littlerunneryogi
Trail Ready!
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
Posts: 12
|
Post by littlerunneryogi on Dec 25, 2019 12:44:06 GMT -8
I've got a brand new pack, an airline voucher and a long weekend in January. I'd like to find a place to explore, backpacking and winter camping my way. I prefer a loop for convenience, but am open to hiking in, setting up camp, and running a few out-and-backs from there. What are your favorite winter spots in January?
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 25, 2019 17:15:12 GMT -8
Any more specifics on what you're looking for? If you look through this thread, you will find some good info on southern AZ. My go-tos for January trips the past couple of years have been Guadalupe Mountain National Park and the Gila Wilderness. Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park would also be great options.
|
|
littlerunneryogi
Trail Ready!
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
Posts: 12
|
Post by littlerunneryogi on Dec 25, 2019 18:10:07 GMT -8
Totally flexible, though I’m looking at 3-4 nights. I can comfortably hike 10ish miles a day, though am perfectly happy with less. Looking for beautiful views and quiet. I’ll be solo.
Thanks for the link. I’m headed to check that out!
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 26, 2019 8:22:19 GMT -8
Since I take a 4 night trip in January most years, here are links to a few of my Trip Reports: January in the Gila January in the GuadsThis past winter I made another trip to the Guads, but never got around to posting a TR. Went up McKittrick Canyon over to Dog Canyon, then up to Blue Ridge and back down McKittrick. The Guads are a fantastic winter destination, and practically deserted. The only issue is water. Another decent January destination is the Ouachitas in Oklahoma/Arkansas. Here is a TR from a January trip a few years back, though the photos don't show up anymore: Ouachita Trail
The Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend would make for a great January trip. It is quite spectacular, and should have decent water availability in January. I am hoping to go to Saguaro at the end of January this year, conditions permitting.
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 26, 2019 13:33:14 GMT -8
What are your favorite winter spots in January? In January, I prefer a comfortable chair by by the fire sipping a nice barrel-aged stout. Since you posted in the Rocky Mountains I hope you realize that most trailheads will be inaccessible, and that winter camping means snowshoeing through several feet of snow, avalanche danger, and survival conditions. It can be done, but it's not for the faint-of-heart or the inexperienced. Things get wet and don't dry out. Things freeze and stay frozen. A few others have mentioned Arizona and other Southern opportunities.
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Dec 27, 2019 7:37:55 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by burntfoot on Dec 27, 2019 9:27:12 GMT -8
Look into cross-country skiing or snowshoeing into a hut. Go to huts.org I personally don't camp in the winter, not because of the cold, but because I can't sleep for 14 hours (or hold "it" in that long). But, I do like to go to huts, as they usually have solar panels and lights at night.
|
|
swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 540
|
Post by swiftdream on Dec 27, 2019 9:44:05 GMT -8
We have been getting a lot of this lately, even from regular members. Some live in places where there are no mountainous terrain and long to be in them. But winter is still winter, long dark nights, short days and storms marching through in succession. You may find a slot in there with perfect weather for a few days but we can’t predict that in advance and not all storms are forecast. If you are tough, determined and highly skilled and experienced with winter mountainous situations then you might survive and do okay but I don’t recommend it. Here are two seasons that we generally don’t do mountain backpacking in southern Arizona and the southwest, monsoon season and winter.
A buddy just emailed me the morning from Flagstaff and told there is 20” of white stuff on the ground just south of town so you can imagine what the 12000’ mountains are doing. There are backpackers on this forum and elsewhere that do extreme conditions in winter safely but I doubt they will encourage it. That is one of the two seasons of the most serious events occur for hikers and outdoor travelers. From your mage it looks like you have camped in snow but be a bit cautious in the mountains of the west. They make their own weather at times.
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Dec 28, 2019 11:02:28 GMT -8
This is posted on multiple region pages. Maybe the OP should narrow it down geographically to keep us from wasting our time.
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 28, 2019 11:22:03 GMT -8
Since she has indicated that she has a travel voucher, I am assuming she is going to be flying, and is considering a wide range of geographical options. If you don't want to waste your time, johntpenca, then don't post.
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Dec 28, 2019 14:42:14 GMT -8
If you don't want to waste your time, johntp, then don't post. Ouch! Point taken. Still think it would be a good idea to give more information on the type of experience desired. I'm more than willing to pass along ideas, but there are a gagillion options out there given the general nature of the request. Having a better understanding of what the OP is after would help us target our responses. I first saw this on the CA/NV board. Given the pic in the OP, it seemed to be generally assumed the OP wanted snow camping.
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 28, 2019 15:48:05 GMT -8
|
|
littlerunneryogi
Trail Ready!
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
Posts: 12
|
Post by littlerunneryogi on Dec 28, 2019 18:24:42 GMT -8
Thanks to those of you who didn't jump to the conclusion that I was inexperienced or trying to waste people's time. I have a long weekend in January, a travel voucher wherever I decide to go, and I DID cross-post in the hopes that folks would tell me about amazing trips they've taken in those regions during January. Thanks to the few of you who answered the question.
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Dec 29, 2019 7:51:12 GMT -8
littlerunneryogi , you miss the point of my posts. Given the general nature of the request, there are a wide range of possibilities. By giving us an idea of your experience (we have none) and expectations we could target our suggestions to suit your needs. Otherwise, we are shooting in the dark. -What is your experience? -Where and in what seasons/conditions is your experience? -Do you want snow camping or clear trails? -What elevations are you seeking? -What equipment do you have for winter travel in the mountains? In other words, given your gear, what conditions are your prepared for? -What is your level of comfort in harsh winter conditions? -What amount of time have you allowed from your point of origin (home) to the trailhead given your 3-4 night hiking window? It is not my intent to be harsh, but in order to offer truly useful suggestions it would help to know more. What does "I'd like to find a place to explore, backpacking and winter camping my way" mean?
|
|
Hungry Jack
Trail Wise!
Living and dying in 3/4 time...
Posts: 3,809
|
Post by Hungry Jack on Jan 23, 2020 10:56:34 GMT -8
People are so easily offended nowadays
|
|