S
25

Shoutout to the worst trail I've ever been on, the so-called 'scenic' loop in the San Juan Mountains.

Honestly, I planned a 4 day trip on that loop last July and it was a total bust from day one. The map said 'moderate' but the first 8 miles were straight up a washed-out scree slope with zero shade. We ran out of water by noon because two marked springs on the map were completely dry. The worst part was the 'established' campsite at the end of day one, which was basically a muddy pit swarming with mosquitos so thick you could hear them. We had to hike another 2 miles in the dark just to find a flat spot. Has anyone else had a route completely mis-sold by a guidebook or map like that? I need to know what to trust for my next trip.
2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
2 Comments
emery_lopez
My guidebook once called a cliff "a fun scramble.
2
bettyfox
bettyfox2d ago
My guidebook called a river crossing "refreshing," which is a funny word for hypothermia.
0