What’s the CDT like

Sometime there is no trail and you go cross-country from trail marker (a marked stake in a pile of stones, a cairn) to trail marker across open land. It can be frustrating finding the next marker and not getting lost and off trail. It is also hard to miss stepping on rocks, brush and small cacti and not twist an ankle.

Looking for the next post/cairn which is especially difficult to discern in the morning sun and shadows.

Then there is a dirt road and you walk in one of the tire tracks. You can make good time and it’s easy to follow.

Following off road vehicle tracks for miles.

There are times when it’s only a single track trail, but so far it’s been point to point or dirt road.

Sometimes there is almost a trail which is almost visible but only if you’re lined up just right.

Finally there are road walks on the side of a paved highway with traffic zooming by at 60+ mph. These are my least favorite because you can see where your heading for miles and they aren’t very scenic.