I am trying to get a backpacking trip going this weekend going in King's Canyon National Park. I have being reading snow reports provided by government survey, the title is "Sierra Nevada Snowpack Is Virtually Gone; Water Content Now Is Only 5 Percent of Historic Average, Lowest Since 1950" . So a crazy idea comes up to me, do you guys think it would be possible for me to hike Rae Lake Loop now? WIll I need ice axe/crampon stuff ?
If not, is that possible anyone suggest me a 2-3 days loop hike in kings canyon/Sequoia national park? I have hiked several long day-hikes this year (~20 miles per day with decent altitude gain) but this will be my frist backpacking trip.
Thank you very much!
Terry
EDIT: just saw the guidelines for requesting trip advices.
- - Backpacking Experience: Minimum(?). I have done car camping before. I pack light. I have read a lot of stuff about what should you do while backpacking.
- - Terrain Preference: Anything without requiring a rope and the equipment is rentable.
- - Main interest: Lakes are my favorite. Also big mountain scenary I guess. Campsite with great scenery of a lake and mountain is literally my life-long dream. I will bring my camera and tripod this trip.
- - Since it is off-permit season, I can leave Bay Area Friday afternoon and do the first stretch the hike to first campsite Friday night or find a motel nearby. I can go back Sunday or Monday depends on what trail I eventually decide to hike.
- - There will be no dogs.