Re: Fast & Light on HST to Big Arroyo late Jul/early Aug
Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 8:41 pm
I went to Big Arroyo via the HST 3 years ago. I'm in shape and generally do fine hiking all day with minimal stops (dayhiked from Horseshoe Meadow to Mt. Langley in 12 hrs last year), and I wouldn't want to go to Big Arroyo in one day. I was the first person at the permit office when it opened at 7 AM, and it still took me an hour+ to get my permit, use the restroom (last chance) and drive to the trailhead. I got to Hamilton Lake around 3-4 PM and camped there. The next morning it took me 4 hrs to get to Big Arroyo.
Maybe it was the season. I was there in late September, and the heat really sucked a lot out of me between Bearpaw and Hamilton Lakes. That stretch is in full sun. Ditto the section from Hamilton to Big Arroyo. Even without my sweat-o-rama, though, I don't think it would have been much fun to cover that ground in one 12-14 hour day. I wouldn't have wanted to get to Big Arroyo in one day and have to set up camp + take care of all those camp chores in the dark.
To be honest, I bugged out at Big Arroyo. It was noon, I was too lonely, and I couldn't find the old ranger cabin/bear box/trail junction that's supposed to be there. Again, this was at noon, with full sunlight. Wouldn't want to have to choose between searching in the dark for a bear box that may or may not be right behind the next bush, and storing my food in an unsafe manner.
Wandering Daisy's right. Wayyy better to camp at Hamilton Lakes and dayhike to the Gap or that area. For one thing...one BIG thing: Hamilton Lakes is a lot more comfortable. You have lots of bear boxes, you have a privy which is a damn sight better than pooping over a hole, and you have company. Even if you like solitude, you have to factor in that you're alone and all those other annoying backpackers could very well save your life in an emergency.
Maybe it was the season. I was there in late September, and the heat really sucked a lot out of me between Bearpaw and Hamilton Lakes. That stretch is in full sun. Ditto the section from Hamilton to Big Arroyo. Even without my sweat-o-rama, though, I don't think it would have been much fun to cover that ground in one 12-14 hour day. I wouldn't have wanted to get to Big Arroyo in one day and have to set up camp + take care of all those camp chores in the dark.
To be honest, I bugged out at Big Arroyo. It was noon, I was too lonely, and I couldn't find the old ranger cabin/bear box/trail junction that's supposed to be there. Again, this was at noon, with full sunlight. Wouldn't want to have to choose between searching in the dark for a bear box that may or may not be right behind the next bush, and storing my food in an unsafe manner.
Wandering Daisy's right. Wayyy better to camp at Hamilton Lakes and dayhike to the Gap or that area. For one thing...one BIG thing: Hamilton Lakes is a lot more comfortable. You have lots of bear boxes, you have a privy which is a damn sight better than pooping over a hole, and you have company. Even if you like solitude, you have to factor in that you're alone and all those other annoying backpackers could very well save your life in an emergency.