Tried a shortcut on the John Muir Trail last month. Big mistake.

I took a detour around Evolution Valley thinking I'd save 5 miles. Ended up on a sketchy unmarked ridge for 3 hours. Had to backtrack because the path just disappeared into a cliff band. My knees were shot and I burned through half my water. Anyone else ever trust a random trail shortcut and regret it?

2 comments

2 Comments

margaret_lane4d ago

Learned that lesson the hard way too @gonzalez.phoenix. Never again trusting my gut over the map.

gonzalez.phoenix4d ago

Read a blog where some guy took a "shortcut" and ended up bushwhacking for 8 miles.