My map reading mistake on the Lost Coast Trail cost me a whole afternoon

I was sure the high tide zone near Shelter Cove was only a couple miles long, but my old paper map was wrong about a key creek crossing. It took me four extra hours to backtrack and find a safe route around it, which meant setting up camp in the dark. Anyone know a good updated map for that section?

3 comments

3 Comments

grantthomas1mo ago

Honestly, that old paper map probably made the trip more fun. Getting lost and figuring it out is part of the real adventure.

the_julia1mo ago

Totally! I always fold the map so the part I need is on top. Saves you from wrestling with the whole thing at a red light.

kevin_flores3d ago

Remember trying to refold a map and it just turning into a permanent crumpled mess in the glove box. That struggle was part of the whole deal. You'd miss a turn and end up finding some weird roadside place you never would have seen otherwise. Now the phone just reroutes you instantly and the whole weird little side trip gets erased.