Remember when you could just show up at a trailhead?

Last summer, my buddy and I planned a five day loop in the Wind River Range. We got to the trailhead at 8 AM and the parking lot was already full, with a line of cars parked down the dirt road for a mile. We had to walk an extra hour just to start the actual trail. It was a solid week of great views, but that first morning felt like waiting for a ride at a theme park. Does anyone else miss the days when you could just roll up and go?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sean2d ago

Get there before sunrise or you're just joining the crowd.

aaronrobinson1d ago

Yeah, that parking lot scene is way too common now. My usual move is to get there the night before and sleep in the truck at the trailhead. Waking up already parked means you can just grab your pack and start walking while everyone else is still driving in. It turns a crowded morning into a quiet start, and you get the first few hours on the trail to yourself.