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I've become an avid hiker ever since I moved out west. Before arriving to northern California for the drive out, I visited Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion, Bryce, and Arches. It was like I entered a new world. I had seen pictures of these places through out my childhood to a point where they became legendary, far-off magical places. Then you see them for real. Anyway, I've gone on numerous hikes here in CA, including Death Valley (hint: you can do things there in winter without suffering) and the Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe. I haven't spent much money on gear - usually I just wing it. I layer up, throw on some shoes, pack some food, etc. The basics seem to be enough. I do have a "Life-Straw" which filters water from streams in the wilderness, and a flashlight just in case. I'd love try backpacking in the future but my budget is tight at the moment. By the way, I might go to Grand Teton National Park in a few weeks. Fingers crossed. A Kpro posted:Someone else decided to camp out in the wilderness of Idaho and came back with this shot That's fantastic. I'm still getting to used to the fact that Idaho has things worth seeing.
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Mar 5, 2014 04:23
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 18:42 |
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-CHA posted:I'm going to be heading out there in May. Hopefully I won't run into any issues with closed seasonal roads and can get at least a few miles of trails in without any hassle. That's the problem I have. My only chance to go would be late March, which isn't exactly a snow-free time of the year for Teton. My back-up is Redwoods National Park, or a trip to the coast (Big Sur?) Feedbacker posted:Grand Teton: The Taggart and Bradley Lakes trail is a great hike. It has excellent range views and meets your distance and difficulty criteria. LOL at the Grizzly warnings. I'm well-acquainted with the black bear "I don't care if you're here just stay away from my cubs" here in California, but grizzly bears? That's a little different. There's also a large population of wolves at Grand Teton, I think.
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Mar 6, 2014 05:58
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Well the Grand Teton weather isn't looking so great in 10 days. It seems to be getting colder and snowier. I'll still keep checking the reports though. Since Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park are close to each other, I figured it would make an equally exciting trip. Has anyone ever hiked these? I love the desert. Makes sense to go before it gets unbearably hot.
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Mar 15, 2014 21:20
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This thread is making me feel like spending $1000 on equipment.jb7 posted:I had to explain the other day why jeans are usually a dumb choice for hiking Tell me more. Should I buy... hiking pants?  I wear old, torn jeans on hikes when the weather is colder (shorts otherwise, obviously). Just stuff I can ruin and not worry about, basically.edit: posted awhile ago about Anza-Borrego and Joshua Tree without a post-trip report. I loved the isolation and vastness of the former - very peaceful, quiet, barely saw anyone. Joshua Tree, however, was a few miles away from an urban area and the air quality was so-so. Lots of people. Also, graffiti was on some of the rocks. Great trip. I loving love the desert. Telesphorus fucked around with this message at 09:10 on May 23, 2014 |
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May 23, 2014 09:04
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Spent the weekend in Yosemite National Park. It was awesome! I put off my visit for years because it's the most popular park, but I avoided the Valley (where the mall and god-knows-what-else is, ugh) and had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend a trail called Mono Pass, a moderate 5-mile hike that passes through meadows, streams, and forests to a spectacular view of Mono Lake. At Hetch Hetchy, I heard rustling in the manzanita bushes 10 feet away from me. Then I heard a huffing noise, like a happy dog. It was not! Yup - a very tame bear feasting on berries. I slowly backed away and watched him wander off to another bush without even seeming to notice me - it was exhilarating. Again, great park. You don't need to see the main attractions like Half Dome. There's plenty of great sights, wilderness and trails without people.
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Jun 26, 2014 02:30
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Any of you folks ever drive down Highway 395 in eastern California? It is spectacular as soon as you hit Lee Vining, home of Mono Lake - heading south. You will pass Mammoth Lakes and eventually countless portals into the Sierra Nevada - including Mount Darwin and Mount Whitney. I spent Labor Day weekend hiking by Palisades and John Muir Wilderness. The fusion of desert and Sierra landscapes is fascinating. Seriously, check out the eastern side of the Sierra sometime! It is unjustifiably overlooked.
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Sep 5, 2014 04:11
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Ropes4u posted:Having lived in bishop and mammoth I can assure you it's the bomb. Don't miss the bristled cone pines which are some of the oldest trees in the world. This is hilarious, because I slept along the road that goes to Bristle Cone Pines last Friday night. I wish I had time to drive up there all the way, but I hiked Big Pine Lake Trail instead. I enjoyed my brief stay in Bishop and would love to go back. joeshmoetogo posted:Hey I'm going to be hiking Whitney on Tuesday. I plan to make my way back to the Bay Area by Saturday morning via 120 so much of the Eastern Sierras is on offer for Wed and Thurs. I'll recommend my three hikes on Highway 395 (I won't go too far into details, but a Google search can provide more info). They were AWESOME: 1. Big Pine Lake Trail - if you like alpine lakes, this is great. The 15 mile trail passes six of them. 2. Darwin Lakes - located in Bishop. Take the Highway 168 portal. This 14 mile trail is very challenging with a 3600 foot ascent in 5 miles. Great scenery. 3. Steelhead Lake (located on McGee Creek road) - a leisurely, pleasant trail located 8 miles south of Mammoth Lakes. It gradually goes up in elevation for 12 miles - gradually. Telesphorus fucked around with this message at 01:59 on Sep 6, 2014 |
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Sep 6, 2014 01:55
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Saint Fu posted:Evolution Lake gently caress. I've always wanted to hike the Evolution Region.
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Sep 27, 2014 02:56
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Does anyone know if rock climbing shoes are suitable for hiking? Someone I know bought a pair and was hoping they could be used for both. They have especially hard/flat soles, not sure if that'd be a problem
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Oct 19, 2014 08:23
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Over Thanksgiving break I'll be taking a trip either to Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho, the Highway 395 Whitney Portal area again, or into Arizona wilderness. This depends on snow, and I have a feeling I'll be playing it safe and going to Arizona - anyone know of any amazing AZ trails? Also want to mention that I bought new Lowa hiking shoes. Hope that means I'm a pro. maybe not. Picnic Princess posted:Cirque Peak 
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Oct 26, 2014 07:17
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| # ¿ Apr 28, 2024 18:42 |
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Recently bought an Arc-teryx Fortrez hoodie, Lowa hiking shoes, and alpine climbing pants. A relative is also sending me his military-issued Wiggy sleeping bad which can apparently withstand -40 degrees. The hoody is especially recommended: http://www.rei.com/product/855422/arcteryx-fortrez-hoodie-fleece-jacket-mens For reference, I was the idiot who hiked in jeans and random layers of clothing my whole life until now.
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Nov 15, 2014 22:46
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