Camping
Like the
PCT and CDT, the Grand Enchantment Trail supports a mostly primitive
camping experience.
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|
Chihuahuan
desert campsite
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No lean-tos,
huts, or hiker shelters occur along the route, and although you
may come across the occasional backcountry shanty, most would
be unsuitable for camping. Forest Service campgrounds are located
sporadically between the route's termini. Most are located near
roads and are aimed primarily at car campers. Now and then you
may find yourself drawn in by the social atmosphere at these places,
or the creature comforts of a picnic table and bathroom. Usually,
though, you'll be camping in the woods. Or the desert. By a babbling
creek, perhaps. Or beneath a lone juniper tree. Established campsites
with fire rings can be nice when you find them, but otherwise
the route is a treasure trove of pristine ground just waiting
for you to throw down a bedroll and stretch out for a good night's
rest beneath the stars. Few camping restrictions exist on the
ample public lands along the G.E.T. Just be sure to camp far enough
away from critical water sources so that wildlife and stock animals
feel secure in visiting them during the night.
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| Capilla
Peak Campground picnic shelter, Manzano Mtns |
The G.E.T.
topo map set highlights some
of the more noteworthy camping spots along the route. As does
the guidebook description.
Equipment
Although starry
nights tend to be the rule, you should carry shelter with you
along the entire route. Not only will this keep you dry in the
event of rain, snow, or the very real chance of overnight dew,
it can also keep you much warmer and less distracted by shielding
you from wind. A lightweight tarp is often a good choice
for thru-hikers, or you may want to carry an ultralight 3 season
tent to keep any insects and moths at bay. A full-coverage
tent can be especially useful during summer and fall hikes along
the route's desert segments, when warm temperatures and recent
monsoon rains can create a sporadic abundance of scorpions.
In selecting a shelter for use on the G.E.T., focus primarily
on minimizing its weight and packed size, and on simplicity of
set-up.
In addition,
consider carrying:
- Thin-gauge
titanium tent stakes for easier purchase and less flexing
in hardpan desert soils. Avoid the "ultralight" varieties,
which bend like aluminum stakes.
- A lightweight,
full coverage ground sheet, especially when tarping, to
reduce exposure to spines and burrs, and any insects
on the ground (ants or, especially in desert washes, possible
scorpions).
- Inflatable
mattress vs. foam pad - you'll need to be more careful when
selecting campsites if carrying the former, but in my experience
it is certainly possible to do so without having a puncture.
Carry an air mat inside your pack only, and bring a patch
kit for peace of mind.
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| Tarping
along Whitewater Creek, Gila NF |
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