Trip Advice: versatile 7 days between mid-July and mid-Sept
Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:42 am
UPDATE: Trek selected, going to do a Mineral King route.
edited original post just to account for things that have already been discussed on the thread in an effort to focus new responses
Trying to plan my first Sierras trip, really need to get a move-on so I can get a permit. Any input is much appreciated.
We were initially looking into this loop: http://www.backpacker.com/destinations/hikes/54414" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but have ruled it out on the basis of it being above treeline almost the entire trek, and two of the passes are beyond our capabilities esp with packs on.
The next loop that caught my eye was this Mineral King trip maverick outlines here, but it sounds mostly on-trail and we'd like to get some x-c time in: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5310" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm looking for any other trip recommendations that would meet the following criteria:
- 4 people. 0 dogs
- Level 3 to 4; comfortable and experienced with x-country travel by map and compass
- we are comfortable with up to a class 2+ pass (Jigsaw pass... not happening), river crossings, and glacier crossings with minimal slope (we will not have any kind of snow shoes, axes, and would prefer not to bring belay equip)
- can comfortably do up to 15 miles/day in neutral to moderate terrain. 7-9 miles strenuous. That's a benchmark of what we CAN do if a good trip required it. We are just as happy covering less miles per day. Not out there looking to rack up numbers
- altitude acclimation days are planned but I am not counting them as part of my days on the trail. How many will depend on the starting TH elevation, and what the first day or two of hiking look like.
What we're looking for, this is where I'm overwhelmed:
- Lakes and rivers
- Forests, meadows, greenery
- Big Mountain Scenery
- We'd like to cover ground above and below treeline, just don't want to be above treeline in a grey world the entire time. We've enjoyed that 8,000 - 12,000 range before, little of both worlds.
- Solitude. The less other hikers and campers we encounter, the better
- X-country travel. Love the sport and challenge of it, have had some of my most fun on treks orienteering
- 1-2 layovers, preferably where we can do some challenging dayhikes to remote lakes or mountaintops; or a couple short days where we can set up camp, drop some gear, and still do some exploring
thanks!
chris
edited original post just to account for things that have already been discussed on the thread in an effort to focus new responses
Trying to plan my first Sierras trip, really need to get a move-on so I can get a permit. Any input is much appreciated.
We were initially looking into this loop: http://www.backpacker.com/destinations/hikes/54414" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but have ruled it out on the basis of it being above treeline almost the entire trek, and two of the passes are beyond our capabilities esp with packs on.
The next loop that caught my eye was this Mineral King trip maverick outlines here, but it sounds mostly on-trail and we'd like to get some x-c time in: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5310" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm looking for any other trip recommendations that would meet the following criteria:
- 4 people. 0 dogs
- Level 3 to 4; comfortable and experienced with x-country travel by map and compass
- we are comfortable with up to a class 2+ pass (Jigsaw pass... not happening), river crossings, and glacier crossings with minimal slope (we will not have any kind of snow shoes, axes, and would prefer not to bring belay equip)
- can comfortably do up to 15 miles/day in neutral to moderate terrain. 7-9 miles strenuous. That's a benchmark of what we CAN do if a good trip required it. We are just as happy covering less miles per day. Not out there looking to rack up numbers
- altitude acclimation days are planned but I am not counting them as part of my days on the trail. How many will depend on the starting TH elevation, and what the first day or two of hiking look like.
What we're looking for, this is where I'm overwhelmed:
- Lakes and rivers
- Forests, meadows, greenery
- Big Mountain Scenery
- We'd like to cover ground above and below treeline, just don't want to be above treeline in a grey world the entire time. We've enjoyed that 8,000 - 12,000 range before, little of both worlds.
- Solitude. The less other hikers and campers we encounter, the better
- X-country travel. Love the sport and challenge of it, have had some of my most fun on treks orienteering
- 1-2 layovers, preferably where we can do some challenging dayhikes to remote lakes or mountaintops; or a couple short days where we can set up camp, drop some gear, and still do some exploring
thanks!
chris