Suggestions for Eastern Sierra Trip July 3-9
Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:02 pm
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some help with revised travel plans! I plan to go backpacking (two of us) July 3-9. (Unfortunately, I have to put in for my vacation in January, so I’m stuck with that time frame.) Due to this year’s snowfall, we’ve scrapped our original trip plans and are now scrambling to check out all other possibilities.
We would like to go to the eastern Sierras. We have up to 5-6 days/4-5 nights for the trip, but I’m willing to be flexible (or considering this year, extremely flexible). Would rather do one or two great 3 day/2 nights and then explore (day hike/road trip/car camp) other parts of the region (such as the White Mountains, for example) than have a not-so-great 6 days/5 nights.
I would rate my backpacking experience at a 3.5 (mainly because I’ve been doing this only for 5 years); my hiking partner is a 4+ (avid backpacker for 30+ years). I’m comfortable with Class 2 terrain and have done some river crossings and some snow travel. My partner is comfortable with Class 2-3 terrain as well as river and glacier crossings.
My main interest is big mountain scenery (why I love the Sierras!), photography, flowers and lakes. I like forests, but prefer to camp with a view. I tend to hike about 4-8 miles a day (with large pack) at the most. (I’m constantly taking photos.) I do like camping at one site for a couple days and taking long day trips from there. I would like a loop trip, but I’m willing to go back the way I came if I need to—and this is not the year to be picky!
Any suggestions (including where not to go!) would really be appreciated!
I’m hoping to get some help with revised travel plans! I plan to go backpacking (two of us) July 3-9. (Unfortunately, I have to put in for my vacation in January, so I’m stuck with that time frame.) Due to this year’s snowfall, we’ve scrapped our original trip plans and are now scrambling to check out all other possibilities.
We would like to go to the eastern Sierras. We have up to 5-6 days/4-5 nights for the trip, but I’m willing to be flexible (or considering this year, extremely flexible). Would rather do one or two great 3 day/2 nights and then explore (day hike/road trip/car camp) other parts of the region (such as the White Mountains, for example) than have a not-so-great 6 days/5 nights.
I would rate my backpacking experience at a 3.5 (mainly because I’ve been doing this only for 5 years); my hiking partner is a 4+ (avid backpacker for 30+ years). I’m comfortable with Class 2 terrain and have done some river crossings and some snow travel. My partner is comfortable with Class 2-3 terrain as well as river and glacier crossings.
My main interest is big mountain scenery (why I love the Sierras!), photography, flowers and lakes. I like forests, but prefer to camp with a view. I tend to hike about 4-8 miles a day (with large pack) at the most. (I’m constantly taking photos.) I do like camping at one site for a couple days and taking long day trips from there. I would like a loop trip, but I’m willing to go back the way I came if I need to—and this is not the year to be picky!
Any suggestions (including where not to go!) would really be appreciated!