I’m not thrilled by crowded trails. Rick’s guidebook indicates it can get busy, and says the lodging at the trailhead is one way to get a jump on the hiking hordes. As a slower hiker, I’ll eventually get surrounded by others regardless, but maybe that’s the best plan… with a $25.00 cost for the parking lot at the trailhead either way?
There’s even the suggestion to start off in the dark (what time is that, given that it’s near the Autumnal Equinox?) and reach the Rock for sunrise. One review I’ve read is from somebody who hiked up at 7:30PM, just a couple weeks ago, and reached the Rock at 9:00 (really fast hiker, and it was still quite light in the sky), stayed for sunset (that must’ve been about 10:30 at night!), then pitched a tent somewhere nearby. He got up and was at the Rock again for sunrise. I’m guessing that was about a quarter after 4:00AM!! So first question about that is, is camping actually permitted, and second, how much sleep did that guy get?
In the Cinque Terre in Italy 2 years ago (October) there were waaay too many people on the main trail. I would hope that Pulpit Rock’s trail isn’t so crowded. Thanks again for any info.
