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Post by jammer on Aug 12, 2015 5:37:32 GMT -8
Hi All,
As in the title, I'm a reasonably experienced British backpacker looking for a fairly long distance hike of between 1-3 weeks that doesn't involve too much in the way of extreme weather. I don't want to snowshoe/crampon, though cold weather and a little snow is fine. Rain is no problem (I live in England remember..)
Whereabouts the trail is doesn't really bother me as I'll be making the trip from London so can fly anywhere. I'd also consider the idea of two different trails in different parts of the country (assuming they're not on opposite sides of the country!).
Basically I'd like to be out in the US for around three weeks in total.
I was planning to hike the JMT in August this year however that fell through, hence my trip in November.
So far I've only really found the Arizona Trail, as the climate seems to be reasonable for that time of year - obviously I'd not be able to walk the whole distance in my time frame, but if anyone can suggest the best sections I'd be very grateful.
Any suggestions for November 1-3 week long trails very gratefully received!
Do let me know if I've missed any information out.
Kind regards,
James
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Post by ecocentric on Aug 12, 2015 6:30:22 GMT -8
Hello from across the pond, Jammer.
Most of the mountain hikes could have mild weather or early blasts of winter. You can almost count on snow at higher elevations. Some of the desert hikes become more attractive to me. Canyonlands, Arches, Grand Canyon, are all high enough to expect some cold and snow, even a slight chance of getting stranded for a couple of days, but they offer scenery that is pretty unique. I've camped in Bryce, which is pretty high for Southern Utah around Thanksgiving, and the snow was deep and the temperatures very cold.
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desert dweller
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Post by desert dweller on Aug 12, 2015 6:41:08 GMT -8
Hello James.
The southern part of the Arizona Trail in November is pretty nice. Though, keep in mind the highest point of the Trail is just six miles north of the starting point. (At the border with Mexico.) That's at about 9000 feet. There could be snow for the first 20 miles. (This means the length of the Huachuca Mountains.) Starting at Parker Canyon Lake, though, the elevation is lower and the temps should be in the low to mid 70's F. Depending on your pace, you could spend a couple of weeks hiking from Parker Canyon Lake to Tucson.
Have fun planning your hike. Is this your first time to the States?
Asking questions and getting ideas from this backpacking board is a good start.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Aug 12, 2015 7:22:00 GMT -8
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Aug 12, 2015 7:43:35 GMT -8
There's lots of good hiking elsewhere in Arizona and southern Utah, too.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Aug 12, 2015 7:57:03 GMT -8
Have you considered switching your destination to New Zealand? It might be nicer down there in November.
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Post by jammer on Aug 12, 2015 9:01:47 GMT -8
Thanks for the prompt replies so far gents.
I'm happy for reasonable cold and snow - it's just extremes that require specialist equipment that I'm trying to avoid as I'm not an experienced snow/ice hiker.
For now the Arizona Trail is looking most promising. Perhaps from the start to Phoenix will suit my time frame the best.
Desertdweller - This will actually be my sixth time to the United States! Though this will be my first trip as a hiker. I've visited previously as hostelling backpacker, then more recently staying in motels and hotels. A couple of years ago I made a music and BBQ pilgrimage flying into New Orleans > Clarksdale MS > Memphis > Nashville and then the Great Smoky Mountains. Altogether I've probably spent about five months in the US, though I'm looking forward to seeing less of the cities and towns and more of the natural beauty. It's a great country, as are the people.
Lamebeaver - thanks for your tips! I've actually been lucky enough to visit NZ twice for about a month at a time, once during summer in January, and once during their winter in June. An absolutely stunning country! I don't fancy an expensive 24 hour flight this time though.
As always, all help much appreciated.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Aug 12, 2015 9:20:19 GMT -8
I'm looking forward to seeing less of the cities and towns and more of the natural beauty. The problem is the vast variety of natural beauty to be found throughout the US. All the time it would take to eke out every little awesome cranny. Where does one start? |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 12, 2015 10:18:03 GMT -8
A Southern Section of the Appalachian Trail? Start in Great Smoky Mountain or someplace farther north... and head south perhaps? Between lower elevations and more southern latitude that could work out re weather and the research for the route would be straightforward. Most longer routes out west get high enough November starts to be a little deep into their "snowstorm that drops what will last until spring thaw" window.... www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htmwww.appalachiantrail.org |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Aug 12, 2015 11:22:20 GMT -8
The AZ trail is the main long trail I can think of for that time of year. On a shorter scale the Lost Coast in California might be good then--weather could be wet, but you won't slog through snow. The logistics for that are difficult, though, and it's only about 4 days.
You might consider stringing together a bunch of shorter hikes around the Colorado Plateau, taking in Bryce and Zion and Capitol Reef, etc. The high areas would be cold, with possible snow, but it's the most amazing country and if you've never been there, it's hard to top.
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Post by jammer on Aug 12, 2015 13:02:11 GMT -8
It looks like we have a new contender! The southern part of the Appalachian Trail could be a winner. It's always been at the back of my mind as it's such a famous trail, and I touched on it at Clingmans Dome when I visited the Great Smoky Mountains (I'd written in my previous post the Blue Mountains for some reason...which I visited in Australia ten years ago!). Seeing the sign for the AT when I was there got me quite excited, despite the fact I was there in November but still dressed like I was in New Orleans.
I think if I had the choice I'd choose one long hike over a few shorter hikes simply because it would be easier to organise from here in the UK. I'm still open to the idea though.
How do you fellow hikers feel? What would you do in November for three weeks - Arizona Trail or Appalachian Trail? From a very brief read I see the weather on the Appalachian Trail around that time can get down to freezing, which is not a problem for me. How do the hikes compare logistically? Resupply points, water etc. Which is likely to be less populated? I'd love to hear people's thoughts on both compared.
Thanks all of you!
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Post by rwtb123 on Aug 12, 2015 13:32:21 GMT -8
Not familiar with the Az. trail but the Ga/NC/TN/Va A.T. is certainly an option .Or you could do the more remote Benton Mackaye Trail or even make a 367 mile loop of the two trails from Springer Mtn to GSMNP and back.Another option would be the Mtns-to-Sea trail that starts in the GSMNP and roughly follows the Blue Ridge Parkway.This would allow side excursions to scenic areas such as Shining Rock,Black Mtn,Linville Gorge etc. My last backpacking trip was the Approach trail to Springer Mtn, Ga. in early November with record low temperatures and it was doable even night hiking(I saw one person and two bears).Mtns-to-Sea is a long trail I would really like to do.But logistics and resupply will be better with the A.T. as there are services and shelters catering to the thruhikers.Check out trailjournals for info and journals on these trails: www.trailjournals.com/And,here is the loop I mentioned: www.bmta.org/BMT-ATLoops.htm |
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Post by ashepabst on Aug 12, 2015 13:53:54 GMT -8
then Southern Appalachians are lovely in November. you'll probably have some cold rain to contend with, and maybe some snow. but big snows aren't common and November's one of the drier months.
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no_granola
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Post by no_granola on Aug 13, 2015 11:04:36 GMT -8
Just about any portion of the AT will work outside of the Northern Mountains. November is liable to be chilly, but pleasantly so.
The real issue with hiking in the U.S. in November is being aware of hunting seasons in the area you'll be hiking.
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Post by packdad on Aug 13, 2015 11:57:51 GMT -8
I vote for the southern AT. However, I am bias as I live in the smokies. If you do choose the AT around the smokies. I can help with shuttles.
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