High Sierra Topix

I am looking for a great place to bring my novice backpacker wife for a 2-3 day (1-2 night) backpacking trip that offers enough beautify and solitude that she will be hooked. A little snow on the ground probably won't be a big deal but I want her to be comfortable and safe. Coming from San Francisco, we'd be happy driving 6-hours in any direction (SEKI, Yosemite, Lassen, Trinity Alps, Redwoods, etc.).

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

SEKI/redwood Canyon

Mike

Rancheria Falls is a great introductory 2 night trip. You won't have solitude at the main campground but if you climb Leconte Point on the second day, then you are fairly unlikely to see anyone. You can also camp slightly further up the trail towards Leconte Point (just after crossing the Rancheria Creek bridge) away from the crowds (last year you had to walk back down the trail a couple of minutes to get water, but maybe not this year).

We did it last year the same weekend:
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I would never take a first time backpacker out during mosquito season! So check the mosquito report here. Some of the lower elevations may be getting bugs in a few weeks if it warms up. Wildflowers would be a nice bonus. Although it does not have the solitude you want, Point Reyes is a really nice place to take a beginner. How many miles (or hours) per day is your goal? If she loves the ocean, the Lost Coast is spectacular, but requires meticulous planning for the tides.

jmlokitz wrote:I am looking for a great place to bring my novice backpacker wife for a 2-3 day (1-2 night) backpacking trip that offers enough beautify and solitude that she will be hooked. A little snow on the ground probably won't be a big deal but I want her to be comfortable and safe. Coming from San Francisco, we'd be happy driving 6-hours in any direction (SEKI, Yosemite, Lassen, Trinity Alps, Redwoods, etc.).

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Ok.. quick question: how novice? describe your and her abilities, likes, dislikes.

I would not take a newbie wife on a trip with snow on the ground, unless you have
adequate gear, and an understanding how to camp in these environments.
Also be aware that mosquitoes may be active at lower elevations, so be prepared
otherwise she will never go out with you again!
There are some previous threads about "how to preparing or deal with mosquitoes"
just do a search.
There is a "Suggestion For Requesting Trip Advice" section above which will gives us
some info on your abilities, and things the both of you are interested in seeing.

oldranger wrote:SEKI/redwood Canyon

Mike

The road is still closed... but we are dayhiking that on Sunday, so will have detailed info if they would like that option.

There is a dirt road that one can take from Eshom to get to the trailhead, which is apparently passable - someone who went out there said they hiked in from Quail Flat and found a car sitting in the lot.

But it will be muddy, and full of skeeters....

Great feedback - thank you everyone! I never thought about the mosquitoes but so happy you reminded me. Yes, we would be miserable. My wife and I are active and can probably manage between 12-18 miles/day with a pack. I like the idea of Point Reyes and will likely be making the reservation call tomorrow. We're also crazy planners (even a little OCD at times) so a Lost Coast trip might suit us perfectly.

Again, thank you for all of the posts. This is absolutely the best forum experience I have encountered. Keep 'em coming if you have other ideas.

Make sure you visit Alamere Falls when doing the Coast Trail in Point Reyes National
Seashore, it is the highlight of the trek.