Where would you go?

“...in the continental U.S. for a backpacking trip, where would you go?

My parents' have decided that this year for Christmas they're going to pay for airfare, rental car, and spending $$ for one trip of my choice.

I'd like to go somewhere new, so that rules out: GSMNP, Rocky Mtn. NP, Olympic NP, Lassen NP, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, and Yosemite NP.

Right now I'm leaning toward Glacier NP. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but I'm afraid it might be like Disneyland. The destination doesn't have to be a NP, there's so much of Colorado I haven't seen, that's an option as well.

So what's your favorite destination?”

“One word....


Denali ”

“If I had a guide to keep me from getting eaten by Grizzlies then Denali, otherwise Tetons. They have Grizzlies there, but not as many. I'd do some major bushwhacking there.”

“spending $$$=guide”

“yeah, Alaska was my first thought too. I've been wanting to go to Wrangell-St. Elias for several years now. But I know the $$$ range my folks are willing to spend, and that keeps me in the lower 48.”

“The guide reference was for my personal experience level. I wouldn't venture into that backcountry with my current knowlege.

Tetons, off the beaten path at Yellowstone, Glacier or maybe Cascades. All 4 of those are significantly different than the places you listed.”

“Wind Rivers, but hey, I live here. That would make it a real cheap trip.”

“Ooh, I forgot about the Wind Range.

Black hills and badlands are another thought.”

“If all expenses are paid Alaska is of course at the top of almost everyone's list. Although I've never actually backpacked within the boundaries of Glacier, I've backpacked all around it and but would highly recommend Mt. Rainier's Wonderland over Glacier. In fact with the money that you will save going to Rainier instead of Denali you could afford to hire me as your guide.

Here’s a great Rainier link.
http://rainier.gameworkshop.com/”

“My dream trip.


John Muir Wilderness.

Or

Bob Marshell Wilderness.

8)”

“longlosthiker how many days do you have in mind?”

“Hey CMB, I thought you said that your dream trip is to Shades?”

“I'm with CMB, the Bob Marshall. or the Beartooth Wilderness...if you get to Montana, and once you get the car, you could so both!”

“Thats too funny!


8)

I am so wanting to go there Aero.”

“Rahwah Wilderness west of Fort Collins, CO is great, also wish I had more time in Glacier, but permits are such a pain. I've been wanting to do the Beartooths, haven't made it there, yet.

So many destinations--so little money--so little time. :-(”

“Re-appropriate the rental car and spending money for airfare to Kauai. Backpack the Napali Coast and then stay for a few days at the Tunnels and Polihale campgrounds.

You would be STOKED!”

“Maine”

“The Beartooths are PIMP!!!!!!!!



8)”

“Dang threads like this make me worth a crap for the rest of the work day. All I can think about is that next big trip.”

“wow longlosthiker you got incredibly lucky. I would say Denali as well but under your circumstances I would choose either Glacier or Tetons. Two of the most beautiful places that I would love to see. Good luck with whatever you choose.”

“Grand Canyon need not be like "Disneyland". There are lots of routes that are not dangerously backcountry, but off the usual routes enough to be interesting and remote. I hiked the "popular" Hermit-BA loop and saw maybe 10 people total. Two days with seeing no one at all.”

“was that a one way trip??? LOL”

“okay, I saw a lot of people on the Bright Angel trail on the way out. I wasn't counting that part :)”

“I agree with crustbro, HAWAII would be my choice. Second to Alaska.”

“under the sea, in an Octopuss' garden in the shade.”

“go home! work doesn't want you anymore, stikmon!”

“I haven't had a real vacation in a few years, so I'm gonna do this one right. Optimal would be two weeks...10 days minimum, excluding travel days.”

“Colorado!
Go to durango colorado ride the durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad to the animas river trailhead. 3 14ers and 4 or the 50 highest and difficult 13ers in the state are a days hike away. just don't forget to purchase you return ticket”

“New Jersey offers some great hikes.”

“longlosthiker if you have two weeks you most certainly should take on Rainier's Wonderland. There is noting in the lower 48 that surpasses it in scenery and it has the perfect set up for a two week trek. Also, you might want to think about hiking it sooner than later. The older locals we talked to this past summer are beginning to compare Rainier's seismic activity to what went on years before Mt. St Helens' eruption. More likely though, Rainier is due for a nice burp that would cause some considerable trail destroying Lahars.”

“definatelly the west coast. Yeah Mt. Rainer and Colorado would be on my list. Those are 2 of my choices for next year.”

“Sequoia NP - High Sierra Trail...exiat over Mt. Whitney

Sequoia NP - Mineral King Loop hike

Grand Canyon - Unforgetable

Glacier is a fabulous place to visit, but I am not sure about a 10 day backpack trip.”

“I agree, Phil. I'd do something similar to what the Snow Couple have done; split the trip into two areas. They did Yoho and Mt. Robson last summer and the Beartooths/Wind Rivers the summer before (Montanapalooza). I think the Glacier/Bob Marshall would be a good combo...”

“Within the continental U.S., if you want to go somewhere you haven't been...Glacier sounds good, I tried to go last year but the August fires kept me away. Wind Rivers are awesome. The Trinity Alps are spectacular, Sequioa...

But to tell the truth, I'd head to Alaska and spend as much time exploring as possible. The Canadian Rockies and B.C. were going to be included on the Glacier trip.”

“There was a park in New Mexico or Texas that was privatly owned for about 100 years. Just recently,(last year I think) it was open to the public. It is suppose to be virgin terretory. Maybe someone knows what I am talking about. That would a great place to hike. Knowing that you are one of the few who ever hiked there. Very cool.”

“If you haven't yet been, I would go to Glacier, the Beartooths or the San Juans in Colorado. All are really beautiful and you can easily spread to last two weeks, either by doing a few short (4 or 5 day) hikes or if you are willing to carry the weight, a longer continuous journey. In Glacier you do have to pay for campsites though and have reservations, which can only be reserved up to a max of 6 days, I think. We did a 10 day trip by making two sets of reservations - and we picked up our permit for the second half at a ranger station midway. (They like to keep you apprised of bear activity or other trail closures.) Glacier is the most beautiful, but most regulated. (Same goes for Alberta, Canada. Their backcountry sites also require paid reservations, and they close trails if there is any sign of bear, and they can close due to drought.) If you can go off season (i.e. April), the Grand Canyon is definitely worth a visit.”

“LizardHead NF, Colorado”

“Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado. It is beautiful!! Might be hard to make it a 10 day backpack trip, but there are places you could spend a day or two and relax.

By the way, I am a newbie to this site :-) Not a troll.”

“Dang! Too many choices to ponder.

Rainier sounds tempting. I remember how awe inspiring Mt. Shasta was approaching it on I-5, I'm sure Rainier is even more impressive.

I think I could spend a whole summer in Colorado and not get bored...so many Wilderness Areas to explore.

”