View Full Version : PCT for older hikers
Flying Eagle
04-11-2006, 10:49
At 58, I'm looking to plan for a PCT hike in a couple years to mark the big 60. :banana Anxious to see how it compares to the AT. Any 50+ hikers with experience and bits of advice? Any journals you 50+ers have put together? I don't feel like looking through all those available to see who is what age. Call it lazy in my old age. :-?
Thanks for the input.
Flying Eagle from Michigan
I was in my late forties but knew many older that hiked the trail. As long as you're in decent shape you shouldn't have any problems doing the PCT. Since it's also a horse trail, it's well graded. Other than your typical trail injuries, altitude sickness and/or snow has stopped some from completing as have mosquitoes.
If you're into diverse, mostly open trail with awesome views, you'll love the PCT.
58 wouldn't be considered terribly old on the PCT. Start in shape, carry a light load, and have an open schedule and you'll be just fine. By the way, in Oregon I linked up with a late 50s, early 60 year old man (Coach) who, on his second day out, did a 38 mile day with me and Birdie. He beat me in to Crater Lake by almost an hour.
fiddlehead
04-11-2006, 21:26
I'm a little shocked that you consider 58 to be old. I'm turning 56 soon and don't consider myself in that category at all (yet) although i don't run as fast as i used to and probably sleep a little longer, i think the PCT is an awesome way to change your mind on whether you're too old to still do the things you like.
Like Sly said, it's graded much easier than the AT and has much better views. Enjoy it!
Mountain Mike
04-11-2006, 22:12
A few years ago I was talking with a friend I met on the PCT. While on the PCT he commented on how his 30 something old daughter was slowing him down. I had the pleasure of camping several nights with him along the trail. He has completed the "Triple Crown"! Last time I talked to him he said his summer hike had left him tired. "No more long distace for me...nothing over 4-500 miles." I hope when I hit my mid 80"s I can say the same thing!!!
SunnyWalker
09-26-2009, 15:23
I'll be there in 2013 and I'll be 60. This weekend my wife and I are going out hiking. She is ahead of me. She is already 60. (Don't let her know I told you, but she is really 62).
StarLyte
09-26-2009, 15:41
I'll give you one good example of age and hiking: Billy Goat.
Just Google Hiker Billy Goat. One good example of age and hiking.
Lots of hikers are in their 60s. It isn't old at all. The PCT is pretty smooth and the hills aren't steep. You'll have a great time.
You might enjoy the book A Thru-Hiker's Heart by No Way Ray Echols. He was in your age group.
Snowleopard
09-26-2009, 17:13
I'm a little shocked that you consider 58 to be old. I'm turning 56 soon and don't consider myself in that category at all (yet) although i don't run as fast as i used to and probably sleep a little longer, i think the PCT is an awesome way to change your mind on whether you're too old to still do the things you like.
Like Sly said, it's graded much easier than the AT and has much better views. Enjoy it!
Graded easier than the AT!!
Maybe when I get too old to hike the steeps around here I'll do the PCT. I'm 66 now.
Talk to Garlic here on WB. He and his hiking partner Pickle can answer any questions (I realize this an older thread).
Both are triple crowners, put down consistent low 20s or more and (most important) have fun doing so.
Garlic is a whipper snapper in his arly 50s..his hiking partner Pickle is in his early 60s. And I had trouble keeping up Pickle on the last day of our Arizona Trail section! :)
I met The Lone Ranger this summer and had dinner with him and his wife - funny as it turned out they were from the town my mom grew up in. They knew my mom's family and we had a great time talking. My cousin's knew LR's wife even.
Anyways, they are retired and loving life - and he was out there hiking like crazy :)
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=174724
His AT journal was great, too, if you can find it.
He's journaling about his CDT hike currently.
garlic08
09-27-2009, 18:19
My friend Pickle is my role model. I hiked the PCT trying to keep up with Pickle when he was 59. (He thrued the AT two years earlier.) He thrued the AT again at age 64 (with a very fun 20 mile per day average pace!), after hiking the CDT and some shorter trails. He's not a journalist, but he appears often in the journals in my profile.
We also hiked 600 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail together this year, and after some tough days of 7,000' climbs in the Rockies I heard him say he couldn't have done that when he was in his twenties.
I still see folks in their 70s out there...enjoy the hike . They often got more out of it too then the younger counter parts...
Dicentra
10-01-2009, 23:12
I'll give you one good example of age and hiking: Billy Goat.
Just Google Hiker Billy Goat. One good example of age and hiking.
And when you are done with that, google Nimblewill Nomad. ;)
Age is just a number.
unclemjm
10-02-2009, 08:24
Age is just a number.
Since I just crossed the 1/2 century mark I like that statement all the more. I guess I am now at "mid-life".
I have seen "20-somethings" with less stamina and energy than I have and "70-somethings" that could walk me into the ground.
Just go walk. Maybe I'll see you out there sometime.:)
Footslogger
10-02-2009, 10:41
I'm a little shocked that you consider 58 to be old. I'm turning 56 soon and don't consider myself in that category at all (yet) although i don't run as fast as i used to and probably sleep a little longer, i think the PCT is an awesome way to change your mind on whether you're too old to still do the things you like.
Like Sly said, it's graded much easier than the AT and has much better views. Enjoy it!
==============================
I didn't consider myself to be old at 58 ...and then I had a sudden heart attack - - totally out of the blue and no history or symptoms. Back on my feet now at 60 but even with a youthful attitude I can feel the miles on my chassis. My original plan was to hike the PCT this year (2009) and never gave my age a second thought. Since my heart attack though my attitude about long term distance hiking has changed somewhat. I still don't consider 60 to be old but honesly, with all the pills I now have to take daily and the variations in energy the PCT doesn't seem to be a wise undertaking. Kills me to say that because I was the last person I would have ever thought might feel this way. I was the guy who was going to be hiking well into my 90's. Oh well ...stuff happens !
Guess the point of my post is that regardless of age you need to know that you are in good shape, especially your ticker.
'Slogger
SouthMark
10-02-2009, 10:45
I will be attending a friend of mine's 60th birthday celebration Sunday night. It is also a celebration of his triple crown that he completed this year on with the PCT.
Cuppa Joe had a good journal of the PCT on Trail Journals. He didn't finish due to an injury, but his journal is good reading.
There are very rocky trail sections, and footwear that stabilize the side-to-side motion and protects your ankles may be a good idea. I also use shorty stretch gaiters to keep stones out of my footwear.
There are very muddy sections. I would consider footwear to stand up to mud, like Fell Walking footwear.
For steep snow fields, the ULA Helix "Potty Trowel" may be helpful.
Here is the link: http://www.ula-equipment.com/pottytrowel.asp
It is said to be used for crossing snow fields.
That FAQ reports:
Q: The Helix Potty Trowel has a striking resemblance to an ice axe. Have you considered using it as an ice axe?
[Answer] (http://www.ula-equipment.com/pottytrowel.asp#iceaxe)
A: Hmmm. Wow. Now that you mention it, it does kind of look like an ice axe. I've heard that a number of thru-hiker's have been using the Potty Trowels on the PCT and CDT as a non-technical ice axe for glissading, basic slope safety, and the occasional self-arrest. You certainly have to admire the weight conscious, multi-use philosophy employed by these intrepid hikers!
It weights 4.5, 5.0, and 5.4 oz. depending on length.
I have a reasonably lightweight iceaxe, but I would consider this Helix "Potty Trowel" for self-arrest, for poking holes just ahead of my next step on a glacier (glacier blue, it is unsafe snow over a snowed over crevasse).
Learn how to do a "self-arrest". Stay off glaciers. Snowfields are less dangerous. However, learn how to estimate the liklihood of a avalanche-slope.
I have read people doing desert-crossing like their SPF-50 umbrella, desert-rat draped hats and evaporative cooling, if you have the water. A special-material "cloth" for bicyclists, keeps the evaporative cooling in their bicycle hat going 1-4 hours: I will look it up again, if I find it, I will "post" it.
Maybe there is a best time of year for desert-crossing?
The Weasel
10-03-2009, 00:48
If you need any area information checked out, at least in So Calif, let me know. I'm from West Michigan originally (K College '69) and would be glad to give a bit of help a youngster like you.
The Weasel
TwoForty
10-04-2009, 14:59
There was a guy that started from the border a day after me that ran me down after 6 days or so. I had a *slightly* faster pace, but he would hike longer days and take less breaks. We ended up hiking pretty much the same amount of miles until I got off the trail the next week. I thought he was in his 50s. He was 70 or 72.
julianne2saw
10-04-2009, 16:07
:welcome
At 58, I'm looking to plan for a PCT hike in a couple years to mark the big 60. :banana Anxious to see how it compares to the AT. Any 50+ hikers with experience and bits of advice? Any journals you 50+ers have put together? I don't feel like looking through all those available to see who is what age. Call it lazy in my old age. :-?
Thanks for the input.
Flying Eagle from Michigan
[email protected]
is interested in a short time up there at maybe uncle johnnys nolichucky hostel in eastern tennessee and then a bit of short, slow meandering the trail. I am not afraid but do feel its wiser to go in a group. Lots of crazies everywhere in america after all. any input or ideas??
Blissful
10-04-2009, 20:10
I haven't read all this thread - but is it safe to assume ladies in their 50s have done it too? A thru hike of the whole trail, that is? I'm a little concerned about making the miles necessary right off the bat so you aren't in snow by WA.
Snowleopard
10-04-2009, 20:31
==============================
I didn't consider myself to be old at 58 ...and then I had a sudden heart attack - - totally out of the blue and no history or symptoms. Back on my feet now at 60 but even with a youthful attitude I can feel the miles on my chassis. My original plan was to hike the PCT this year (2009) and never gave my age a second thought. Since my heart attack though my attitude about long term distance hiking has changed somewhat. I still don't consider 60 to be old but honesly, with all the pills I now have to take daily and the variations in energy the PCT doesn't seem to be a wise undertaking. Kills me to say that because I was the last person I would have ever thought might feel this way. I was the guy who was going to be hiking well into my 90's. Oh well ...stuff happens !
Guess the point of my post is that regardless of age you need to know that you are in good shape, especially your ticker.
'Slogger
Hey 'Slogger, Mr. D hiked the PCT with blood pressure/heart problems/heart meds at age 68. The meds did cause him some problems and the meds had to be adjusted, but he did finish.
http://www.trailjournals.com/about.cfm?trailname=5737
I'd be careful about it and have a hiking companion for sure. I hope your attack didn't cause too much damage. Good luck!
Footslogger
10-04-2009, 21:46
Hey 'Slogger, Mr. D hiked the PCT with blood pressure/heart problems/heart meds at age 68. The meds did cause him some problems and the meds had to be adjusted, but he did finish.
http://www.trailjournals.com/about.cfm?trailname=5737
I'd be careful about it and have a hiking companion for sure. I hope your attack didn't cause too much damage. Good luck!
======================
Actually mine did cause a lot of damage. I was 4 hours in an ambulance and have significant left ventricular heart wall damage. Cardiac output is compromised so exercise tolerance ain't what it used to be. Haven't given up the ship all together quite yet though. My wife (BadAss Turtle - AT 2001) is a hiker too and I'm after her to at least take a shot at the John Muir with me. We'll see.
In my case it's not the age that gets in the way ...it's the reality of significant heart damage, and ironically I am and always have been (prior to the heart attack, that is ...) in excellent physical condition.
'Slogger
handlebar
10-05-2009, 21:08
I hiked the PCT at age 63 in '08 as a follow on to my AT thru in '06. I can tell you that the trail is generally easier than the AT with "gentle" grades compared with the steep, straight-up-the-mountain trail here on the AT.
There were several other guys and a couple ladies out there in the "advanced middle age" category like me. I hiked with a goodly number of young "kids" and managed to keep up with them!
So, don't worry about the calender, just get on out there and do it!
BTW, my journals are at www.trailjournals.com/handlebar (http://www.trailjournals.com/handlebar)
Crap, Handlebar, you were 63? I had the distinct impression that you could kick my butt anytime you chose, and I'm 53 now ... the whole thing of sliding down Baden Powell in snow in a kilt, etc etc ... you don't strike me as a man with an "old man" attitude.
I hiked with J.B. on the PCT last year and he was well into his 60's. Started every day with 4 ibuprofin but walked tough and I had a hard time keeping up. Ditto Lucky. Both of those guys did the CDT this year, or at least started it (neither of them journal, so I'm not yet sure how they did ...).
Age can of course be a factor, but mindset is an important one too. Ditto a certain amount of discipline; I found that the younger hikers tended to sleep later and take more and longer breaks, the older folk tended to just keep walking more and often got in the same number of miles. It was the steeper uphills where I really noticed the difference --- substantially younger hikers would just sort of walk away from me as I did my best sustainable pace upward.
Rocket Cow
07-19-2019, 22:02
Hi Flying Eagle,
I know you posted this a while ago but I also know it can take a while to get from "I'm gunna" to I'm going" ;-) I first decided in 2009 to train for a PCT thru and didn't actually do it until 2016.
So just in case you are still training...
I was 52 when I thru-hiked the PCT Canada to Mexico. I managed the thru in a 5 month continuous hike, 26 miles a day with 1 day a week break in resupply towns.
The things that helped me were:
1) Being really strong and well trained when I left. Examples: I worked through all my problem areas pre-hike with a physical therapist. I took a snow skills class and had all my sock/shoe issues dealt with so -- no blisters during the thru.
2) Admittedly being a massage therapist helped on this one, but I stayed really on top of any daily pain that surfaced -- figuring out in the tent at night what tendon/muscle/etc. was starting to give me trouble. Where the attachment to bone was and then working with the trigger points to release it. First I used rocks from around the tent as a trigger point tool then when rock collection got to be too much work I used the end of my fuel canister (where the rubber flip top covers the part that connects to the stove). It made a great trigger point tool.
3) Beyond working with specific pain points that came up every day, I had a daily maintenance routine that I think really helped. I carried a little thing of arnica cream and did foot massage with it every night. I used the side of my fuel canister as a baby "foam roller" to work out the gluts, quads, IT band etc. I rolled the muscles in my lower legs with the foam part of my trekking pole and I had a whole "in the sleeping bag" stretching routine that I did every night and then a shorter version in the morning before getting up.
I really credit those 3 things with allowing me to do the whole trail injury free.
Good luck (and if you have already done your thru ... congratulations!)