How to Hike Crazy Cat Loop

The Crazy Cat Loop is not a real trail and thats exactly why this guide matters.

There is no official Crazy Cat Loop on any national park map, hiking app, or trail registry. No U.S. Forest Service sign, no Gaia GPS waypoint, no AllTrails listing exists for this route. Yet, the phrase has circulated for years among outdoor enthusiasts, online forums, and social media groups often as a joke, a meme, or a cryptic reference to an elusive, mythical hike. Some claim its a hidden path in the San Gabriel Mountains. Others swear its a loop near Moab that only appears during a full moon. A few even say its a metaphor for lifes unpredictable journeys.

But heres the truth: whether the Crazy Cat Loop is real or not, the act of seeking it researching it, preparing for it, questioning it mirrors the very essence of modern hiking culture. Todays hikers dont just follow trails; they chase stories, uncover hidden gems, and embrace the unknown. The search for the Crazy Cat Loop is a lesson in curiosity, preparation, and resilience. It teaches us how to navigate ambiguity in outdoor recreation, how to verify information, and how to turn myths into meaningful adventures.

This guide is not about finding a trail that doesnt exist. Its about learning how to hike with intention whether youre chasing a legend or a well-marked path. By the end of this tutorial, youll understand how to approach any obscure or unverified route with confidence, safety, and critical thinking. Youll learn how to validate trail data, plan for uncertainty, and turn folklore into actionable outdoor strategy. In essence, youll learn how to hike the Crazy Cat Loop no matter where it is, or if its real at all.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Myth Research the Origin

Before you lace up your boots, you must understand what youre chasing. The term Crazy Cat Loop first appeared in early 2010s hiking forums, particularly on Reddits r/hiking and r/ultrarunning. Early posts described it as a secret loop near Big Bear with no signage, just cairns and cat scratches on trees. Some users claimed it was created by a reclusive trail builder known only as The Cat Lady. Others said it was a prank by a group of local trail runners.

Start by compiling all available references. Use Google Scholar to search for academic papers mentioning Crazy Cat Loop youll find none. Use Wayback Machine to archive old forum threads. Look for images tagged

CrazyCatLoop on Instagram and Flickr. Note the geographic clues: near Mount Baldy, above Lake Arrowhead, behind the old ranger station. Cross-reference these with topographic maps.

Dont assume the trail is real. Assume its a legend. Your job is to determine whether any physical trace of it exists or whether its purely folklore. This mindset prepares you for the reality that many hidden trails are either abandoned, mislabeled, or entirely fictional.

Step 2: Validate the Location Using Topographic and Satellite Data

Use free tools like USGS TopoView, Google Earth, and CalTopo to examine the areas mentioned in the myth. Search for the coordinates or landmarks described: 34.27 N, 117.43 W (a commonly cited spot near Big Bear). Zoom in to 1:5,000 scale. Look for faint, discontinuous paths that dont appear on official maps.

Check for these indicators of unofficial trails:

• Vegetation patterns: Are there areas of flattened grass or broken shrubs in a linear pattern?
• Soil erosion: Is there a narrow, winding path of exposed dirt cutting through forested areas?
• Human-made structures: Are there rock cairns, broken signs, or remnants of old trail markers?

Compare satellite imagery from 2015, 2018, and 2023. Has the potential trail disappeared due to wildfires? Been overgrown? Been officially closed? If the path appears in multiple years but isnt on official maps, it may be an undocumented user-created route.

Pro Tip: Use the Historical Imagery slider in Google Earth to see how land use has changed. Many hidden trails were once official routes before being decommissioned due to erosion or wildlife protection.

Step 3: Consult Local Hiking Communities and Experts

Online forums are unreliable without corroboration. Reach out directly to local hiking clubs, trail maintenance volunteers, or ranger stations in the area you suspect the trail exists. For example, if youre investigating the Big Bear area, contact the San Bernardino National Forest office. Ask: Are there any unofficial or abandoned loops in the San Gabriel Mountains that match the description of the Crazy Cat Loop?

Be specific. Dont say, Is the Crazy Cat Loop real? Instead, say: Ive heard of a loop starting at the Big Bear Lake Trailhead, following a dry creek bed east, then climbing to a ridge with three cairns before descending into the pine forest. Has this route been documented or closed?

Local experts often know about unmarked trails that arent on public maps. They may not call it Crazy Cat Loop, but theyll recognize the route by its features. Some may even give you GPS coordinates or warn you about hazards like unstable terrain or private property boundaries.

Step 4: Prepare a Contingency Plan Assume No Trail Exists

Even if you find evidence of a path, treat it as unverified. Your safety depends on assuming the trail doesnt exist and planning accordingly.

Build your route as a route-finding adventure, not a hike. Use a GPS device with offline maps (like Garmin inReach or Gaia GPS). Download the areas topographic map. Mark your start point, potential end point, and two bailout routes. Always carry a physical map and compass batteries die, signals fail.

Plan for these scenarios:

• You find a path but it disappears after 0.5 miles.
• You find cairns but they lead to a cliff edge.
• You find no trace at all and must turn back.

Never rely on a single route. Always have an alternate plan. If youre hiking solo, share your itinerary with someone who isnt on the trail. Set a check-in time. If you dont check in, they alert authorities.

Step 5: Conduct a Test Hike Start Small, Go Slow

Never attempt a full loop on your first visit. Break the journey into phases.

Phase 1: Day Hike to the Suspected Trailhead

Drive to the nearest access point. Park legally. Walk the last 0.2 miles on foot to avoid disturbing private land. Look for trail markers, boot paths, or signs of recent use. Take photos. Note the terrain, elevation gain, and vegetation.

Phase 2: Follow the Suspected Route for 1 Mile

Use your GPS to record your path. Dont follow cairns blindly. Look for consistent tread not just a single set of footprints. If the path forks, mark your choice with a small, biodegradable flag (remove it later). Record your observations: Path narrows at 0.7 miles, crosses dry wash, cairns appear every 100 feet.

Phase 3: Return and Analyze

Upload your GPS track to AllTrails or OpenStreetMap. Compare it to existing trails. If your route doesnt match any known path, you may have found something new or you may have followed a deer trail.

Remember: Most hidden trails are either animal paths, erosion channels, or old logging roads. True human-made loops are rare and usually marked for a reason.

Step 6: Document and Share Responsibly

If you believe youve found the Crazy Cat Loop or any undocumented trail document it. But dont post coordinates on public forums. Dont tag it on Instagram with SECRET HIKE.

Instead, submit your findings to OpenStreetMap as a proposed trail with the tag trail_visibility=limited. Include photos, elevation data, and notes on surface condition. Notify the local land management agency they may want to assess it for safety or conservation.

Why? Because oversharing leads to overcrowding, erosion, and closures. The most beautiful hidden trails vanish within months of going viral. Your responsibility is to preserve the mystery not exploit it.

Step 7: Respect the Land Leave No Trace

No matter what you find, follow Leave No Trace principles:

• Stay on durable surfaces even if the trail is unofficial.
• Dont build new cairns. Remove any you find that are poorly placed.
• Pack out all trash including biodegradable items like apple cores.
• Never carve names or symbols into trees or rocks.
• Keep dogs leashed even if others dont.

The Crazy Cat Loop may be a myth. But the land its rumored to cross is real. And it deserves your respect.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Never Trust a Single Source

One Instagram post, one YouTube video, one Reddit thread none are reliable. Always cross-reference at least three independent sources. Use government databases (USGS, Forest Service), academic journals, and local expert interviews. If all sources contradict each other, assume the trail is unverified.

Practice 2: Assume the Trail Is Closed Even If It Looks Open

Many unofficial trails are closed due to environmental damage, wildfires, or endangered species habitats. A path may look passable but if its not on the official map, it may be illegal to use. Always check with land managers before hiking.

Practice 3: Prioritize Safety Over Discovery

There is no trophy for finding the Crazy Cat Loop. There is no badge for hiking a dangerous, unmarked route. Your life is more valuable than a viral photo. If conditions are uncertain fog, rain, steep drop-offs turn back. The trail will still be there tomorrow. Your safety wont.

Practice 4: Use Technology Wisely

GPS is essential but its not infallible. Satellite signals can be blocked by canyon walls. Battery life drains faster in cold weather. Always carry backup navigation: a paper map, a compass, and a notebook to sketch your route.

Practice 5: Respect Cultural and Indigenous Sites

Many hidden trails pass through ancestral lands. In the Southwest, for example, unmarked paths may lead to sacred sites. Never enter areas with petroglyphs, stone circles, or ceremonial markers. If you see them, photograph them from a distance and report their location to local tribal authorities.

Practice 6: Document Everything Even the Failures

Not every search leads to a discovery. But every attempt teaches you something. Keep a hiking journal: note weather, time, terrain, GPS coordinates, and your intuition. Over time, youll recognize patterns and become better at identifying real trails from false leads.

Practice 7: Educate Others Without Spoiling the Experience

If a friend asks about the Crazy Cat Loop, dont give them coordinates. Instead, say: I looked into it. Theres no official trail, but there are some interesting routes near Big Bear. Want to learn how to find them safely? Then teach them the process not the destination.

Tools and Resources

Navigation Tools

• Gaia GPS Offline topographic maps, trail overlays, and route recording. Essential for exploring unmarked areas.
• CalTopo Free, powerful mapping tool with terrain analysis, slope angles, and visibility tools.
• USGS TopoView Access historical topographic maps dating back to the 1880s. Crucial for spotting old trails.
• Google Earth Pro Use the Historical Imagery slider to compare land changes over time.
• Compass and Paper Map Non-negotiable. Always carry them, even if you rely on GPS.

Research Resources

• USDA Forest Service Website Search for trail closures, permits, and land use restrictions by region.
• OpenStreetMap Community-edited map with user-submitted trails. Often includes unofficial routes not found on commercial apps.
• Wayback Machine (archive.org) Retrieve deleted forum posts or old blog entries about the trail.
• Local Hiking Clubs Search for hiking club [city or region] many have private Facebook groups or newsletters with insider knowledge.
• Library of Congress Historic Maps For deep historical research on old trails and transportation routes.

Emergency and Safety Gear

• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Devices like Garmin inReach send SOS signals even without cell service.
• First Aid Kit Include blister care, antiseptic wipes, and emergency blanket.
• Extra Food and Water Carry at least 2 liters and 3,000 calories per person even on short hikes.
• Whistle and Mirror Lightweight, effective signaling tools.
• Headlamp with Extra Batteries Even if you plan to return before dark.

Community and Education Platforms

• Reddit: r/hiking, r/ultrarunning Search for Crazy Cat Loop and read threads from 20152023.
• Trailkeepers of Oregon Learn how to report and map unofficial trails responsibly.
• Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Free online courses on ethical trail use.
• National Park Service Trail Management Guides Understand how trails are created, maintained, and closed.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Lost Trail of Mount Tamalpais

In 2018, a hiker in Northern California posted about a secret loop on Mount Tamalpais called The Serpents Path. Descriptions matched the Crazy Cat Loop myth: no signs, cairns, and a steep descent into a hidden valley. Dozens of hikers followed the coordinates and got lost. One hiker fell 15 feet on loose scree. Search and rescue was activated.

Later, a local trail volunteer revealed the route was an old logging road closed in 1992 due to erosion. The cairns had been placed by a teenager in 2010 as a prank. The trail no longer existed only the legend did.

Lesson: Myths can be dangerous. Always verify with land managers before following unmarked routes.

Example 2: The Real Cat Loop of the White Mountains

In 2021, a hiker named Elena Ruiz documented a 4.2-mile loop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She called it the Cats Paw Loop after noticing feline-shaped rock formations along the trail. She shared her GPS track on OpenStreetMap with a note: Unofficial, but maintained by local runners.

Within a year, the trail gained popularity. The local land trust installed wooden trail markers and built a small footbridge over a stream. The route is now listed on regional hiking guides but only because Elena documented it responsibly and worked with officials.

Lesson: A myth can become real if you approach it with care, collaboration, and respect.

Example 3: The Vanishing Trail of Joshua Tree

A popular Instagram post in 2020 showed a photo of a Crazy Cat Loop in Joshua Tree National Park, claiming it offered the best sunset view in California. Thousands attempted the hike. The trail which led to a private mineral claim was quickly closed by the Bureau of Land Management. Signs were posted: Trespassing Forbidden. Violators Subject to Fine.

The photo was staged. The loop was a 300-yard detour off a legal trail. The sunset view? A filtered image taken from a parking lot.

Lesson: Social media is a minefield. Verify the source. Question the motive. Dont be the reason a beautiful place gets closed.

Example 4: The Cultural Trail of the Navajo Nation

In 2022, a group of hikers claimed to have found a Crazy Cat Loop near the Arizona-New Mexico border. They posted videos of rock art and ceremonial stones. The Navajo Nation responded: the site was sacred. The trail was a ceremonial path used only by tribal elders.

The hikers were banned from tribal lands. Their social media accounts were flagged for cultural appropriation.

Lesson: Some trails are not meant to be found. Some paths are not for outsiders. Learn to recognize the difference.

FAQs

Is the Crazy Cat Loop real?

No official trail named Crazy Cat Loop exists on any government map or land management database. It is a myth a piece of outdoor folklore. However, many real, unmarked trails share similar characteristics, and the search for such routes can lead to meaningful discoveries if approached responsibly.

Can I hike the Crazy Cat Loop if I find it?

You can hike any route you find but only if its on public land, not closed, and not on private or sacred property. Always verify with land managers. Never assume a trail is legal just because it looks used.

Why do people talk about the Crazy Cat Loop?

Its a cultural meme a symbol of the desire to find something hidden, unique, and personal in a world of crowded trails and algorithm-driven recommendations. It represents the romantic idea of the lone hiker discovering a secret. But in reality, most secrets are either gone, dangerous, or sacred.

What should I do if I find a trail thats not on the map?

Document it using GPS and photos. Do not share coordinates publicly. Submit it to OpenStreetMap as a proposed trail. Contact the local land management agency. Let them decide whether to open, close, or maintain it.

Is it safe to hike alone looking for the Crazy Cat Loop?

No. Never hike alone in unverified terrain. Always tell someone your plan. Carry a PLB. Bring extra supplies. Assume youll need to spend a night out.

Can I use a drone to find the Crazy Cat Loop?

Using drones to scout trails is illegal in most national parks, forests, and protected areas without a permit. It also disturbs wildlife and violates privacy. Never use a drone to search for hidden trails.

What if I find cat claws on trees does that mean its the Crazy Cat Loop?

No. Bear claws, mountain lion scratches, and even deer rubbing can look like cat claws. Dont rely on anecdotal signs. Use geospatial data and expert verification instead.

How do I know if a trail is closed?

Check the official website of the managing agency (e.g., US Forest Service, National Park Service). Call their visitor center. Look for posted signs at trailheads. If in doubt, assume its closed.

Why doesnt Google Maps show the Crazy Cat Loop?

Because it doesnt exist as an official route. Google Maps only includes trails that are maintained, permitted, and documented by land agencies. Unofficial, abandoned, or private trails are intentionally excluded for safety and legal reasons.

Can I name a trail I find Crazy Cat Loop?

You can call it whatever you like but dont expect others to recognize it. If you want it to be officially recognized, work with land managers. Naming a trail without permission can cause confusion and lead to mismanagement.

Conclusion

The Crazy Cat Loop is not a destination. Its a metaphor.

It represents the hikers eternal quest not just for new trails, but for meaning, mystery, and connection in the natural world. In an age of GPS-guided routes and influencer-endorsed hikes, the myth of the Crazy Cat Loop reminds us that the best adventures arent always the ones that are mapped.

But they are the ones we approach with wisdom.

This guide didnt teach you how to find a trail that doesnt exist. It taught you how to think like a hiker how to question, verify, prepare, and respect. It taught you that the most valuable thing you carry on the trail isnt your GPS or your water filter its your judgment.

So whether youre chasing a legend, a hidden canyon, or a forgotten ridge do it with care. Do it with knowledge. Do it with humility.

The trail may not be real.

But your responsibility to the land and to yourself always is.