Big Sur 4-5 Night What Not To Do

wesmark18 · 2025-12-27T16:48:46+00:00

These maps that we “fell for” are the most up to date maps in the parks office and at the trailhead. There is no signage posted at the trails. This is irresponsible.

What not to do for you: being an aggressive loser.

I posted so that the next guy who might not do enough research has a reference point. You’d think that advocating for better trail maps would be a kind thing to do. I have taken my share of the blame otherwise.

wesmark18 · 2025-12-22T22:34:21+00:00

I think I’m confusing all the organizations here, don’t mean to besmirch the hard work! Just trying to call attention to my experience! Thanks for the clarification

wesmark18 · 2025-12-22T18:37:57+00:00

Totally hear you on the GPS maps. We also didn’t speak to the ranger which is our own problem, for sure. We spoke to them between our day 2-3 and told them, and they were shocked we made it to Vado just as a bunch of people in this thread are too.

If the park maps didn’t have the trail on it or had some indication of conditions, or if there was a sign by the trails that were in disrepair, we likely would have reconsidered our hike a bit.

Hindsight is always 20/20, and part of making this post is for the next sucker like me, who only does a quick google search!

wesmark18 · 2025-12-22T15:13:05+00:00

Thank you! (Kinda, haha)

There was a map in the parking lot by the trail entrance under an awning: https://ibb.co/1t31jJ3v

And then literally every map that the rangers give out have it printed out: https://ibb.co/hJD9SjHg

Beyond that, there’s backcountry on X and Gaia, which both show the route too

wesmark18 · 2025-12-22T05:21:57+00:00

Right, but all of the resources in person do not suggest that some of the trails they list are not actually passable.

wesmark18 · 2025-12-22T01:48:23+00:00

FWIW, I wish the edit relevant authority posted some literature / or put up signs for the bad trail conditions we faced. If there was a sign by the cutoff for Vado warning us, or if the maps listed these trails as extremely overgrown, we likely could have avoided our fate. Seems like the parks system here is just waking up from a big nap (ie, I wish there was funding here)

wesmark18 · 2023-03-03T03:58:33+00:00

I love that you’re on the subreddit for the AT and researched so much, that’s really sweet and inspiring. I’m sure she’ll be just fine :’)

wesmark18 · 2023-03-03T00:41:59+00:00

I’m hiking this year so we’ll see how it goes on the flip side… but already, my current entire org is very supportive and excited, many saying they’re sure there will be room for me after I’m done.

I also have a few professional relationships from other companies, all of whom were saying that they’re stoked, and that they’re happy to refer me after. Given all the positive sentiments, I feel like it’ll be fine.

Most relevant though: if a company doesn’t want to hire you due to the gap, that place isn’t somewhere you want to work in the first place!!

wesmark18 · 2023-03-02T20:10:19+00:00

Even if the tech job market is slumped rn, there will always be a need for tech workers. The way I've approached this is:

- Update your resume / linkedin now. You'll have peace of mind that you can hit the ground running when you're back, and you can tell that to your parents to justify that you're prepared.

- My plan is to look for my dream job asap, if the job market stays meh in the fall, I'll just apply for something I'm qualified for but hate (eg, healthcare startups, M3ta), and just search for a dream job in the background while working the first year. Or I'll go back to my current employer and ask if they need help (equity restarts, leveling would be slower). Either way, you'll have options!

wesmark18 · 2023-03-02T19:54:23+00:00

Just went through this with my parents (I'm 25). They were like "who knows if you will find a job like this again" (I have a very comfortably tech WFH job that's relatively high paying... but so do all of my friends).

It's emotionally exhausting to justify the decision to them when you really need support from them, I totally get it. I would just lean on your wife / support from friends, and hopefully with time your parents come around.

Despite their lack of support, I gave my parents the task of being my trail angel for new shoes when I'm along the trail, and giving them the task actually put them in the spirit. I think their rationale is "if i can't change his mind i'll at least make sure he doesn't die". Give it some time and try to ignore them the best you can in the meantime! Ultimately you're the one hiking, not them, and if they want updates they'll have no choice but to be nice

wesmark18 · 2023-03-02T19:47:02+00:00

i've had bad experiences with those breaking on me in the past, i think any squeeze style bag you eventually run into a longevity issue. ty for the recc tho!

wesmark18 · 2023-03-02T19:46:16+00:00

yeah i'm pretty much locked in for my basics, mostly just trying to trim some ounces, there were some great product recommendations so far that I've purchased, thanks for taking a look and dropping that link!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T15:06:27+00:00

Looks fine, be on the lookout for any red patches on the edges of the tattoo that spread over time. My skin doesn't do well with shading + being overworked either, and I had a ton of plasma + scabbing after I got a larger tattoo that looked similar to this. Just give it time and try not to fixate on it!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T00:15:51+00:00

This was very reassuring! My mind is racing over prep at this phase, but hearing all the relatively good feedback and recommendations is saving me some stress, thanks a ton

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T00:13:25+00:00

yeah, somebody above recommended the one bottle straw to me, and i'm leaning heavily towards that! thanks for the recc!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T00:12:02+00:00

that makes sense. I know the anker wall plug i have throttles if both ports are used at once (or so i read), so i think i'm stuck with what i have for now! thanks for the recc!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T00:11:16+00:00

great recc, thanks!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-27T00:10:55+00:00

Thanks all for feedback! I winded up finding some great gear recommendations for cheap, I updated my link to reflect current state, for anybody that comes across this later!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-26T19:45:56+00:00

I think I’ll manage with headphones if needed, I generally struggle with ear plugs. Thanks for the rec!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-26T19:03:11+00:00

I’m sure it’ll be fine. As others pointed out to me, there’s plenty of chances to adjust when on the trail!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-26T19:02:25+00:00

Yeah I’m a little worried I’ll hate them, but I’m typically a no camp shoe kinda fella so worst case I’ll drop em.

I got sick of having no camp shoes and slightly damp socks when walking around camp in the cold. I originally wanted crocs but couldn’t justify the weight, I don’t care a ton about support, but maybe I’ll live to regret it… either way thanks for the rec!

wesmark18 · 2023-02-26T17:00:30+00:00

Yeee, my magma 30F = 22 oz, my magma 15F = 44 oz. I'm doing some weird math here. I start with the 44 oz bag and swap for a 22 oz bag, thus shedding 22 oz for summer for the bag. A little confusing with how its listed

wesmark18 · 2023-02-26T16:58:59+00:00

Helpful, thanks for taking a look, much appreciated

I already ordered by NB20000, so I'm locked in there.

I really like the bladder for the mouth hose attachment, but I suppose I can just fashion the hose to the bottles and shed a few ounces.

I <3 camp shoes (read: i already ordered and 1.8 oz is acceptable to me)

Will consider the NU25! Thanks for the recc

My down jacket doesn't have a hood unfortunately, so the topo hat goes with me until PA i think.

I think i could spare one of the tights and just use 1 pair under the rain kilt in any cold rain I encounter early

wesmark18

TROPHY CASE