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Post by trinity on Apr 26, 2024 11:04:35 GMT -8
I am at a time of life when getting away for extended trips is difficult. In late July, I will be dropping my son off at a summer camp not too far from Houston. So to take advantage of the opportunity, I am thinking about driving to the Houston airport after I drop him off, flying somewhere, renting a car, and going on a backpacking trip. Since time is limited (Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning), I am thinking of somewhere with a direct flight, and then a backpacking spot not too far from the destination airport. The most obvious airports are Albuquerque and Denver. Currently, I am leaning towards flying to Albuquerque and driving to the Pecos Wilderness, which would make for relatively easy travel, and get me to a favorite place where I haven't been in quite a few years. Any other possibilities I should consider? I usually prefer driving, but can't think of anywhere I could reasonably drive to from Houston that wouldn't be miserably hot.
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Post by starwalker on Apr 27, 2024 19:45:41 GMT -8
That sounds good to me. I never get out to hike in the far eastern part of Oklahoma in the Ozarks and Ouachitas where I live.
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Post by trinity on Apr 28, 2024 2:33:41 GMT -8
I did a 5 day trip from Talimena SP to Queen Wilhelmina SP a few years back. This was a winter trip, and I really enjoyed it. But I would expect that area to be pretty miserable for backpacking in July. What is the weather typically like that time of year?
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Post by absarokanaut on Apr 28, 2024 6:01:58 GMT -8
There are at times direct flights from Houston to Jackson Hole, WY. The Grand Teton Climbers Ranch is only about 10 minutes from the Airport (Only Commercial Airport in a National Park)if you wanted a bunk (hostel style cabins) the night you arrive and/or before you return. You can start hiking right from the Climbers Ranch. You might be able to offer some beer/gas money for ride to and from airport, they used to post notes on their bulletin board. the town of Jackson is about 15 minutes from the Airport but in the opposite direction. I think Dornans in Moose (renroute to Climbers Ranch) sells stove fuel. You can rent bearspray right at the airport. I'm not sure if I'll be in the area then but if I am I'd of course help you out with transpo.I am big, fat, and ugly but have never had much of a problem hitchiking throughout the area. Unless you ride with someone that has a pass you'll need one or pay the $35 entry fee to get from Moose to park locations closer to the peaks.
Elkhart Park Trailhead for the Wind River Range East of Pinedale would be about a 2 hr. 15 minute drive from Jackson Hole Airport. The Glacier Trailhead for the Eastern Winds is about 1 hr. and 45 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport just past the town of Dubois.
Heart Lake Backpack in Yellowstone would be about 1.5 hour drive from JH Airport.
There are some direct flights from Houston to Colorado Springs. If you rented a vehicle there Westcliffe and the Eastern Sangres are a just 1.5 hour drive.
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Post by trinity on Apr 28, 2024 17:55:06 GMT -8
absarokanaut , ooh, those are great possibilities, I will definitely look into them both. I need to remember that there are more direct flight options from Houston International than from Austin. Thanks!
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Post by starwalker on Apr 28, 2024 19:57:30 GMT -8
I should have said that I don't go out in the Ozarks and Ouachitas in the summer because of the heat and humidity.
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Post by trinity on Apr 29, 2024 6:07:50 GMT -8
I should have said that I don't go out in the Ozarks and Ouachitas in the summer because of the heat and humidity. Got it, thank you! That's about what I expected. |
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