Susan Alcorn’s Backpacking and Hiking Newsletter, July 2026
Dear Readers: I’m sorry to have missed putting out a May and June newsletter. As you all know, this time of year is chock full or activities and news, but this year, so far, for us has been even more complicated than usual. Both good news and sad.
We’ve had some fun activities: A short trip to Summer Lake Hot Springs in Paisley, OR (the “Oregon Outback” for an outdoor piano concert from “In the Desert” by Hunter Noack. There we met up with friends from Washington-California to enjoy the music and camping. We also have enjoyed various birthday and neighborhood parties; local hikes (including leading Bay Area Travel Writers (to which I belong) on a tour of San Francisco Botanical Garden (highly recommended), and a family wedding in Auburn, CA. The sad news, however, was a death in the family (Ralph’s brother) and of three long-time friends.
Our big news going forward is that Ralph and I have made substantial progress on my next book, Miles of Kindness: Tales from the Trail. No exact publication date, but expect it will be within the next couple of months. As you may know, I write the books and Ralph does the layout to get ready for publishing. There will be lots more news about this soon!!!
Contents:
1. American Discovery Relay 250
2. Regarding Day #2, Thursday for the relay: Laurie Ferris “2 spots open in my group.
3. Join Bay Bandits for their next walk.
4. Rattle Snake Advisory
5. French runner Aurélien Sanchez challenging Fastest Known Time on PCT.
Articles:
#1. “American Discovery Relay 250. Sign Up Now For The American Discovery 250 Relay. Here’s the link to the full schedule of relays as they move across the U.S. https://discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar
“We welcome your involvement in the AD 250 Relay and your interest in participating in this unique celebration of America’s 250th Birthday as an in-person participant or as a contributor from afar.
“Over the course of five months individuals and groups will carry a baton, passing it from one to the next as the relay progresses from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. We will be in California in July, cross the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest in late summer, and eventually reach Maryland and Delaware in November, for a finish on Thanksgiving Day.
“Participation in the relay is free; however, you should sign up. In the coming weeks the relay team will confirm your involvement along a specific segment of the 6,800 mile trail on a specific day.
“On any given day, there may be between 5 and 50 participants carrying the baton, and you are welcome to recruit your friends and neighbors.
“Contributors of $30 or more receive a membership in the ADT Society and can pay an additional $9 for shipping and have a complimentary souvenir, such as a T-shirt, baseball cap, or bandana sent to them.
“The relay is a celebration of American history and culture; it is not a sporting event. Attendees and participants must acknowledge this liability waiver. Many local organizations and entities are hosting their own events, and they may have separate participation guidelines. This relay is open to the public, and pictures of the relay may be used for publicity or other purposes.
“Please do not register more than once, if you want to change your date or location, add a day etc. please email the information to relay@discoverytrail.org
THE COMPLETE DAY BY DAY SCHEDULE: https://discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar
“Questions: Call 223-DIS-COVR or email relay@discoverytrail.org
Relay Information:
Today’s Relay Events (nothing here, when I checked, but maybe later?)
State Map: Great for seeing the big picture of the ADT walk.
Turn-by-Turn:; Info on the current day’s hike: American Discovery Relay 250 – Friday 2026-07-03 – Muir Woods, CA to Golden Gate Bridge (N), CA
Map of the current day: discoverytrail250.org
IMP: Details of the first day’s hike (July 2) to give some idea how later ones will go. ON JULY 2: 48 participants of 50 max. Main ADT Bike Alt. Other Alt. Start Time: 08:30, Travel Mode:Walk. We met at the Muir Woods visitor center overflow parking lot. Important: Muir Woods requires both an entrance fee and parking prepaid in advance. They expect a crowd for the holiday weekend. End Information: Estimated arrival time was 2:30pm. We conclude at the Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point. Note that parking there is only possible for four hours max, and it will likely be quite congested heading into a holiday weekend.
Details of the first day’s hike (July 2) to give some idea how future ones will be. “From the overflow parking lot, we took the Dipsea Trail 0.3 miles west to rejoin the ADT on the Coastal Fire Road. The day featured two significant ups and downs. The first, kicking in a mile into the day’s walk, rises 600 feet, primarily along the Miwok Trail. An equivalent descent leads to the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, where we’ll catch a break before tackling the second climb, rising another 700 feet on the Marincello Trail. A mix of shorter trails carry us onward from there, with the SCA delivering us to the finish line.Important: Bring enough food and water to get you through a nearly 12-mile hike. While no taps exist to refill water bottles, we will have a support vehicle available at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead (6.2 miles) with some jugs of water accessible.
GENERAL INFO: The American Discovery Trail https://discoverytrail.org/ is a Coast-to-coast route. “The northern route is approximately 4,844 miles. The southern route is about 5,008 miles. Going cross-country by bicycle is somewhat longer due to the requirement to avoid certain trails and wilderness areas.”
Susan adds: It’s unfortunate that the current news about the American Discovery Trail is doesn’t include more history. I thought I would add some of that info. In 2005, Ken and Marica Powers (GottaWalk) (Pleasanton, CA residents) were the first to do a thru-hike of the American Discovery Trail in one year, for which they received world fame. When Ralph and I heard the news, Ralph submitted a nomination to Tom Stienstra, of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. We were thrilled to be at the COHF event when Stienstra, outdoorsman, author of several hiking/camping guidebooks, and at that time the S.F. Chronicle’s Outdoors writers and who is now “Emeritus Outdoors Writer for The Chronicle.
Prior to the ADT hike, Ken and Marica had backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, and the Idaho Centennial Trail. “In the offseason, they connect with the public at forums and seminars, and they have created a Web site to answer questions and form a long-distance hikers’ community. In the process, they inspired thousands to take part in the wilderness experience through their accomplishments and public outreach.” https://www.cohof.org/search?q=Ken+and+Marcia+Powers
This year, Dave Whitson, https://discoverytrail.org/ld-travelers/2026-dave-whitson is director of the American Discovery Trail Relay. Whitson, who is the author of multiple Camino Guidebooks for Cicerone books (and who himself has walked the entire ADT), was at the start of the relay today, and will continue to be involved in the event as it progresses.
#2. From Laurie Ferris: “They are no longer taking signups, but I have 2 spots open in my group.
Sunday will be fun and you can start in Oakland instead of Emeryville.
Readers: Are you interested in doing any of the American Discovery Trail relay sections in the Bay Area? I have open spots for two in my group on days 2 & 3, July 2 & 3.
Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you the details of the hikes. There are options for shorter segments both days.
I am planning to do the first 5 stages, fingers crossed! Let me know if you’d like to go and carpool. Contact:
#3. Join Bay Bandits for their next walk. Hike are free to join—but donations gratefully accepted. No leader, entirely self-guided. You just show up at the meeting place, sign in, and get a printed description of the walk. You walk, and stop to take photos, pick-up a bagel, etc. when you wish. , More info from Priscilla at sfbaybandits@aol.com sfbaybandits@aol.com
Friday, July 24 & Saturday July 25 – 50 Works of Art for 50 Years of Walking, Embarcadero Plaza, Market St at Steuart St.(across from the Ferry Building) Start: 9 AM to Noon, Finish: 3 PM.
Bay Bandits is a non-competitive walking club affiliated with AVA, America’s Walking Club and CVA. All are welcome to join our walks. Membership is not required but welcomed. More info at sfbaybandits@aol.com
#4. French runner Aurélien Sanchez challenging Fastest Known Time on PCT. Sanchez is now in his 24th day on the PCT. He’s at about midway–47.8% (07/01/26. 2:06 pm.) You can watch the progress. At the moment, he is about 11 miles behind where Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabber was at that elapsed time. Sabber’s record still holds—46 days/set in 2023. Watch and see how it goes! https://live.aureliensanchez.com/
#5. Rattlesnake Reminder: Whether you agree that this year we are seeing a rise in the number of rattlesnakes out there, I personally have certainly seen and heard of many more reports. It’s summer—and they are active. Some hints:
Rattlesnake Advisory: April 6, 2026
Rattlesnakes are native to California and, like other snakes, emerge from winter hibernation in early spring and become more active. This can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs, especially along trails and roads, but also in rural and urban areas. East Bay Regional Parks visitors are encouraged to keep snake safety precautions in mind when visiting throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are primary controlling agents of rodents and other reptile populations. Enjoy snakes from afar and leave them where they are found. Collecting, killing, or removing any plants or animals from East Bay Regional Parks is illegal. Please help protect all wildlife and their environment.
Rattlesnake safety tips
- Avoid hiking alone so that you have help in case of an emergency.
- Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride.
- Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.
- Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.
- Listen for the buzz of a rattlesnake’s rattle warning you it is there.
- Avoid placing your hands or feet in places where you cannot see clearly.
- For maximum safety, consider keeping your dog on a leash.
What to do if you see a rattlesnake
Leave it alone—do not try to capture or harm it. All native wildlife is protected by law, and it is safest to leave it alone. If you see a snake, do not approach. Move carefully and slowly away or around it to give it plenty of space.
To read more, including what to do if bitten. Go to: https://www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/rattlesnake-advisory And look at East Bay Regional Parks parks.org/rattlesnakes for more info
Happy Trails,
Susan ‘backpack45’ Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA
https://www.susandalcorn.com
https://www.backpack45.com
Author of Walk, Hike, Saunter: Seasoned Women Share Tales and Trails; Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo; Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine; We’re in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers; and Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago.
Thank you everyone. Stay well, keep hiking when prudent. I encourage you to send in items of interest to the hiking community to me at backpack45 “at sign” yahoo.com
Hiking and backpacking can be risky endeavors. Surely over the last couple of months you have heard, or read about some wilderness rescues. Dayhikes can go bad – people get lost and have to spend the night (nights) outdoors. Always be prepared for emergencies and carry food, water, shelter (warm clothing, etc.), flashlight/headlamp, matches, first aid supplies, and maps. Cell phones don’t always work. Leave word where you are traveling and when you are due back.