SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
Full Name:
 City:
Address 1:
 State:
 Zip Code:
Address 2:
 Email: (required)

If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.


Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions

CLOSE WINDOW

BACKPACKER PHOTOS

Email this page RSS feed
User rating:
-
Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

Don't Pay at the Pump: Bus to the Trail

Follow Dan Koeppel and photographer Michael Darter as they jump a magic bus in L.A. and camp in Angeles National Forest. You may never drive again.
(Photos by Michael Darter, www.michaeldarter.com)
«
  • The group heads out on a three-day trek. Their first obstacle: big packs, crowded bus.
  • The 32 miles of walking included quite a bit of road and sidewalk hoofing.
  • Dan invited companions already inclined towards alternative transportation: bike messengers.
  • Despite warnings of rattlesnakes and mountain lions, the group heads for the San Gabriels.
  • Trail Canyon path begins along a shady creekbed & passes a year-round waterfall.
  • After two summits, a brief trip on the PCT helps the group back to L.A.
  • A rare specimen, Pinaceae cones, not often found in L.A.
  • A beautiful view to the right, miles of tire tracks underfoot.
  • The juxtaposition of two energy sources--or a pretty sunset.
  • Sometimes, even the best-laid plans require some last-minute adjustments.
  • By letting someone else do the driving, the trip to the trail becomes a relaxing jaunt.
  • Camp shoes get more action on an eco-friendly commute to the trail.
  • The sign said: "MARIACHIS - HAPPY HOUR MARGARITAS - $2.00."
>
»
The group heads out on a three-day trek. Their first obstacle: big packs, crowded bus.
Image 1 of 13

The group heads out on a three-day trek. Their first obstacle: big packs, crowded bus.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

I've been living in Turkey for the last six months, and I've taken at least a dozen day or weekend trips above treeline (not always summits, though as spring and late-fall weather here can be unpredictable), using strictly mass transit. The same works in Georgia, Bulgaria, Italy, and it's great. You also have the advantage of not having to come out where you started. Keep going uphill until you reach the top, and then head down whichever way you please, because there's bound to be a village with a bus stop down there somewhere. It's a new thing for me, having grown up in WIsconsin 1000 miles from the nearest mountains of note, but I'm definitely going to be biking out to the Superstitions when I get back to Phoenix (it's only 20 miles from the last light-rail stop...)
— sam


POST A COMMENT

Your Name:
Comment:
My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Gear
What knife do you carry on the trail?
Posted On: May 23, 2012
Submitted By: Grendy
Gear
BioLite CampStove Reservation?
Posted On: May 23, 2012
Submitted By: eggs
Most viewed Most emailed Top Rated

  1. Make a Tyvek Groundcloth for Your Tent

    Save money (and weight) with this tent-saving DIY trick.

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. Gear Review: 10 under $10

    Ten dirt-cheap items to make your next hike more enjoyable.

  1. Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch

    Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden ...

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. 2010 Reader Photo Contest

    Your best shots: BACKPACKER readers have been to some spectacular places and ...

TIP 32: Follow the Ranger

Ask park rangers which tent sites are best for privacy, views, and water. Then steer the conversation to where they like to camp.

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad. Powered by:

Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.

BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Backpacker Expeditions
Backpacker Expeditions will challenge your outdoor fortitude and indulge your passion for discovery. Powered by:

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
(required) Email:

If I like BACKPACKER, I'll pay just $12.00 and receive a
full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings
off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.

SUBMIT MY ORDER Offer valid in US only.
Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions

Pay Now