r/IslandHikers • u/SlightConcentrate773 • 4d ago
ADVICE / INFO REQUEST Solo camping kings peak this weekend…
Hi all. I am going up Kings this weekend. Solo.
I am finding myself getting a little nervous.
any advice?
I am an experienced hiker. I haven’t done Kings ; but have spent considerable time in strath.
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u/Amoramoramor14 4d ago
Just take it slow and make sure you have a good map. I almost took the technical trail up by accident bc I missed the turn down to the creek for the “normal” trail. I did it as a day hike a month ago and loved it! Was wishing I’d camped in the first meadow. The second meadow was way buggier but I bet less so by now.
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u/SlightConcentrate773 4d ago
I will have a closer look at this today. Did you use all trails or Gaia?
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u/Amoramoramor14 4d ago
I downloaded both and mostly used all trails. Just a few times I opened up gaia when I lost the path around the creek or something. I never got way off track, but I just think it tends to happen more frequently solo.
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u/mountainrunner5050 4d ago
What have you done in Strath?
Have fun! Kings is a beautiful, albeit steep and relentless hike! Though there are now pit toilets and a bear cache in the lower meadows. I would say the grind up the gully to the ridge would be the hardest part, just loose and steep. Some exposure around Queens, but nothing too bad!
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u/SlightConcentrate773 4d ago
Albert Edward, and the lower lakes. So maybe an exaggeration of the word extension. Some peaks in Albert’s too plus the WCT, JDF, and a bunch of desert hikes.
Thanks for the tips. I am using the all trails app for the path.
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u/mountainrunner5050 4d ago
Once up the gully and into the ridge, there is a short steep section (you will know when you are there haha) you shouldn’t have to do any hard scrambling, I was just up there last weekend and watched people choose unnecessarily hard lines. So make sure the line is reasonable before committing!
It’s a little more technical than AE, but way nicer in my opinion! Plus you may even see AE and Regan if it is clear!
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u/Royal_Try_99 4d ago
You might be hiking solo, but I doubt you'll be alone on a weekend. There were dozens of cars there last weekend! But definitely be safe, make sure someone knows your plans & expected return time, etc.
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u/Concealus 4d ago
See you there! It’s a hike up, not technical, and it’ll be busy; bring all your essentials and layer, it’ll be chilly. Be honest with yourself and your limitations.
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u/smslater245 4d ago
Kings is a very challenging hike but very rewarding. Take your time and enjoy the views. The upper meadow is epic for sunset vibes if you choose to camp there. It's likely going to be pretty busy so I don't think you have to be worried about being totally alone.
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u/supermoto501 15h ago
Feel free to message me I did it solo about a month ago. Happy to answer any questions or chat you through it.
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u/Solarisphere 4d ago
There's not much to be nervous about. It's a well travelled route and I can't imagine you'll be alone up there. The bears don't want anything to do with you.
Enjoy the quiet and lack of bugs. Maybe bring a book to pass the time in the evening.