Transportation Logistics

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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Sometimes it seems that the main challenge of a backpacking trip is getting to the trailhead—especially if you're traveling in some distant part of the country and don't have a car. And then, of course, after you've walked a day or a week (or longer), there's always the challenge of getting back.

Here are a few ways to maximize your time on the trail—not on the road!

Before you go: If you're hiking a major trail, check with the trail club or association. They may be able to provide a list of people who are willing to help hikers by shuttling them to the trailhead.

Check with the agency (Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service) that manages the land where you will be hiking. They may be able to tell you about public transportation either to the park or within it.

Look for local airports: By taking local puddle-jumper service, you can get quite close to many prime hiking areas.

If you're hiking with another person and you're planning to drive to the trail, consider taking two cars and leaving one at each end of the trail.

To find out if trailhead parking is fairly secure, call the management agency, trail club, or local police department to ask about incidents of vandalism and whether the parking area is patrolled.

Don't forget about the daily parking fees that are now in place at many national forest trailheads. Call to check about getting permits in advance. If that's not possible, you'll need to plan extra time for getting the necessary permit, which may only be available at ranger stations during business hours.

Another choice: Arrange with a nearby local business to park your car in its parking lot. This works especially well with motels where you have a reservation for the night before or after your hike. Note: Some businesses on popular trails charge for this service, but they may also give you a ride to the trailhead. Your best source of information: trail clubs and up-to-date hikers' guides.

Arrange to end your hike at a popular trailhead or campground, where you can talk to fellow outdoorspeople, and ask for a ride if you need one. It's safer that hitchhiking.

Look for loops. Loops trails circle around so that you end your hike where you began it.

A hike doesn't have to go in a full-circle. A half-loop, where you go in one trailhead and out another, might help, too, if the distances between the two trailheads are not too great. You can stash your pack and jog back to your car. Or, instead of leaving two cars, you can leave a bicycle at one end and ride back to your car.

If transportation logistics force you to do an out-and-back hike, remember that the terrain looks different when you're walking in a different direction!