1/2

Western Route: Year-Long Walking Journey Across the Western United States
Objective: Plan a year-long walking route starting on January 1st and ending on December 31st, covering 20 miles per day (totaling 7,300 miles), adhering to the following constraints:

>Avoid Texas
>Temperatures do not exceed 90°F
>Average low temperatures above 32°F
>Less than 5 days of rain per month
>Focus on small towns near National Forests or BLM land
>Zero rest days
>Exactly 365 days
Overview
>Total Walking Distance: 7,300 miles (20 miles/day × 365 days)
>Average Daily Walking Distance: 20 miles
Strategy: Progress northward during warmer months and southward during cooler months, adjusting elevation and latitude to maintain suitable temperatures while maximizing time in National Forests and BLM lands.
Month-by-Month Itinerary
>January (31 days, Days 1-31, 620 miles): Southern Arizona
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 60–70°F
>Average Lows: 35–45°F
>Rain Days: Less than 5
Route and Highlights:

Days 1-4 (Jan 1-4): Yuma, AZ to Quartzsite, AZ — 80 miles

Camping: BLM land
Highlights: Desert landscapes
Days 5-7 (Jan 5-7): Quartzsite to Ajo, AZ — 60 miles

Route Through: Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Population: ~3,300
Days 8-9 (Jan 8-9): Ajo to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ — 40 miles

Camping: Within the monument
Highlights: Unique cacti species
Days 10-12 (Jan 10-12): Organ Pipe Cactus NM to Sasabe, AZ — 60 miles

Route Through: Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Days 13-15 (Jan 13-15): Sasabe to Nogales, AZ — 60 miles

Population: ~20,000 (focus on outskirts)
Days 16-18 (Jan 16-18): Nogales to Sierra Vista, AZ — 60 miles

Surroundings: Coronado National Forest
Days 19-21 (Jan 19-21): Sierra Vista to Bisbee, AZ — 60 miles

Highlights: Historic mining town
Days 22-25 (Jan 22-25): Bisbee to Lordsburg, NM — 80 miles

Crossing into New Mexico
Days 26-31 (Jan 26-31): Lordsburg to Silver City, NM — 120 miles

Surroundings: Gila National Forest

2/12

>February (28 days, Days 32-59, 560 miles): Southern New Mexico
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 60–70°F
>Average Lows: 35–45°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 32-35 (Feb 1-4): Silver City to Deming, NM — 80 miles

Days 36-39 (Feb 5-8): Deming to Las Cruces, NM — 80 miles

Days 40-43 (Feb 9-12): Las Cruces to Alamogordo, NM — 80 miles

Highlights: White Sands National Park nearby
Days 44-47 (Feb 13-16): Alamogordo to Truth or Consequences, NM — 80 miles

Days 48-51 (Feb 17-20): Truth or Consequences to Socorro, NM — 80 miles

Days 52-55 (Feb 21-24): Socorro to Magdalena, NM — 80 miles

Surroundings: Cibola National Forest
Days 56-59 (Feb 25-28): Magdalena to Grants, NM — 80 miles

Surroundings: El Malpais National Monument

3/12

>March (31 days, Days 60-90, 620 miles): Central New Mexico and Arizona
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 65–75°F
>Average Lows: 35–45°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 60-63 (Mar 1-4): Grants, NM to Gallup, NM — 80 miles

Days 64-67 (Mar 5-8): Gallup to Holbrook, AZ — 80 miles

Entering Arizona
Highlights: Petrified Forest National Park nearby
Days 68-71 (Mar 9-12): Holbrook to Winslow, AZ — 80 miles

Days 72-75 (Mar 13-16): Winslow to Flagstaff, AZ — 80 miles

Surroundings: Coconino National Forest
Days 76-79 (Mar 17-20): Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village, AZ — 80 miles

Highlights: Grand Canyon National Park
Days 80-83 (Mar 21-24): Grand Canyon Village to Page, AZ — 80 miles

Highlights: Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon
Days 84-87 (Mar 25-28): Page to Kanab, UT — 80 miles

Entering Utah
Days 88-90 (Mar 29-31): Kanab to Zion National Park, UT — 60 miles

4/12

>April (30 days, Days 91-120, 600 miles): Southern Utah
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 65–75°F
>Average Lows: 40–50°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 91-94 (Apr 1-4): Zion National Park to Cedar City, UT — 80 miles

Days 95-98 (Apr 5-8): Cedar City to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT — 80 miles

Days 99-102 (Apr 9-12): Bryce Canyon NP to Escalante, UT — 80 miles

Days 103-107 (Apr 13-17): Escalante to Capitol Reef National Park, UT — 100 miles

Days 108-112 (Apr 18-22): Capitol Reef NP to Moab, UT — 100 miles

Highlights: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Days 113-117 (Apr 23-27): Moab to Grand Junction, CO — 100 miles

Entering Colorado
Days 118-120 (Apr 28-30): Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, CO — 60 miles

Highlights: Hot springs

5/12

>May (31 days, Days 121-151, 620 miles): Western Colorado
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 70–80°F
>Average Lows: 45–55°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 121-124 (May 1-4): Glenwood Springs to Aspen, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~7,500
Surroundings: White River National Forest
Days 125-128 (May 5-8): Aspen to Leadville, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~2,800
Elevation: 10,152 ft (be cautious of altitude)
Days 129-132 (May 9-12): Leadville to Buena Vista, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~2,800
Days 133-136 (May 13-16): Buena Vista to Gunnison, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~6,000
Surroundings: Gunnison National Forest
Days 137-140 (May 17-20): Gunnison to Montrose, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~20,000
Highlights: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park nearby
Days 141-145 (May 21-25): Montrose to Ouray, CO — 100 miles

Population: ~1,000
Nickname: "Switzerland of America"
Surroundings: Uncompahgre National Forest
Days 146-149 (May 26-29): Ouray to Durango, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~19,000
Highlights: San Juan National Forest
Days 150-151 (May 30-31): Durango to Pagosa Springs, CO — 40 miles

Population: ~1,700
Highlights: Hot springs

6/12

>June (30 days, Days 152-181, 600 miles): Colorado and Wyoming
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 75–85°F
>Average Lows: 50–60°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 152-155 (Jun 1-4): Pagosa Springs, CO to Alamosa, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~10,000
Surroundings: San Luis Valley
Days 156-160 (Jun 5-9): Alamosa to Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO — 100 miles (including loop hikes)

Highlights: Tallest sand dunes in North America
Days 161-165 (Jun 10-14): Great Sand Dunes NP to Salida, CO — 100 miles

Population: ~6,000
Days 166-170 (Jun 15-19): Salida to Fairplay, CO — 100 miles

Population: ~700
Surroundings: Pike National Forest
Days 171-175 (Jun 20-24): Fairplay to Breckenridge, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~5,000
Highlights: Ski resort town (off-season)
Days 176-180 (Jun 25-29): Breckenridge to Estes Park, CO — 80 miles

Population: ~6,000
Surroundings: Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 181 (Jun 30): Estes Park area — 20 miles (loop hike in Rocky Mountain NP)

7/12

>July (31 days, Days 182-212, 620 miles): Wyoming and Montana
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 75–85°F
>Average Lows: 45–55°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 182-186 (Jul 1-5): Estes Park, CO to Laramie, WY — 80 miles

Entering Wyoming
Days 187-191 (Jul 6-10): Laramie to Rawlins, WY — 100 miles

Population: ~9,000
Days 192-196 (Jul 11-15): Rawlins to Pinedale, WY — 100 miles

Population: ~2,000
Days 197-201 (Jul 16-20): Pinedale to Jackson, WY — 100 miles

Population: ~10,000
Days 202-206 (Jul 21-25): Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, WY — 80 miles

Days 207-211 (Jul 26-30): Yellowstone NP to Bozeman, MT — 90 miles

Entering Montana
Day 212 (Jul 31): Bozeman area — 20 miles (loop hike)

8/12

>August (31 days, Days 213-243, 620 miles): Idaho and Washington
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 75–85°F
>Average Lows: 50–60°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 213-217 (Aug 1-5): Bozeman, MT to Helena, MT — 90 miles

Days 218-222 (Aug 6-10): Helena to Missoula, MT — 110 miles

Days 223-227 (Aug 11-15): Missoula, MT to Coeur d'Alene, ID — 120 miles

Entering Idaho
Days 228-232 (Aug 16-20): Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, WA — 40 miles (including loop hikes)

Entering Washington
Days 233-237 (Aug 21-25): Spokane to Moses Lake, WA — 80 miles

Days 238-242 (Aug 26-30): Moses Lake to Ellensburg, WA — 100 miles

Day 243 (Aug 31): Ellensburg area — 20 miles (loop hike)

9/12

>September (30 days, Days 244-273, 600 miles): Washington and Oregon
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 70–80°F
>Average Lows: 45–55°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 244-248 (Sep 1-5): Ellensburg to Yakima, WA — 80 miles

Days 249-253 (Sep 6-10): Yakima to Mount Rainier National Park, WA — 80 miles

Days 254-258 (Sep 11-15): Mount Rainier NP to Olympia, WA — 80 miles

Days 259-263 (Sep 16-20): Olympia to Portland, OR — 110 miles

Entering Oregon
Days 264-268 (Sep 21-25): Portland to Salem, OR — 50 miles (including loop hikes)

Days 269-273 (Sep 26-30): Salem to Eugene, OR — 70 miles

10/12

>October (31 days, Days 274-304, 620 miles): Oregon and Northern California
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 65–75°F
>Average Lows: 40–50°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 274-278 (Oct 1-5): Eugene to Crater Lake National Park, OR — 120 miles

Days 279-283 (Oct 6-10): Crater Lake NP to Medford, OR — 80 miles

Days 284-288 (Oct 11-15): Medford to Mount Shasta, CA — 80 miles

Entering California
Days 289-293 (Oct 16-20): Mount Shasta to Redding, CA — 60 miles

Days 294-298 (Oct 21-25): Redding to Chico, CA — 80 miles

Days 299-303 (Oct 26-30): Chico to Sacramento, CA — 60 miles

Day 304 (Oct 31): Sacramento area — 20 miles (loop hike)

11/12

>November (30 days, Days 305-334, 600 miles): Central and Southern California
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 65–75°F
>Average Lows: 40–50°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 305-309 (Nov 1-5): Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, CA — 100 miles

Days 310-314 (Nov 6-10): Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park, CA — 100 miles

Days 315-319 (Nov 11-15): Yosemite NP to Fresno, CA — 80 miles

Days 320-324 (Nov 16-20): Fresno to Sequoia National Park, CA — 80 miles

Days 325-329 (Nov 21-25): Sequoia NP to Bakersfield, CA — 80 miles

Days 330-334 (Nov 26-30): Bakersfield to Mojave, CA — 80 miles

12/12

>December (31 days, Days 335-365, 620 miles): Southern California and Arizona
Climate Overview:

>Average Highs: 60–70°F
>Average Lows: 35–45°F
Route and Highlights:

Days 335-339 (Dec 1-5): Mojave to Barstow, CA — 80 miles

Days 340-344 (Dec 6-10): Barstow to Joshua Tree National Park, CA — 100 miles

Days 345-349 (Dec 11-15): Joshua Tree NP to Palm Springs, CA — 40 miles (including loop hikes)

Days 350-354 (Dec 16-20): Palm Springs to Indio, CA — 40 miles (including loop hikes)

Days 355-359 (Dec 21-25): Indio to Blythe, CA — 80 miles

Days 360-364 (Dec 26-30): Blythe to Quartzsite, AZ — 20 miles (including loop hikes)

Entering Arizona
Day 365 (Dec 31): Quartzsite area — 20 miles (final day of journey)

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Thank you for coming to my thread :)

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All AI should be banned, and anyone who is or has used it should get jail time and a kick in the ribs

it just inevitably leads to unbearably lazy slop like this thread

>>2791247
It's a nu-/out/ thread. What did you expect?

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"The Great Western Loop"

Very close to the ChatGPT results

>>2791252
>Great Western Loop is the true /out/ist route
>ChatGPT loop is the true hitchhiker route

Both are legit in their own right and a cross between the two may be fantastic

>>2791252
This is just the PCT and the CDT together. This isn't innovative. It's just overly gratuitous and self indulgent in a lazy way.

>>2791254
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed

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>>2791247
>All AI should be banned

So this was wonderful, it led me to finding out about The Great Western Loop.

I am now using ChatGPT to optimize the timing of this loop, and whether or not I should do it clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Sad that Utah is skipped over, I suppose that must be it's own adventure.

>>2791259
Not an argument.

>NEW NOTES

>For the record I am essentially creating a nomadic strategy for living in America
>Southern AZ/CA is the spot for the 3-4 month winter/gap period
>Route looks like it roughly takes 8-9 months

Great Western Loop Itinerary – Clockwise Direction
Overview
Total Distance: Approximately 6,875 miles
Estimated Duration: February 1st to October 31st (9 months)
Journey Strategy:
Start in Southern California in late winter.
Progress northward during the warmer months.
Return southward before colder temperatures set in.
Average Low Temperature Goal: Stay above 35°F (2°C) throughout the journey.
Detailed Itinerary
February: Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – Southern California
Dates: February 1 – February 28 (Days 1–28)
>Start Location: US-Mexico Border (Campo, CA)
>End Location: Tehachapi, CA
Distance: Approximately 400 miles
Trail Section: PCT Southern California
>Average Highs: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
>Average Lows: 40–50°F (4–10°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Warner Springs, Big Bear Lake
Natural Features: Anza-Borrego Desert, San Jacinto Mountains
Notes:
Ideal temperatures for desert sections.
Carry sufficient water for arid stretches.

March: PCT – Central California
Dates: March 1 – March 31 (Days 29–59)
>Start Location: Tehachapi, CA
>End Location: Sierra City, CA
Distance: Approximately 500 miles
Trail Section: PCT Central California
>Average Highs: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
>Average Lows: 40–50°F (4–10°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Kennedy Meadows, Mammoth Lakes
Natural Features: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mount Whitney, Yosemite National Park
Notes:
Early spring conditions; monitor snowpack levels.
Be cautious in high elevations.

April: PCT – Northern California and Oregon
Dates: April 1 – April 30 (Days 60–90)
>Start Location: Sierra City, CA
>End Location: Cascade Locks, OR
Distance: Approximately 600 miles
Trail Section: PCT Northern California and Oregon
>Average Highs: 60–70°F (16–21°C)
>Average Lows: 40–45°F (4–7°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Mount Shasta, Ashland
Natural Features: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park
Notes:
Temperatures are warming as you move north.
Enjoy the transition from California's forests to Oregon's volcanic landscapes.

May: PCT – Washington
Dates: May 1 – May 31 (Days 91–121)
>Start Location: Cascade Locks, OR
>End Location: Canadian Border (Manning Park, BC)
Distance: Approximately 500 miles
Trail Section: PCT Washington
>Average Highs: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
>Average Lows: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Snoqualmie Pass, Stehekin
Natural Features: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park
Notes:
Optimal time for northern Washington.
Enjoy wildflowers and clear trails.

June: Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) – Eastward
Dates: June 1 – June 30 (Days 122–151)
>Start Location: Olympic National Park, WA
>End Location: Glacier National Park, MT
Distance: Approximately 700 miles
Trail Section: PNT West to East
>Average Highs: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
>Average Lows: 45–55°F (7–13°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Port Townsend, Oroville, Bonners Ferry
Natural Features: Olympic Peninsula, North Cascades
Notes:
Longer daylight hours and mild weather.
Traverse diverse ecosystems from coastal forests to alpine mountains.

July: Continental Divide Trail (CDT) – Montana and Wyoming
Dates: July 1 – July 31 (Days 152–182)
>Start Location: Glacier National Park, MT
>End Location: Rawlins, WY
Distance: Approximately 800 miles
Trail Section: CDT Montana and Wyoming
>Average Highs: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
>Average Lows: 50–60°F (10–16°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Helena, Butte, Pinedale
Natural Features: Bob Marshall Wilderness, Yellowstone National Park
Notes:
Warmest time in the Rockies.
Be prepared for wildlife encounters and practice bear safety.

August: CDT – Colorado
Dates: August 1 – August 31 (Days 183–213)
>Start Location: Rawlins, WY
>End Location: Chama, NM
Distance: Approximately 650 miles
Trail Section: CDT Colorado
>Average Highs: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
>Average Lows: 45–55°F (7–13°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Steamboat Springs, Salida
Natural Features: Rocky Mountain National Park, San Juan Mountains
Notes:
Ideal for high elevations with average lows above 35°F.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common; plan hiking accordingly.

September: CDT – New Mexico
Dates: September 1 – September 30 (Days 214–244)
>Start Location: Chama, NM
>End Location: Silver City, NM
Distance: Approximately 500 miles
Trail Section: CDT New Mexico
>Average Highs: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
>Average Lows: 45–55°F (7–13°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 5
Towns Along the Way: Grants, Pie Town
Natural Features: Carson National Forest, Gila Wilderness
Notes:
Pleasant temperatures.
Water sources can be scarce; carry ample water.

October: Grand Enchantment Trail (GET) and Arizona Trail (AZT)
Dates: October 1 – October 31 (Days 245–275)
>Start Location: Silver City, NM
>End Location: US-Mexico Border (AZT Terminus)
Distance: Approximately 600 miles
Trail Sections: GET and AZT Southern Sections
>Average Highs: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
>Average Lows: 50–60°F (10–16°C)
>Rain Days per Month: Less than 3
Towns Along the Way: Safford, Tucson
Natural Features: Superstition Mountains, Saguaro National Park
Notes:
Finish the loop in warm conditions.
Be prepared for desert hiking; monitor water availability.

There it is, I think this is highly viable. 3-4 in Southern AZ/CA, then 8-9 months running clockwise on The Great Western Loop.

That's it. It's do-able. Woohoo!

>>2791271
>>2791272
>>2791273
>>2791274
>>2791275
>>2791276
>>2791277
>>2791278
YAY! more slop!

at least use it as a tool to make a plan, condense it, and then post it, not just direct copy paste ffs

>>2791280
3-4 months*

Feel free to point out any strategic errors you folks find it is appreciated!

>>2791281
Yeah ChatGPT got programmed to be lazy, it used to make documents you could download and shit now it refuses and just gives you this copy/paste crap. Annoying, I know.

I will probably download all of this into a document/map at some point but I think I've gotten 99% of this out of the way. Thanks ChatGPT.

>>2791283
why would you post this? at this stage? do you think anyone wants to sit and read bot post after bot post of random slop?

this is a new level of garbage thread i hoped i would never have the misfortune of seeing

>>2791285
This bullshit ass board has been getting 1 post an hour for the last 10 goddamn years I can use this place to brainstorm if I fucking want to

You want a pretty little document but the post >>2791281
basically formatted that for me when you mass replied

I *might* provide a more polished document but that relies on the engagement that the thread gets and if it's just you, it won't happen

Not only does this provide a 365 day hiking itinerary but it also gives you a great seasonal location to visit any time of the year

This is absolutely do-able, finish the route out in New Mexico and spend the winter walking back to begin the route again in California.

How to pay for this? I, in particular am a jack of all trades and I'm good for anything from digging ditches to writing code so I'll get by just fine.

I think this is a life a lot of people could pull off.

>Working in location for a few months, getting great money, season changing though, it's time to go
>Reference the ChatGPT travel document
>Go to that place
>Get work again
>Rinse repeat

Busses, hitchhiking, trains and planes are only if you can't keep up with the seasons by foot, which probably means you're doing well with work and that means you're fucking eating!

>>2791271
PCT west of I-15 and east of SR39 (wrightwood area) is currently closed due to fire damage. If those dates are for 2026 it might be reopened by then.

>>2791344
>The woods is closed

Haha okay anon very funny

>>2791345
You can't pass through without a permit, genius. They aren't giving out any permits because the section is closed due to fire, so yeah, it's closed.

I've seen through hikers recently at the deep creek hot springs presumably headed south, so there should be a detour around the closed areas. Assuming they didn't sneak past the rangers, who are out there eagerly writing tickets.

>>2791369
Ober my dead goddamned body is a human going to tell me the Earth is closed, you fuckin gaping vagina

>>2791379
This is "cant tie your own shoes" level of pathetic

Anybody that grew up trespassing in a shithole is laughing at you

>>2791252
>entirely skips the best state
grim

>>2791408
Mormon world is its own adventure its a totally different larp

>>2791226
>I asked ChatGPT to create a year long hiking route for me.
you are a fucking retard
>Your thoughts are appreciated :)
you are welcome

>>2791252
i'd be very interested to see what kind of route finding one would take to connect the grand canyon to the PCT. there are no official trails since most of it is injun land, so is it just a walk alongside highways?

>>2791682
The itinerary on skurka's website said he just made it up

So yeah that part you just get from A to B however you can

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>>2791692
>>2791682

>>2791693
If you walk half as fast as skurka and start in January and begin in SoCal this is effectively a perfect seasonal nomad route for America

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>>2791693
now i'm confused as hell. there are nowhere near 400 miles between parker and the grand canyon.

>>2791227
>Zero rest days
Yeah alright, maniac.

>>2791293
One day you'll be old

>>2791701
I may be a bit autistic because I have to walk a minimum of 20 miles a day just to stay sane

>>2791695
Maybe he just fucked around in the grand canyon for 2 weeks? Or is counting the tail end of his journey which is I think also the grand canyon?

>>2791401
You don't go outside, do you.

>>2791725
Within 5 miles of you there are at least 100 homeless people disregarding your silly ideas about property at this very moment

>>2791728
Based retard