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Post by exileonmainst17 on Jul 30, 2020 3:26:11 GMT -8
Hey everybody,
I'm thinking of hiking the Rim Trail, point to point, in Lincoln National Forest in August and have a couple questions on that.
1. Does anyone know the water situation? I read someone's comment on AllTrails that you'll have to pack in all your water, which I'm assuming means no good water sources available along the trail.
2. Is it possible to park the car at the end and hitch to the start? Parking at the end? General willingness of people to give you a hitch?
Any other info would be cool too!
Thanks guys
-Exile
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Post by trinity on Jul 31, 2020 10:23:23 GMT -8
Welcome to the forums, exileonmainst17 . I am not super familiar with this area, and have never backpacked it. But my recollection is that you are right, there is no water available along the trail. However, there are numerous trailheads along the trail, so caching water will be very easy. It's a beautiful area, but for backpacking you might be better off in the White Mountain Wilderness north of Ruidoso. I don't know when you're planning on going, but I wouldn't rely on hitchhiking during a pandemic. Under the circumstances, I would look for a loop or an out and back. Good luck! |
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Post by exileonmainst17 on Aug 3, 2020 3:22:29 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply! I guess it's a little silly of me to not even think about people being adverse to hitchhiking during a pandemic but of course that understandably makes sense. I am thinking of going in a few weeks as a tune up trip to a week long trip to Yosemite in late September. Have you hiked in the White Mountain Wilderness?
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Post by trinity on Aug 3, 2020 14:57:45 GMT -8
Yes, it's very nice, though on the small side. I did a 2 day loop up Argentina Canyon, then back down Bonito Creek. I had planned another night out, but the springs weren't flowing, so I ran out of water. This was about 6 or 7 years ago during a drought. You should check with the ranger district to get information on whether or not the springs are flowing (though they don't always give correct info). There is typically water at Argentina Spring, Spring Cabin Spring, and Bonito Seep, among others. toejam also has experience in this area, as I recall. Is there any reason you are looking at this area? If you are interested in suggestions for other destinations, let us know what your criteria are. |
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Post by exileonmainst17 on Aug 3, 2020 15:07:54 GMT -8
Yeah I was planning on giving the ranger district a call to see what current conditions are. I'm choosing this area because it is a reasonable distance away from where I live, only 8-9 hours, and it is the closest I can get to terrain that at least is in the ballpark of Yosemite. Also, its a lot cooler in the Lincoln National Forest area haha. I am a relatively experienced backpacker. I took a number of years off but am now getting back into it. My girlfriend is new to this and is going to Yosemite with me, so I thought one more little tune up would be nice. Although she did do very well on a 2 nighter at a local Texas State Park and is in marathon shape. So really it's just getting her comfortable with her gear is all.
Thanks as always for the replies!
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Post by trinity on Aug 3, 2020 16:28:09 GMT -8
exileonmainst17 , where do you live? I'm in central Texas, Round Mountain, to be exact.... I have similar issues this time of year, figuring out places that are within reasonable driving range, but at enough elevation that it will be comfortable. I love Big Bend and the Guads, but not in the summer.... If you're willing to drive a little further from Texas, the Pecos Wilderness is pretty hard to beat. Much bigger than the White Mountain Wilderness, lots of water, beautiful scenery.
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Post by exileonmainst17 on Aug 4, 2020 3:30:32 GMT -8
I live in San Antonio! Yeah I wish Big Bend was cooler (and open haha) this time of year. Thanks for the recommendation, the Pecos Wilderness looks fantastic! With my work schedule, I think we are only going to be able to get away for 4 days or so, and with one day total (combining there and back drive times) we will probably only have time for a 2 nighter. So I guess what I'm getting at is size of forest or wilderness area is not a huge selling point for this trip, that's why I was thinking Lincoln area.
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Post by trinity on Aug 4, 2020 6:51:18 GMT -8
Your reasoning makes good sense to me. I think the White Mountain Wilderness would be a good option for what you are describing. There is a pretty nice dispersed camping area at the trailhead, which is very convenient. You probably know this, but the other issue you may need to consider is altitude. Driving there from SA in a day and then heading up to 9000 feet or so the next morning will not give you any opportunity to acclimate. May not be an issue for you, a lot depends on fitness and age. I never needed to worry about acclimating until about the time I turned 50.
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