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Post by lostwalker on May 2, 2017 16:41:08 GMT -8
Hello everyone.
Based out of Las Vegas and looking for some new adventures for us out of our back yard. we have done all the trails in the springs mountains and looking for some suggestions.
We have two boys, one 6 and one 2. So we are trying to only travel 6 hours max we would be leaving Friday evening and will have to still set up camp.
We are frequent backpackers and so is our two little ones. We were thinking Zion, UT or Big Bear lake, CA. Any thoughts on trails or any other area's you can suggest we would appreciate it.
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Post by lostwalker on May 2, 2017 16:46:08 GMT -8
We were looking at Calf Creek Falls, UT. But wondering how busy it would be that weekend.
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jdlp
Trail Wise!
SoCal hiker and backpacker, occasional kayaker, looking to explore
Posts: 61 
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Post by jdlp on May 3, 2017 14:57:54 GMT -8
Haven't been to Big Bear, but the San Bernardino Mountains are stunning and well worth a visit. If you want to do backpacking, there are a number of trails in San Bernardino National Forest. San Gorgonio is the highest mountain in SoCal, and a backpacking staple there. At 11,500' there may still be snow at higher elevations too. San Bernardino Peak is also nice (I like taking John's Meadow for this trip), and Momyer Creek is a hidden gem, and not as crowded. San Jacinto is nearby too, which is another SoCal hiking staple, at aroun 10,800'. There is a lot of info out there for Googling, and for SBNF you can also call Mill Creek Ranger Station. Most of the trails do require permits ahead of time though. They're free, but you'll want to fax those in sooner than later (and ask the Ranger Station what is open). You may want to consider Mojave National Preserve. I was there recently and was stunned at how beautiful it is. The problem of course will be the heat, but a lot of areas are higher elevation (5-6k'), so it may be bearable. The mountains get up to 8,000, but not sure how the backpacking is. It sounds like you guys don't need a campground with all the bells and whistles, so if you went here, I'd recommend staying in the Joshua Tree forest near Cima Dome at Sunrise Rock. While I'm guessing both of these areas will be busier than usual for the long weekend, but I'm guessing Zion will madness. |
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Post by lostwalker on May 3, 2017 19:06:21 GMT -8
^ thank you!
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speacock
Trail Wise!
I'm here for the food...
Posts: 378
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Post by speacock on May 4, 2017 8:19:32 GMT -8
If you wait until August you have the entire eastern Sierra to contend with. Lots of snow there this year so will be late having snow free hiking. Trail heads start at around 9-10k. You should be able to get to 11,000 by July however.
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Post by Dave Ayers on May 4, 2017 16:38:27 GMT -8
You've been to Valley of Fire State Park, right? If not, you gotta check it out! (I seem to keep running into Vegas residents who haven't been there.)
You are within 6 hours drive of a whole bunch of great places. In addition to the previous suggestions, Bryce, Escalante/Grand Staircase, and Capitol Reef are all excellent. Death Valley is terrific, though its getting too hot now (best is March to early April or in the Fall). Joshua Tree is about 4 hours drive (again, not in the summer).
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