That time a ranger in Kings Canyon told me my route was dumb and he was right

Sean Johnson · 2026-10-09T00:25:06.286302+00:00

Back in 2018 I mapped out this 6 day loop out of Roads End in Kings Canyon. I was so proud of it. First night at Upper Paradise, then over the Sphinx crest, down to the Middle Fork, and back up. I figured 12 miles a day, no problem. Day two the climb up to the crest about broke me. My pack was 42 pounds, I had way too much food, and the talus on that pass is just endless. A backcountry ranger caught up to me near the junction and asked where I was headed next. I told him and he just kind of laughed and said guys like me come through every summer with that same plan. He pulled out his map and showed me a lower route along the river with better water and way less up and down. I took it and it saved my whole trip. Now I check with rangers before I lock in any route. Does anyone else plan the miles on a map and totally forget what the terrain actually does?

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That time a ranger in Kings Canyon told me my route was dumb and he was right | Backpacking Routes - Talk Freely