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Post by lvannah on Jan 2, 2024 20:16:24 GMT -8
Hi. I'm new to the forum, but not new to backpacking - though haven't done a lot of it recently as hubby isn't in to it. I'm looking for a good 3 to 4 day trip no more than 3 to 4 hours from the SF Peninsula and below snow line. All suggestions appreciated.🙏
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Post by marmotstew on Jan 2, 2024 20:26:23 GMT -8
Welcome. I don’t know California well. I’m part of the Rocky Mountain Cartel. But there’s folks from that area that should give you some advice.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 2, 2024 20:40:51 GMT -8
First off, welcome, Ivannah! Now, then. Spring Break backpacking isn't something we did when we lived in the area, except a night here or there in the desert--which is where we always were at spring break  (and more than 3 or 4 hours away, though the Carrizo Plains fall within that range. I don't think they are a BP destination, though). A couple of thoughts off the top of my head: it's going to have to be coastal, to be that close to SF and also to be below snow line, though the coast range might be melted out by then? Check out the Yollo Bolly wilderness, but also think about the Lost Coast, especially if your spouse is willing to run a shuttle for you. balzaccom, I think you're more on top of the coast ranges than I ever was. |
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balzaccom
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Post by balzaccom on Jan 2, 2024 22:18:14 GMT -8
Well, 3-4 days is hard unless you get to Henry Coe, just south of San Jose. I think you can do a couple of different itineraries there that will take a few days. It's a wonderful park, and quite different from the Sierra.
Yes, Lost Coast is an option, but winter there is rainy and wet--same with Point Reyes. But if you pick your weather window, both can be wonderful. Most of the Coast Range is full of shorter routes. Snow Mountain has some trails, but also has ATVs...ugh.
One more option would be the foothills west of Yosemite. Mariposa Trails has been doing a lot of work on the South Fork of the Merced. It's rough country---a lot of it burned over the past few years, but the areas down by the river are still nice: Hite Cove, for example. Mariposa Trails has a website, and they've printed a very nice map of all the trails in the area, all of which are below snow level.
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Post by bluefish on Jan 3, 2024 3:22:33 GMT -8
East coaster here, but I have done a few trips in your time/area frame. Reservations would need to be immediate I would think, but we did the four backpack camps on Point Reyes in 5 days. Went through one large rain event and some greyish drizzle, but some sublime sunshine days, too. That was 5 years ago, I don't know how bad it is after Covid- the reservations may be gone the first day available. We've also done some early April trips in the Los Padres- one in the Sespe Wilderness above Ojai, the other out of Kirk Creek/National Otter Refuge near Big Sur. Shorter trips, but with some research, longer can be planned. The Sespe was good for night skies, a cougar sighting and some Condors riding thermals. Research the Sespe Wilderness- you might like what you find. Kirk Creek was an out and back with stunning views and a night also spent at the nice campground on the cliffs above the dramatic coastline. Likely all ho-hum to a Californian........ Welcome, and have fun. Please let us know what you decide and how it goes.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 3, 2024 7:47:31 GMT -8
Sespe wilderness is well over 4 hours, but Big Sur is a good idea, as is Pt. Reyes (doh! Should have thought of that!). Short of heading to the desert, spring break is always a crapshoot about the weather. If you’re lucky, it can be wonderful. I remember a couple of really marvelous spring trips to the Olympic coast in WA. Dang, I’m seriously overdue for going back out there…
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Post by bluefish on Jan 3, 2024 10:26:10 GMT -8
Sespe wilderness is well over 4 hours Thanks for clarifying that, my California geography isn't all it could be. Isn't everything in Ca. 4 hours or more away? Kind of like Texas? :D |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 4, 2024 21:16:43 GMT -8
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(and more than 3 or 4 hours away, though the Carrizo Plains fall within that range. I don't think they are a BP destination, though). 
