Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2016 16:37:29 GMT -8
Hi, look for suggestions.....we have a fairly experienced group of 6-7 "old folks (50s and 60s), who like doing 7-9 day backpack trips. Daily mileage 8-12. We have 2 weeks in mid-June and looking for suggestions. Prior great trips have been Sierras, Tetons, Winds, Weiminuche, Zion, and Canyonlands to name just a few. Since june is a bit early for high country stuff, looking for suggestions to get that alpine feeling that would be possible in June. We sometimes like tagging 2:4-5 day trips together, with a night of cold beer and hot showers in between. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We live all over the country, form New Jersey to Hawaii, so western US is about the only limitation..... and time.
Mahalo for your assistance.
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Post by absarokanaut on Dec 6, 2016 5:50:58 GMT -8
I would keep my options open as long as you can and see what the spring snowpack brings.
That said when I lived in Colorado I loved how the Western Sangres usually melted out well before other ranges. Not conducive to great loops but AMAZING country. With the snow I'd prepared to do even shorter trips. Conditions permitting think about the South Crestone Trailhead, one night to Crestone Lake, one or two nights to Willow Lake. Willow is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places I've ver been.
It is possible it could melt early and you could go over the top for a classic point to point. Don't think about doing the Phantom Terrace without local confirmation.
Pecos Wilderness, NM.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2016 10:04:11 GMT -8
Chamberlain Basin Loop in Idaho out of Big Creek in the Frank Churck Wilderness Of No Return is normally open in mid June. Can fly into either Big Creek or Chamberlain landing strip. Flying into Chamberlain, 2 days backpack from Big Creek, will get you deep into the Wilderness area. This is a link from the lodge at Big Creek looking North and at the landing strip. You can get an idea of the snow melt from the webcam view. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2016 11:29:44 GMT -8
Great suggestions. Thank you very much for the detailed replies and links. I look forward to researching them more.
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joey
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Post by joey on Dec 12, 2016 19:22:14 GMT -8
I like John's suggestion of keeping your options open, and see what kind of snowpack the winter and spring bring. Weather patterns are really changing. There is almost always someplace out west that has a light snowpack, and is accessible in mid June. It's one of my favorite months to backpack too, because everything is green, the wildflowers are blooming, and you still have snow up high on the peaks. So you get a lot of color on your hike.
Hellroaring, Slough Creek, and the Yellowstone River in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park is great in June. There is a ton of wildlife there then, and the wildflowers are awesome.
Olympic National Park might also be something to check out. There are multiple backpacking options there as well.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Dec 12, 2016 20:02:21 GMT -8
Per your specifications of 7-9 days at 8-12 miles @ day in mid-June.
Recommend you prepare plan A and B based on variable conditions etc. as mentioned above.
However I suggest Plan C - Toiyabe Crest Trail, Nevada. On my list if I ever get to it.
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Post by markweth on Dec 13, 2016 13:28:48 GMT -8
Not any alpine scenery on this route, but doing the Selway River Trail in Idaho would be a great way to spend 5 days. 50 miles and fairly easy hiking as there aren't any major climbs, just slightly downhill and a few occasional ups and downs. Takes you through some very remote country.
Combining that with a 3 or 4 night trip to some of the lakes in the Bitterroot Mountains and hiking up a peak or two would make for two great backpacking trips with a nice contrast between the two. Since it seems like you will have two vehicles, then maybe going in one canyon and out the other (like Big Creek to Bear Creek) might be an option if the snowpack is moderate and there is a warm spring. Googling around for information on the Selway River Trail and Big Creek/Bear Creek in the Bitterroots should get you some helpful information.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 15, 2016 21:31:40 GMT -8
I know you've posted the Mountain States section, but maybe you want to take a look at the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The lower reaches can be pretty nice in June. Of course, they can be pretty wet as well. You might post there and ask for suggestions.
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