|
Post by lennox on Jan 23, 2022 10:36:23 GMT -8
I am looking to do a 3-4 day backpacking trip in May. I would prefer a place that I can drive to from the Austin Texas area within about 8-10 hours. A loop trail is preferred, but an out-and-back would work as well as a point-to-point. We will have two vehicles. Some place with nice scenery, water availability and not so much snow. I have backpacked in the Gila Wilderness many times and an pretty familiar with it. We will likely go there if we do not find a closer place. The disadvantage to the Gila is that it is 12-14 driving hours and I understand that much of the Gila has burned in recent years. Any suggestions? <style></style>
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Jan 23, 2022 19:24:02 GMT -8
lennox , I live in Round Mountain, just to your west, so I share your predicament, it's a long drive to get to decent backpacking. Gila would definitely be my first choice, but it is a haul. Have you backpacked the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso? You could do a loop up Argentina Canyon, along the Crest Trail, then back down Bonito Creek or Aspen Canyon. I made a trip there in May once, and it was lovely. Another possibility might be the Ouachita Trail in OK/AR. May would probably be a nice time to be there. As I'm sure you also know, May can be a pretty nice time to be up in the Chisos.
|
|
|
Post by lennox on Jan 24, 2022 6:44:12 GMT -8
Thanks, Trinity. I will take a look at the NM White Mountains.
|
|
|
Post by cweston on Jan 24, 2022 7:08:04 GMT -8
Is the Pecos Wilderness just as far from you as the Gila? I've had some wonderful trips there late May of light snow and/or early thaw years. (But some years the snow and stream crossings are still pretty crazy at that time.)
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Jan 24, 2022 8:51:35 GMT -8
Is the Pecos Wilderness just as far from you as the Gila? It may be a tad closer, mainly because you don't have to drive through El Paso to get there. I usually figure on about 11 hours to the town of Pecos, plus another hour or so to Panchuela, so barely out of the stated parameters of the OP. The Cloudcroft area is pretty nice as well. I haven't done any backpacking there, but I bet a point-to-point or out-and-back along the Rim Trail would be a nice trip.
|
|
|
Post by lennox on Jan 24, 2022 15:55:18 GMT -8
It appears that the Pecos Wilderness may be an hour or two closer than the Gila. Of course both depend on where in each Wilderness we go.
Thanks, L.
|
|
Hungry Jack
Trail Wise!
Living and dying in 3/4 time...
Posts: 3,809
|
Post by Hungry Jack on Jan 27, 2022 15:29:28 GMT -8
I might recommend the Chiricahua Mountains, but that is probably 12 hours of driving from Austin.
You might consider options in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma.
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Apr 25, 2022 5:43:11 GMT -8
lennox , did you ever decide on a destination? I am hoping to make a trip myself towards the end of May. Probably either the Gila or the Pecos.
|
|
|
Post by starwalker on Apr 25, 2022 19:20:36 GMT -8
New Mexico is extremely dry with wildfires in many areas. I'd go to the Ouachita's or Wichita's in Oklahoma this time.
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Apr 26, 2022 3:04:52 GMT -8
Thanks, starwalker , point taken. I'd definitely prefer NM, but this year, even more than ever, I'm having to have a Plan A, B, and C. I will include OK and AR in my contingency plans.
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Apr 26, 2022 10:05:11 GMT -8
trinitySnotel sites in the Eastern San Juans and Sangres are LOW! I realize it would be more driving but if smoke's not an issue there is so much great stuff for an early Spring. Lily Pond Snotel is about snow free right now. Other than South Colony Sangres are looking rough. Could be some amazing early wild flowers.
|
|