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Post by jacobf on Feb 24, 2019 10:50:02 GMT -8
So, I was planning to go backpacking with 11 person group from March 9th-15th at Zion NP. However with the snowfall this year this plan is in doubt. Wondering about lower elevation backpacking alternatives that aren't too far from Vegas (where we're flying in).
Thanks!
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 25, 2019 14:54:28 GMT -8
Zion itself covers a range of elevations so I’d suggest giving them a call. Grand Canyon could work but they’re just so popular a last minute permit could be s challenge, worth another call I’d say.
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davesenesac
Trail Wise!
Our precious life is short within eternity, don't waste it!
Posts: 1,710 
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Post by davesenesac on Feb 27, 2019 8:34:49 GMT -8
Perfect date for short one-night backpacks into nearby Death Valley National Park as long as you accept venturing into waterless canyons without trails carrying a bit of H2O. Something hilarious to this person, that is apparently a scary notion to 98% of visitors even with backpacking experience. Instead groups all choose the one place that has a bit of flowing water, Cottonwood - Marble Canyon loop.
There are more outstanding one night late winter backpacking choices in Death Valley than probably any other park in The West. Myriad fascinating canyons with tall shadowing walls and alcoves, interesting colorful geology, and in late winter at least some green vegetation and wildflowers even in a less than wet year like this. Places you are not going to see other people, much less foot prints. Carrying water for one day, hiking in just a few miles is trivial. In fact plenty of amazing places with shade less than 2 miles from places to road side park. Just requires a bit of topo and Google Earth work to size up.
I am probably the only human in a decades that has looked down on what I've labeled "The Orange Cat's Head". Here read this:
www.davidsenesac.com/2016_Trip_Chronicles/spring_2016-6.html#mar23 |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708 
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Post by rebeccad on Mar 7, 2019 12:49:54 GMT -8
So, I was planning to go backpacking with 11 person group from March 9th-15th at Zion NP. However with the snowfall this year this plan is in doubt. Wondering about lower elevation backpacking alternatives that aren't too far from Vegas (where we're flying in). Thanks! You may need to rethink this. 11 people is too many for most places, and especially for fragile desert environments. |
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