We were hiking on Labor Day, and we arrived later than we hoped around 9:45am to the trailhead. The lower and overflow lots were both full, but we were able to find some safe parking off a side road that only added ~0.25mi or so to the start of the trail. Vault toilets were surprisingly pleasant and well-stocked with toilet paper.
We certainly weren't alone on the trail, though we didn't run into as many people as I expected based on the number of cars at the trailhead. We encountered a number of trail runners, backpackers hiking out after the long weekend, and then many more day hikers up closer to the Katwalk. It was also very fun crossing paths with many PCT thu-hikers.
It was a beautiful day and the trail was great and steady, albeit rocky for sure. However, it was also one of those rare days for my hiking partner and I where we didn't regret getting ourselves to the trail but were definitely feeling rough the whole way up. In fact, we finally came to our senses that today was not our day less than half a mile from the official Katwalk and turned around early. It's always a tough choice to bow out of the full hike but feels good to respect and honor the needs of your body. We look forward to getting back out again soon to fully experience the Katwalk!
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