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Post by merendo07 on Jan 11, 2024 10:53:32 GMT -8
Hello folks! My name is Ben, I'm from Switzerland and I've joined here just now because I'd like to get more serious about backpacking. So far, I have only basic experience (I did the West Highland Way in Scotland last year); this year, I want to travel to the States and do a little backpacking there.
Looking forward to being active in this forum! Ben
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 11, 2024 11:13:21 GMT -8
Greetings. Where would you like to backpack? Probably the Rocky Mountains I’m guessing.
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Post by merendo07 on Jan 11, 2024 11:22:32 GMT -8
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Post by Sleeping Bag Man! on Jan 11, 2024 11:48:36 GMT -8
Welcome! Being from Switzerland, everything else must seem mediocre.  Beware of our Rocky Mountain contingent here...don't get me wrong, the Rockies are nice...I wouldn't kick the Rockies out of bed for eating crackers...but Rockies people carry on & on about "14ers", trying to compensate for their very short promontories. Our Sierra Nevada members are generally the more respectable people here. Our PNWers (Pacific Northwest) are just hiker trash. Please give us photos of your Swiss adventures. |
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 11, 2024 11:55:44 GMT -8
I have an F350 with a lift kit. But my commuter vehicle is an 18 wheel Peterbilt 579. With a lift kit.
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 11, 2024 11:59:58 GMT -8
I don’t know what it’s like in Switzerland. But I did see the film Sound of Music which is set in Austria. So must be similar.
I’m sure the backpacking there is great and I’d love to see some pictures?
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Post by merendo07 on Jan 11, 2024 12:09:34 GMT -8
Tbh, I only moved to Switzerland four months ago - not much hiking done yet. But I'll post pictures soon.
Please help me, what is a "14er"?
So, any suitable backpacking trails in the Rocky Mountains?
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Post by Sleeping Bag Man! on Jan 11, 2024 12:51:06 GMT -8
"14er" is lingo for a mountain that is 14,000 feet or higher in elevation. Hipsters with tight jeans and strange beards use this term frequently.
The Rockies have a lot of "14ers", but that's mainly because the base elevation of their mountain ranges is 10,000/11,000 feet. So people climb the measly 2,000-3,000 additional vertical feet to summit them and then go on social media congratulating themselves as if they conquered Mt. Everest.
(I'm poking fun at my Rockies Cartel friends here...I don't mean any of this seriously...in truth I am disguising my jealousy)
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,160 
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Post by reuben on Jan 11, 2024 13:29:27 GMT -8
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 11, 2024 13:37:18 GMT -8
Backpacking trails in the Rocky Mountains? Hundreds. I tend to visit Wilderness Areas. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wilderness_areas_of_the_United_StatesThey are easier to navigate in terms of permitting. You just have to sign in at the trailhead. No reservations, fees at most of them. There are only a couple I know of that charges a fee in Colorado. |
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balzaccom
Trail Wise!
Waiting for spring...
Posts: 4,515
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Post by balzaccom on Jan 11, 2024 15:47:55 GMT -8
And there are tons of trails in the Sierra Nevada in California...from Yosemite to Sequoia and beyond. You can about a lot of them on my website...
Backpackthesierra.com
My daughter lives in Geneva. Where are you?
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,995
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 11, 2024 18:08:22 GMT -8
If you'd like to visit an otherworldly landscape of incredible rock formations, southern Utah has numerous opportunities. About 9 years ago I did an overnight loop in the Needles District of Canyonlands, which included a sidetrip to Druid Arch.
I live near Chicago and have done most of my hiking & backpacking in the upper Midwest and Southeast, but Utah is like a different planet. That trek in Canyonlands is among my all time favorites.
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Post by bluefish on Jan 12, 2024 1:34:03 GMT -8
I'd second southern Utah, with a look at the Grand Canyon as the coup de grace. Welcome and safe travels. For some radical side trips on your way through canyon country, and the beautiful San Juans, too- Mesa Verde in Colorado, and Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah/Co. border.
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Post by merendo07 on Jan 13, 2024 11:49:06 GMT -8
Ok, I'll have a look at trails in Utah, thanks for suggesting.
I live near Frauenfeld, which is north-east Switzerland, so almost the opposite end of Switzerland to Geneva.
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 13, 2024 13:15:03 GMT -8
With your June or September target date keep in mind it will be HOT there. Just sayin’
Just Googled it. Maybe not as hot as I thought.
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