100 Mile Hike in Big Sur/Ventana

[allthink]

I'm going to be hiking Big Sur/Ventana in January and would greatly appreciate some advise and tips on how to complete a 100+ mile hike with dogs.

I have hiked to Sykes Hot Springs a few times as well as some trails on Salmon Creek, Lions Den, etc... so I am moderately familiar with the area and weather this time of year.

What I am not familiar with is:

-What food to bring on a 100 mile hike (rice and dried beans?)
-Dog Food? I've seen people hiking the PCT with their pups, how do they do it?

-Keeping a base camp vs thru-hiking?


Any advise or tips would be helpful.

Steve

[Sally]

Hi Steve,

Although I have not backpacked the area, I have done a few dayhikes there (Salmon Creek.) A good guide book is "Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur" by Analise Elliot, published by Wilderness Press.

I would bring freeze-dried food. Regular dried beans take too much fuel and time to cook.

Check with the rangers about bringing dogs. Dogs can carry some of their food in their own little backpacks!

Have fun!

[HH8]

I've seen people hiking the PCT with their pups, how do they do it?

Dogs can carry their own water and food in saddlebags. On rocky trails their foot pads may bleed unless you get them those little booties. In the tent, be sure you have a sturdy ground cloth for their toenails. The dog might prefer to sleep outside, but remember the temperature at elevation is lower. Most importantly, remember to bring a bowl for the dog's water, and offer it as often as you drink yourself. Their only cooling is panting.

[mjordon]

I know November is usually beautiful in Big Sur, but I'm not too familiar with January hiking. Read about averages online and take rain gear!

I've been happy with this company for dried food:
http://www.efoodsdirect.com

I think the dog thing is up to you - there are always restrictions and ways of getting around those. PCT hikers often poach the trails with their pets. AKA - they do it illegally. Just have a "pup" that doesn't mind big drop-offs along the Pine Ridge Trail and can keep up with you. Food for dogs is fairly light and you can cover 100 miles at a comfortable pace of 15 miles per day. The dog may be able to haul something too. I recommend feeding the dog something it's used to eating - otherwise it will probably get sick along the way.

I prefer to through hike because you'll always add mileage to your trip by backtracking everyday. Better to just get dropped off somewhere and hike in - then hike out to your car in Big Sur somewhere (Ranger Station). There are lots of locals that will drop you off for a 10 or 20 dollar bill.

Pack light, go fast, minimize exhaustion. Bring a good headlamp and know your routes - it's a big, big wilderness out there.

HAVE FUN and post your trip report! I love it up there!

[Hikin_Jim]

A 100 mile unsupported (no re-supply stops) hike is very very doable if you pack your food well. You also have to plan out your water re-supply points very carefully in the front ranges of California.

100 miles is 15 miles/day for a week or 10 miles/day for 10 days. I personally would plan at least one "zero day" (rest day where you do zero miles) in there.

Some menu classics:
-Quaker Instant oatmeal. It can get boring after a week, but it's DARN good on a cold morning, and it's light and packs well. The wrappers can be burned (where safe) or packed out. I like bringing along a packet of raisins which I mix in. A little extra weight, but TASTY. Mmm!
-Ramen. Very light and very tasty, especially if combined with dried veggies (which re-hydrate just like the noodles). Get Sapporo Ichiban brand not the inferior Top Ramen brand. Sapporo Ichiban is available at most Asian markets and at a lot of non-Asian markets.


-Knorrs brand rice or noodle mixes are a nice, tasty (and cheaper!) alternative to freeze dried backpacking specific food. I supplement with nuts and jerky since the Knorrs packets don't have much protein. If you really want a nice meal, mix in a packet of chicken. It's not light weight since the chicken is not dehydrated, but it's a delish combo.


Let us know how it goes!

HJ

[avid]

There are several hiking forums specifically for the Santa Barbara area.

http://www.sbhikers.org/messages/boards ... Id=1548245

http://www.ventanawild.org/forums/index ... 47f6f81a30

There is another one that Google is not locating.

I found it.

http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/index.shtml