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Everyone says to avoid the west side of the Lost Coast Trail in May, but I went last week and it was perfect.
The forecast called for heavy fog, but I packed a simple compass and navigated the headlands easily, seeing zero other hikers for two days. Has anyone else found that going against the seasonal advice actually paid off?
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paulhernandez2mo ago
Honestly, that's awesome to hear. I feel like a lot of those blanket warnings are for the absolute worst case scenario and it keeps people from some great trips. Tbh, getting a trail all to yourself like that is the dream. Good on you for just going for it with some basic gear instead of overthinking it.
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dixon.amy2mo ago
Right? @paulhernandez gets it. I saw a huge "trail closed" sign last fall for "hazardous conditions." It was just one washed-out spot you could walk around. Had the whole canyon to myself. If you wait for perfect safety you'll never leave your couch. Sometimes you just need decent boots and common sense.
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amy_foster561mo ago
Totally read something the other day about how most "extreme" warnings on trails are just legal butt-covering from land managers. They'd rather scare everyone than risk getting sued by one clueless hiker. Makes sense but also sucks for people who know what they're doing. Had a ranger once tell me off the record that half the closures are just suggestions. Common sense really is the best tool you can pack.
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