solo backpacking in California

“whatsup, i will be making my first solo backpacking journey for about a week in the begginning of may, and need advice for possible places to go. I am looking for a relatively desolate spot in california, where bears aren't a huge issue, and where it won't snow, or be too cold, and where there is fishing. Also,I am going for a week long trip, so i will be able to cover alot of terrain. Any advice for finding a place that might meet these conditions would be greatly appreciated. thank you :)”

“Where are you located? Where do you want to go? How experienced are you?”

“What Tango said.


There are lots of places I could recommend in a couple months, but not too many right now. The grounds still covered in snow in many areas and the bears are just now stumbling around looking for something to eat.

Perhaps folks down South can help”

“im located in the bay area, and am moderately experienced... ie, on average two backcountry trips per year,and would be interested in any type of terrain, except the desert, or high altitude ( because of the weather in the begginning of may), at any park in california”

“Take it mtnsteve.”

“any suggestions closer to the coast ( where the wouldn't be snow)? Ive heard good things about redwood national forest, and the trinity alps in northern california which are closer to the coast...anyone been?”

“Might be hard to find something in May that meets all your criteria. Closest I could come would probably be north coast somewhere... maybe Lost Coast, in the Sinkyone Wilderness, etc. Everyplace I can think of in the mountains is covered w snow and/or has bears... those areas at lower elevations are touron attractors, so forget desolate.

Good book you should pick us is California Hiking, Tom Sienstra, don't know which version he's on these days but probably the best all-around CA hiking trail list available in one location.”

“Mtn Steve is "The Man" re Trinity Alps, I'll let him take it but I believe there's still fair amount of snow, in some places down to 4000 ft. according to someone I was going to hike up there with next week.”

“cool cool, i'll definitely check out that book...i dont think the bears would be a huge concern...the main thing is just to avoid the snow!...so i'll check that out...thanks for the help!”

“Your best bet is likely to be Ventana Wilderness located on the central coast near Monterey. The elevation and proximity to the coast mean there's rarely problems with snow. Additionally, while there may a few bears, they are not at all an issue. Temps will be mild too.

2nd choice would be The Lost Coast, but you can easily cover it in 4 days.

Another good choice, but again, it doesn't provide a weeks worth, is Pt Reyes NSS.

Early May is too early for the Alps, Marbles or Siskiyous as streams will be high and upper elevations will be entirely snowed in.

You may be able to access the Yolla Bollys, but again, you'll have to deal with some snow.

Ishi is good in early May but won't provide a weeks hike.

Death Valley is too dangerous.

Anza Borrego is too far.”

“Trinity Trekker would be a good source on the Alps right now, I believe he lives there (Weaverville)

If snow is a no no, then the Trinity's will be out, although some lower trails may be open in a month or so, you wont hike far without hitting snow I'm afraid. Although it's not current as of now, a good site for trail and road conditions to bookmark is here

Like Dunk mentioned, the Yolla Bolly- Middle Eel Wilderness Area is another possibility. It's not all that big, around 20 miles long and 24 miles wide, but much of it is snow free. The high ridges and Peaks (Yolla Bolly) still have some snow, but I they are do able. I cant promise anything about the bears, last time I was there, we had quite a few. I would call the Ranger Station and ask about the snow levels.

I'm gonna have to check on the Ventana Wilderness ...never heard of it...thanks Dunk.”

“Go to Etna and start on top and go south on the PCT”

“Just got email from Trinity Trekker the other day. Sounds like there's still quite a bit of snow in the Alps. He spoke of climbing Granite Peak and that it required ice axe, crampons and ropes. We generally do a 4-5 day trip in the Alps, Marbles or Siskiyous every Memorial Day weekend. We always have snow to deal with.

The thing with the Yolla Bollys is that despite it's relatively small size, there is a good network of trails that could easily provide a weeks worth of hiking, but snow will still be an issue. At Ventana, snow is never an issue and at about 150,000 acres and an equally good trail system, it's the perfect spot for a week long trip in early season.

catdog, Etna south into Russian W'nss will also be a snow concern.”