big bonus!!! My two cents! Respectfully!
@@Rance120 Thank you, I appreciate the tip! Already bookmarked the website and will look into it! Really doesn't matter to me which direction I travel.
Do you remember the Priest Mt. shelter in Va. I watched you A.T. hike but do not remember a vid from there. I will go back and look to see. Hike on from Va.
Snoquamie Pass to Stevens is a great hike, I did it in Aug 2018. The trailhead is only 45 minutes away for me. There is now a once a day bus service from downtown Seattle to the Snoquamie Pass. It's Flixbus.com. My favorite lake on that section is beautiful Spectacle Lake. It worth the 1/2 mile and 500 ft descent from the PCT.
One of my challenges for doing a long hike is that I don't drive. That's why I'm researching the stretch between Timberline Lodge and Cascade Locks as there is public transit available between the two points to Portland, OR
Dixie, have you ever considered hiking the Ozark Highland (218 miles) and Ouachita Trail (223 miles) in Arkansas and a little in Oklahoma. They are both great trails without a lot of people.
Hey Dixie, I live in WA and I think I will take you up on the Snoqualmie to Stevens pass this year. What time of year did you go and should I pack my tent or hammock for this section?
Thanks for the topic of this video Dixie! Someday I need to do the Snowqualmie to N. Cascades section of the PCT. I'm surprised you didn't choose the San Juan section in Colorado--is it because the Grays Peak section is closer to a major city (Denver) and there isn't any major cities near the San Juans?
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As a Colorado local, a PCT hiker, and the Sierra section in a few weeks......hiking any of the 56 14ers is best done before noon, starting before sunrise with a headlamp. We are known for afternoon storms, hail, etc. Stay safe, stay free! Great recommendations!!!!
Dixie, can't thank you enough for your channel and all the effort that goes into it. It was enough to help my 16 year old son to backpack North Done and Whitney last summer. We live in Missouri and had zero experience and not been above 1000 feet. My daughter's turn is next year and she chose Colorado. You just cemented the trail we will choose. Thanks again.
Hey Dixie- thought I'd add my 2 cents for a good spot. I've not hiked the whole way, but the 14 mile section of the AT from Carver's Gap to Hwy 19E which traverses the Roan Mountain Highlands at the Tennessee/ North Carolina border is a memorable spot. I could not believe the views from the balds up there, and one day, I hope to get back up there and spend a couple days. If you time it right (mid to late June) the Rhododendron blume makes for a real 'mountaintop experience.' With the abundant open views and your penchant for doing a celebratory twirl at such locations makes me wonder how you made it through the area with your internal gyro intact, as constant twirling would be in order across the whole area, with maybe a vocalization of "The Hills Are Alive...." And many thanks for your posts- you're an inspiration!
Totally agree. Awesome section.
I was hoping you would post something like this and here it is! The filming and photography in your episodes is always top notch. A good side endeavor might be to put out a Dixie Trail Hiking Calendar with your beautiful scenery photography for each month of the year. Am also interested in any videos you would like to make compiling your favorite and most beautiful spots on each of the three trails. No need for info on how to hike them, just video or pics of your favorite or most beautiful spots. Thanks!
I'm born and raised in South Lake Tahoe...so glad to see a shout out so close to home. :)
Living just outside Pearisburg,VA I would agree with the VA sections you mentioned....I'm lucky that I'm 90 miles from Damascus and about 35 from McAffee and Tinker Cliffs area...Mt Rogers area never gets old to me....thanks for sharing ..
The first time I ever saw Old Faithful erupt, was in May of 2012. It was snowing so hard that I could barely tell the geyser was erupting. I knew more from the sound than from what I could see. Enjoyed the video as usual.
I grew up with that section of the PCT basically in my back yard. Desolation wilderness is my heart and soul. 💕
Can you imagine what Granny Dixie will be like after a lifetime of hiking?! Her grandbabies are going to sit around her and listen to *incredible* stories.
I hope I’m fortunate to have some one day ♥️
These are great selections. How hard to decide what section hike is the most grand. I agree, everthing on the PCT is awesome. One of my favorite parts is Echo Lake going south to Ebbets Pass, about 45 miles.
Thx Dixie for a timely video in advance of my summer hiking plans. I moved to Tahoe area couple years ago and new to backpacking. Glad to see one of your PCT favs is the desolation wilderness, literally in my backyard 👍. We’ve had a below average snow seasons so far, with the upshot of perhaps being able to hit the trails, snow free in early June unlike last year when we had snow on trails until late July.
Thank you from Lake Tahoe! I also can sit by Lake Aloha for days, as a matter of fact, it was at Lake Aloha last summer that I tore calf muscles and ended my season. And it's Aloha I'm returning to first thing this spring now that I'm healed up. So happy you listed Echo lakes to Donner.
Thank you for doing this video! It’s a dream of mine to one day so the full PCT but in the meantime section hiking is more doable. Idnn b love to hear some of your favorite shorter thru hikes! Planning on doing the JMT next year! 💕
Wow Dixie this is the perfect video for me. At 57 and with family and scouting obligations there is no way I can take 6 months off but I can take a week or two or three and these are fantastic recommendations. And with the way my mind works, I just want someone to point me in the right direction and go. I still have to do my homework but I don't have to pour over hiker sites and get 60 different opinions on what is the best section to do. Very helpful Keep up the good work.
If you get three weeks off you can even consider the JMT as a short thru-hike. No problem with good preparation, I am 2 yrs older ;-)
jmt2019.de/
how many people get a smile on their face every Wednesday when Dixie comes on with a video.?. i do. never a dull subject. thanks Dixie stay safe and warm.
I didn't know Dixie put out a video every Wednesday!!! Really? Wopeee!! A reason to live!
Nothing like that "Hey, y'all, Dixie here," to bring out 250k smiles worldwide. Everyone's happy sister wants to chat about the trail!
How about that guy that spotted her on the trail as he was hiking in Colorado last week. I bet he had a big smile on his face.😊
I love the Smoky Mountains, from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. It’s a very tough section hike but you don’t need to pack a tent as section hikers have priority at the shelters. I’ll be hiking that section again in three weeks. See you on the trail.
Seattle local here. Just discussing with friends that we do the Snoqualmie to Stevens section later this summer. I can't wait!
I did this section twice, absolutely amazing!
Come try the Ouachita Trail! It's 223 miles from Oklahoma to Arkansas and like a mini AT. It takes most people 10-15 days. Lots of terrain change, plenty of water (other than one 20-mile section), 21 shelters, and a great group of people maintaining/supporting the trail.
You've helped me tremendously in my quest to find a great week-or-so hike somewhere out west (Pennsylvania guy here). Thank you for the video.
I love the Smoky Mountains, from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. It’s a very tough section hike but you don’t need to pack a tent as section hikers have priority at the shelters. I’ll be hiking that section again in three weeks. See you on the trail.
A friend of mine was telling me about Mt. Rogers today. He said the ponies gather in a large blueberry field there. Apparently, many of the ponies are gathered and sold each year to help control the population. I haven’t been past NC on the AT. Sounds like a good stretch. Thanks!
Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing another great video, very informative. You chose several of the most picturesque areas in America. All the best to you Dear and your family. Be safe, take care and always take time to have fun.
🤗
Favorite section on the PCT is definitely the South Lake to North Lake loop. You can fly into Mammoth Lakes airport (United has flights) and Eastern Sierra Transit has a shuttle to Bishop. The loop takes you from South Lake, over Bishop Pass, Dusy Basin, down to LeConte Canyon, some of the most beautiful lakes and meadows, over Muir Pass, and through Evolution Valley. You head back East up Piute Creek trail back to Piute Pass and down to North Lake. Then it’s back to Bishop, California. Total loop is just over fifty miles, so perfect for a week long backpacking trip. I happen to live in Bishop, and it’s one of the best sections of the PCT. Enjoy!
This is a really well put together video. Really impressed with all the detail and great delivery. Looking forward to a 3 day section hike at Grayson next week !
The White Mountains are beautiful. Anyone that lives within reasonable driving distance should make it a point to hike that area.
The white mountains are beautiful my favorite stretch is from mt mooselauke to Lafayette over the franconia ridge.
This is a great big help you should do more break downs like this ..who better to review short hikes than you. I have been going through all yours and seeking lost videos of the CDT to figure out about a ten day hike..very helpful thanks
Love your hikes and videos. I’m not a hiker (going to try) but lucky I’m in Boston close to NH/Maine/Vermont. There’s places in Maine, Rangely area where you are almost guaranteed to see moose. I like the western mountains and lakes but Acadia National Park in Maine is incredible.
I really liked the section of the PCT north of Carson Pass starting from the Snow Park (parking lot) on HWY 88. That was a really pretty section to hike and you can go up to I think it is HWY 89 or just do it as an out and back. Definitely going to check out the desolation wilderness section from Echo lake north. That looks like a beautiful area. Have been really wanting to do some hiking around the desolation wilderness area so this might be a good place to start.
Another great video. Just a few days ago I finished watching your CDT through hike, I know, but in my defense I only discovered your channel a month or so ago. Any way, it's great to go to the experience through your eyes. You're amazing
I’m so pumped about this video Dixie. Me and one of my good friends from high school are meeting up to hike the exact section (Tahoe) of the PCT this summer!!! I’m driving out from Texas to meet him to do it. I can’t wait.
It’s kind of crazy because I grew up in California and I have never done this section of the PCT. I’ve done sections north of Tahoe (Plumas Co.area)but not this one.
Omg I didn’t know I needed this video but now I’m so happy u made it!!!
I just snowshoed at Echo Lake a couple of weeks ago! That section is totally doable for me if I take the time off work. :)
Hi
I live in NorCal, so echo lake to donner is a favorite. Hiked it 2018. I hope to do the northern Washington section this summer. I love section hiking, just have the time for a thru hike. Always enjoy your vids and narration along with your opinions.
I absolutely love Snoqualmie Pass. I would have said Wind Rivers, but I get to hike there every year. Thanks for all the great options.
Wind River Range is AWESOME! Definitely the prettiest part of trail.
Yet another excellent video for new hikers as well as those coming into the States from elsewhere with limited time. On a side note, you'd make a great public speaker. I forgot what your career is/was, but you're very good at it. Thanks again for all your insight!
Fantastic, thank you....I emailed you with a question back in 2017(Felipe Castellon), you answered and said to go out and hike more. 3/25/2020 start date, PCT. The question was regarding hiking with a puffy and then freezing when it gets wet. Thank you Dixie. I don't get bored of your videos and find them very helpful and entertaining.
05:35 "might would" !;) Long a fan of might could, and even the occasional mayhap, but I somehow never considered might would.
Amazing trails, not much chance of doing any of them though as I am UK based. Still it's wonderful to see al you guys hitting the trails. Guess I will have to stick with Europe trails for now. Thanks for all your videos it's been great watching you travel, keep pressing on 👍🏼😁, Jon.Walker.
Great video for those of us that are supercharged about your thru-hiking but have been more excited about sections on the National Scenic Trails rather than full journeys. The two sections of the PCT you pointed to are on my list. I will be in Yellowstone this summer 8-9 days on the Lamar Valley. The most interesting sections of the CDT from me are that strange and wild areas near Cuba NM and the Gila where Aaron went boondocking. On the AT, I have how cool it would be to fly to NYC and take bus north to go to the Whites or the Long Trail access points. In Yellowstone I have had good luck hitching but it was almost always foreign tourists, often with kiddos, that helped me shuttle around. When driving, I was always shuttling young workers from the Lodges to Gardiner or Cooke City to shop or hike.
Fantastic informative video. Some of us don't even know where to start researching these things. Thanks so much for the details...
Hi, Dixie. Thank you so much for doing these videos. I have watched many of them. My dream would be to hike the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. My wife and I love hiking, but we are not very experienced. I'm a retired college professor and live in Tucson, Arizona. - DrDave.
Thankyou Dixie! We've been planning out some section hikes so this was really helpful. May we're taking Sampson (our dog) on his first backpacking trip on the AT. Next is Colorado. We'll see from there. My wife hasn't seen the Rockies before so she may want to do that again. After that I'm retired so it's long hikes everywhere!!
I absolutely loved Damascus during trail days and Grayson Highlands (the ponies and that open area) I loved it..didn't wanna leave..and found out there is a huckleberry farm near there...YuM...
The Smokies are awesome you have many options to make a loops using the AT and other side trails
The entire AT section in the Smoky’s is amazing. I hiked it back in 2007; and, in 2014, I did a dayhike up to Mt LeConte, up the Alum Cave Bluff Trail, then down the Boulevard Trail to the AT, whence I bore north to Charlie’s Bunion, finishing the day by hiking back to the Newfound Gap parking lot (a trail maintainer graciously gave me a ride to my car, parked down at the Alum Cave Bluff trailhead)
Thanks! Hopefully we’ll be able to do a section of the pct soonish. Echo lake to Donner Summit looks beautiful.
That first section you mention with lake aloha is actually called desolation wilderness. A cool hike that’s available is the tahoe rim trail which is a 170 mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
The very first section you mention is also dog friendly. My puppy girl and I did that section last September. There is an area at echo lake chalet where you can park your car for the week or so you’ll need. We were lucky enough to find some lovely people to drive us back to the car from donner summit. The drive back is about an hour. Don’t know if shuttles would allow dogs. I didn’t know there was a shuttle service.
If you do have your dog I would advise you have shoes for them it you’re hiking that section. The snows were completely melted when we went through and there are long stretches of ankle twisting rocks which can ruin your puppy’s hike by hurting their pads.
I live 40 mins from echo lake and your right the area is magical
I live in Western WA about an hour south of Seatac. There are lots of places to hike in the Cascades area where the PCT goes through.
I'd be willing to be a shuttle but only if I can tag along 😉. I enjoy hiking and backpacking and also like being a tour guide.
thanks for doing this video! I wish I could go see the western ones! I agree with you on some of the AT ones. My favorites were also the Roan/Grayson highlands balds, and the whites (Franconia ridge is the best!), but I love camping at Speck Pond!
Dixie, your Trail Days plan sounds great and kind of familiar! Hey the more the merrier. I am planning on doing a bus to Bristol, TN then shuttle/Uber/hitch to Damascus. My plan is to hike/crowdsurf the 255 miles past Catawba to Daleville. I’ll get myself to Roanoke and a bus back home. According to the 12 mile plan that should be just under 3 weeks. Good to know there is an earlier opportunity to get off trail if needed. Looking forward to the merry month of May. Probably right when the skeeters wake up too. 🤪
Haha, yes! I was going to message you on patreon tonight and tell you thanks 😂 It really is brilliant. I hope you get to eat at The Homeplace!
Looking forward to seeing your NZ Trip! Do you have an idea for a start date yet ? Also just an idea, Ohio’s buckeye trail is the biggest loop in the US and I can’t find much footage of it so maybe that’s an option in the future ?
Great video Dixie for those of us who don't have the grit or time to thru hike the whole trails!
Hi Dixie, I don't konw if you're looking for ideas for content to create videos, but things like this is what I look for. I look for videos from thru hikers of their "Favorites" or "top 5's" of everything & anything regarding the AT. Thanks & great job!
am planning a section hike this summer and was undecided.... thanks for the info... heading to Damascus!
8:57 "You're probably gonna wanna crap your pants."
Well, that would officially make you a thru-hiker according to a hiker I know trail-named Dixie.
Doug Rogillio Yes lol!
On Breckenridge transport, I snowboard so know it very well. Renting a car works ok, but it’s not great economically, I live in Texas and find it better to drive my truck up, but that’s personal preference. However you get to silverthorn, once you are in any of the ski towns in the area they have a great shuttle service, they are having staff issues right now, so they arrive 20-40 mins apart instead of 20 mins apart like normal, and they bring you to any of the ski towns west of Denver, and around them.
Most stops have indoor areas, but be dressed to sit in the cold, I once stood out in the 2 degree night for about an hour and a half at various stops, in a 10 meter visibility snow storm, not fun even in snowboard gear. I don’t want to dissuade you, the service is amazing, that was basically my only bad experience with it, it is also free and relatively quick. Especially in summer I think it must be awesome.
AWESOME!! To see Lake Aloha up front was great! And too funny because I’m looking to hike the Desolation Wilderness section there in a couple weeks. Such a beautiful place on the TRT/PCT👍🏻🤟🏻
No-No-No (14:37) 😮 - Wonderful video. A nice trip down memory lane. Looking forward to your next journey.
I did the Damascus, VA to the Partnership Shelter section back in August 2016. I came back 10 days later with my mountain bike and rode the Virginia Creeper Trail which shares the AT for about 1/4 mile.
I've been to Lake Aloha CA and Grays Peak CO. Both of those place are extremely beautiful and unforgettable!
Have only done one section of these trails and that was on the AT from Winding Stair Gap to NOC with my son and his scout patrol. Would love to explore more of the Southern AT section hikes. Not sure which one to try, next.
Wenatchee has a airport and isn't too far from Leavenworth. I use to live there, you can puddle jump from Seattle to Wenatchee, any suggestions Dixie on day hikes on the PCT from that Rosary Lakes area as we are living in Eugene Oregon and new to hiking.
I loved Glacier NP more than even Yosemite. Thru hikers tend to either hit it too early or too late in the season, but section hikers and LASHs can really soak in the beauty!
Glad you made this! I live somewhat near the PCT but have very little time for long hikes so this will be interesting. :)
Thanks Dixie for all the info you offer us.🥰
I'm doing a backpacking trip this Spring and all you video's have given me the confidence to feel prepared and get out there. So thank you! I love your videos, they're fantastic!
Have you considered giving the North Country Trail a try?
It goes from New York to North Dakota, and goes right through my town 🙂
i was watching this to see if the section i planned on hiking on the PCT was a good one and what do you know, its the first suggestion. i live only like 45-ish minutes from Donner Summit so that makes it pretty easy to arrange for someone to pick me up. glad i at least kind of know what i'm doing lol
Fantastic! Those 4 hikes out west look amazing.
I would echo your recommendation of the Mt. Rogers area and the Whites in New Hampshire. I have hiked in both areas and they are notable for providing some open views and a solid break from the green tunnel.
Hi Dixie. Great ideas for section hikes. Love all your videos. Did you make it to PCT days last year? Would have liked to have met you if you were there. Did manage to meet Darwin & Snuggles, Second Chance and Little Bee and The Restless Kiwi. That was great. Maybe you will get out to Oregon again sometime?
There are so many sections on all 3 of the crown trails that are great. Folks looking to do a week long section need to do their homework and plan ahead. You put some good info out there thanks Have Fun & Hike Safe
Or the hike between cheap parking and Jordan-Hare ...that's a good section!
Great video, but as a New Mexican I would recommend Grants to Cuba NM..great variety of habitats , mountain forests, open desert, great rock formations.. Maybe even an experienced mountain lion. (Already tamed by Dixie)
Michael McGowan Yes!! That was my favorite NM section. Was tempted to share it! Hahaha. I dunno who tamed who, but it was a cool experience!
If you check out her vids you will see that she returned to Oregon this year to hike the sections she missed - with her pup and Mom!
Ahh grays and torreys are gorgeous! I did those at the end of last summer and i didn’t realize grays is the highest point on the cdt. The whole trip was lovely.
I work as a waiter/ bartender in the White's it is beautiful, I will be attempting the AT in 2021
Good video good topic. I fall into the category of ppl you named at the beginning so I couldn't do thru hiking. But I'd love to go backpacking so thanks for the list of good sectionals to check out.
Great topic! Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks Dixie great video 👍😀
Dixie, thank you for these suggestions! Definitely going to make note of these - not sure thru-hiking is my thing, but section hikes I can absolutely manage! I was looking at the JMT but seems difficult to get permits etc. so your northern California would be a nice alternative. Just hiked the Whites last year so I've already got those under my belt :)
LadyZi, I agree that obtaining a permit to hike the JMT SOBO, or starting out of the Whitney Portal is VERY difficult, however it is quite easy to get a permit for a NOBO JMT hike. I did it this last summer and started out of Lone Pine, CA and started out of an area called Cottonwood Pass. Simply go to recreation.gov and then find the tab for Inyo National Forest wilderness permits. We had no trouble getting our first pick start date, which was July 28th. This is not a lottery system...if the date is available it's yours. NOW, this route will add approximately 30 miles to your trip, but that is a bonus in my opinion. I guess my point is......go NOBO! Besides, you also will not have to fight the sun in your eyes most of the time...Big bonus!!! My two cents! Respectfully!
@@Rance120 Thank you, I appreciate the tip! Already bookmarked the website and will look into it! Really doesn't matter to me which direction I travel.
I love the Mount Whitney zone. Lake Aloha looks beautiful.
Hey Dixie, I'm a fellow Alabama hiker here and i highly recommend the East Rose Bud trail in Montana for you to hike. Unbelievable scenery
Onion Valley to Bishop pass via Dusy Basin or if your up for it keep going to Paiute Pass via Evolution basin and Humphreys Basin.
Do you remember the Priest Mt. shelter in Va. I watched you A.T. hike but do not remember a vid from there. I will go back and look to see. Hike on from Va.
So genuine and honest with your observations and opinion. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring adventures with us (me) Lol 💕
Thanks Dixie! I hope to check out all these sections.
"There's Donner Ski Ranch if you're looking for some food...."
Donner kebabs?
Snoquamie Pass to Stevens is a great hike, I did it in Aug 2018. The trailhead is only 45 minutes away for me. There is now a once a day bus service from downtown Seattle to the Snoquamie Pass. It's Flixbus.com. My favorite lake on that section is beautiful Spectacle Lake. It worth the 1/2 mile and 500 ft descent from the PCT.
Good to see gray peaks is on the continental divide hoping to go climb it this summer
One of my challenges for doing a long hike is that I don't drive. That's why I'm researching the stretch between Timberline Lodge and Cascade Locks as there is public transit available between the two points to Portland, OR
I have hiked all over the Sierra, but love the Desolation Wilderness is my favorite.
Thank you for the information. I have learned so much from your videos.
Great video thanks. Shooting for a Colorado section this summer.
Very nice list; great information. Thanks!
Dixie, have you ever considered hiking the Ozark Highland (218 miles) and Ouachita Trail (223 miles) in Arkansas and a little in Oklahoma. They are both great trails without a lot of people.
great information and a great video, different to what you normally do but 10/10
Hey Dixie, I live in WA and I think I will take you up on the Snoqualmie to Stevens pass this year. What time of year did you go and should I pack my tent or hammock for this section?
Thanks for the topic of this video Dixie! Someday I need to do the Snowqualmie to N. Cascades section of the PCT.
I'm surprised you didn't choose the San Juan section in Colorado--is it because the Grays Peak section is closer to a major city (Denver) and there isn't any major cities near the San Juans?