Hiking (2 Viewers)

[Random]

Nice to see this bumped.  @Random, when is your Half Dome climb?

We are heading to Yosemite in about a month.  I've read the recommendations above and would welcome any others.  Will be doing a combination of hard stuff when it's just me, plus some easier stuff when I take my mom with me, though she is strong hiker for her age (73).

I've been working pretty hard to get back in good hiking shape this year after trailing off a lot starting mid-2016.  Have been setting some personal bests on times and feel really strong; have also been doing a lot of solo hiking, which I had avoided before due to fears of being eaten by a bear or cougar, but which I'm enjoying a lot now.  

Was in Colorado the last couple of days and found that hiking out there is no ####### joke.  Friday my plan was to summit two 14ers, Greys and Torreys, but I (and everyone else I saw) lost the trail in deep snow in fairly short order, got in some dicey situations, and eventually settled on going to a different hike at 11-12,000 feet instead of 14,000.  Ended up doing about 15 miles that day and some decent elevation gain, but I felt like I was hiking in pudding.  My heartrate never got high, but breathing was so difficult. :(  

Half Dome was Wednesday.  Its an awesome hike.  Sounds like you're in much better shape than me, so I'm sure it wont be difficult.  I started the hike at 8am and reached the summit at 1230.  Was back to the car by 430.  The falls at the beginning of the hike are amazing (heard they are the fullest they've been in over a decade due the the big winter they had - you will get drenched - some people take the JMT detour to avoid the wet stairs, which adds about a mile), gets a little boring for a while, then picks back up.  The cables are really fun (bring gloves!) both up and down.  Got really lucky with the weather, it was cool, but there's a heat wave now.  

With the kids we really enjoyed Taft point, Sentinal dome, and checking out  El Cap.  Mirror lake and the meadows hikes were just ok.

We stayed at Tenaya Lodge, just outside the park.  If you're not staying in the park, get there early, parking is a mess.

 

[Rustoleum]

That. Was. Awesome.

Just got back from our Philmont trek. Simply amazing. It was incredible the differences in environments/vegetation we experienced as we moved up and down mountains and from the "South" country to the "North" country on the ranch.  Also, the programming and entertainment put on along the way by staff (mostly college undergrads) was top notch.

One of the highlights for me was the day we summited two peaks (Bonito and Big Red), dropped way down into a valley to pump extra water because that night's campsite had no water, then back up and over a third peak (Comanche) to our campsite. That night, the boys opted to switch to a hot dinner with the next day's lunch to save water so they could have hot chocolate for breakfast the next day on top of Mt. Phillips.

We led a charmed life with the weather. Just a couple of light periods of rain as we watched the next peaks or valleys over getting poured on almost nightly. Good thing the trip was just 12 days though, the bottom of myright boot was pretty tore up at the end (brand new Keen's from Christmas time) and the pounding of averaging 8-10 miles a day was starting to take a toll on my feet. Love those boots, but I walk on  the outside edge of that foot and I think that's what led to the bottom getting cut up by the rocks.

If any of you has a chance to go as an adult advisor on a Philmont trek, jump on it!

 

[SFBayDuck]

I was in Salt Lake City for a meeting this morning and a flight that didn't leave until 8:20 this evening, so I drove up into the Wasatch Mountains. Climbed from the trail head at about 7,600' up to 9,950'. I swear I get giddy heading up into the mountains.  The reward at the top was the incredible views of White Pine Lake.   Really good 10 miles and a little over 3 hours out there with some fun sections - a 26% grade on loose rocks at 9,500' is no joke!

Afterward drove up a little further to Snowbird resort and had some grub and a couple of margaritas, as I figured that would be a little better setting than an airport bar.  I love that whole Little Cottonwood Canyon area.

I think next time I have to go to SLC I may just pack my backpacking gear and spend the night up there, that would be amazing.

 

[bigbottom]

I was in Salt Lake City for a meeting this morning and a flight that didn't leave until 8:20 this evening, so I drove up into the Wasatch Mountains. Climbed from the trail head at about 7,600' up to 9,950'. I swear I get giddy heading up into the mountains.  The reward at the top was the incredible views of White Pine Lake.   Really good 10 miles and a little over 3 hours out there with some fun sections - a 26% grade on loose rocks at 9,500' is no joke!

Afterward drove up a little further to Snowbird resort and had some grub and a couple of margaritas, as I figured that would be a little better setting than an airport bar.  I love that whole Little Cottonwood Canyon area.

I think next time I have to go to SLC I may just pack my backpacking gear and spend the night up there, that would be amazing.

That is making the most of some downtime on a business trip!

 

[SWC]

i hiked around devils lake at a little place called parfreys glen earlier this summer it was pretty neat but it is rocky so be aware of that bromigos take that to the bank 

 

[Brony]

I was in Salt Lake City for a meeting this morning and a flight that didn't leave until 8:20 this evening, so I drove up into the Wasatch Mountains. Climbed from the trail head at about 7,600' up to 9,950'. I swear I get giddy heading up into the mountains.  The reward at the top was the incredible views of White Pine Lake.   Really good 10 miles and a little over 3 hours out there with some fun sections - a 26% grade on loose rocks at 9,500' is no joke!

Afterward drove up a little further to Snowbird resort and had some grub and a couple of margaritas, as I figured that would be a little better setting than an airport bar.  I love that whole Little Cottonwood Canyon area.

I think next time I have to go to SLC I may just pack my backpacking gear and spend the night up there, that would be amazing.

I was just reading about the Donner Party's venture out west and the Wasatch gave those wagons a hell of a time. I'd love to get out there (without a wagon)

 

[Brony]

i hiked around devils lake at a little place called parfreys glen earlier this summer it was pretty neat but it is rocky so be aware of that bromigos take that to the bank 

I've camped there and done that hike. It was pretty neat and rocky. 

 

[parasaurolophus]

Last weekend did this hike. The area has been closed for a while due to fire damage. I wasnt planning on hiking this, but my other planned ascent was closed due to very recent fire damage. Always disgusts me when I read about these fires and hear they were man made. On the flip side it always puts a smile on my face when I see nature recovering. 

 

[parasaurolophus]

Just got back from CO earlier this week. Miserable trip. Never had altitude sickness in my life and somehow got clobbered by it. Just brutal. Made it to 13,755 feet on Quandary peak and told my friend I just had to stop. I couldnt stand up straight. Couldnt see very well. We sat there for a few minutes and I decided to turn around. One of the best decisions i have made in recent times.

Got back to the hotel in Breckenridge and I had to lay down. The next 18 hours were the worst 18 hours of my life. I started vomiting. My head was pounding and I couldnt walk without help. I couldnt eat or drink anything without it coming right back up. I would take a sip of water and immediately puke. Had blood coming out of my nose. Knew we needed to get to lower elevation, but just couldnt really be moved. Finally managed to be able to get to the car without puking and we headed to denver to get below 8000 feet. Seeing the 7500 elevation foot sign at Idaho Springs was a heck of an emotional lift as we approached denver. Made it to new hotel room and promptly christened the toilet with some stomach acid, but finally had that feeling that you get sometimes after puking. Kind of like "pheeewwww I feel better." 

Then the dehydration hit me. Realized I hadnt urinated since before the hike the day before. The cramping and headaches that followed were just brutal. Luckily was able to start keeping fluids down. Several gatorade/sprite/water/vitamin cocktails later and I finally started feeling like a human. 

 

[SFBayDuck]

Just got back from CO earlier this week. Miserable trip. Never had altitude sickness in my life and somehow got clobbered by it. Just brutal. Made it to 13,755 feet on Quandary peak and told my friend I just had to stop. I couldnt stand up straight. Couldnt see very well. We sat there for a few minutes and I decided to turn around. One of the best decisions i have made in recent times.

Got back to the hotel in Breckenridge and I had to lay down. The next 18 hours were the worst 18 hours of my life. I started vomiting. My head was pounding and I couldnt walk without help. I couldnt eat or drink anything without it coming right back up. I would take a sip of water and immediately puke. Had blood coming out of my nose. Knew we needed to get to lower elevation, but just couldnt really be moved. Finally managed to be able to get to the car without puking and we headed to denver to get below 8000 feet. Seeing the 7500 elevation foot sign at Idaho Springs was a heck of an emotional lift as we approached denver. Made it to new hotel room and promptly christened the toilet with some stomach acid, but finally had that feeling that you get sometimes after puking. Kind of like "pheeewwww I feel better." 

Then the dehydration hit me. Realized I hadnt urinated since before the hike the day before. The cramping and headaches that followed were just brutal. Luckily was able to start keeping fluids down. Several gatorade/sprite/water/vitamin cocktails later and I finally started feeling like a human. 

Damn, brutal!  Always my fear when up high - "how am I going to get back down low if I need to?".

 

[rascal]

,If you get it once at that altitude, I would strongly suggest you stay much lower than that in the future.  Once it happens you are more susceptible to it from what I've been told.

 

[Niles Standish]

Just got back from Pikes Peak.  Second time I've done the Barr Trail.  Beautiful with color change this time of year and not too much snow.  Although blizzard conditions at the summit.  They evacuated.  Long one though 25 miles and close to 8,000 feet of gain.  I might start doing that once a year probably the best 14er I've done.

 

[urbanhack]

Nothing crazy, but i've done a few 7 to 8 mile solo hikes the past weeks while I'm on my personal sabbatical.   Did the Dog Mountain hike in the gorge full of smoke from the eagle creek fire. Here's video as I was a few hundred yards from the top.   https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOmDPFdpkZXAyv8IjFKEVfaqs3bDd-svNDDodWf

I did Ramona Falls last week at the base of Mt. Hood.   

The Falls - https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP-o7GRqjZ-UomzeQhFiwNmzwTWKmzTvI3ylpoU
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPv3LARHRLCmgafAEgmqmXjqMIaYq5pM3IASPEs
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPlh8ZZmEUzpKSEuzEWl-mW8e1bH_osDAYv7VfB
 

 

[Seatown Mofos]

Black dotting this thread to read later. I don't have time to read through this today as I need to get some work done, but I will catch up this weekend. This is an activity that I've been thinking about for a long time, and been wanting to do. And I wouldn't call it a resolution to start this, more of a change of lifestyle. I want to get out more and enjoy nature and spend less time not being active.

So I live in Washington State, one of the most beautiful areas of the country and I'm ashamed to say I haven't taken advantage of that to go hiking and exploring as much as I should have. I've visited some state parks and gone on little walks around and that's basically it. I'm essentially a beginner. So I'll be looking to see what kind of gear I need and best places to go. If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears.

 

[krista4]

Black dotting this thread to read later. I don't have time to read through this today as I need to get some work done, but I will catch up this weekend. This is an activity that I've been thinking about for a long time, and been wanting to do. And I wouldn't call it a resolution to start this, more of a change of lifestyle. I want to get out more and enjoy nature and spend less time not being active.

So I live in Washington State, one of the most beautiful areas of the country and I'm ashamed to say I haven't taken advantage of that to go hiking and exploring as much as I should have. I've visited some state parks and gone on little walks around and that's basically it. I'm essentially a beginner. So I'll be looking to see what kind of gear I need and best places to go. If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears.

Hey @Seatown Mofos, I just saw this.  Let me know if you want any recommendations in Washington specifically.  I started as a beginning hiker here and have lots of experience with gradually increasing your difficulty.  Did you get any gear?

 

[waiver wire]

I just started hiking last year.
I realize how lucky to be living in such a gorgeous area (Vancouver) and wish I would've picked hiking over bars and money when I was younger.
anyone have a recommendation for a good versatile rain jacket , medium priced 

 

[krista4]

I just started hiking last year.
I realize how lucky to be living in such a gorgeous area (Vancouver) and wish I would've picked hiking over bars and money when I was younger.
anyone have a recommendation for a good versatile rain jacket , medium priced 

Hey!  I was just up in Vancouver last Thursday/Friday.  Good god, is it gorgeous up there.  So many places for you to go!

Mr. krista got this jacket last year and absolutely loves it:  https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/116308/columbia-evergreen-shell-jacket-mens  I see it's only in the XXL at REI right now but you maybe could find it elsewhere.  It's lightweight but completely rain resistant.  In general, I've had some good luck with both Columbia and Mountain Hardwear branded gear as a less-expensive option to the Arc'teryx (crazy expensive) or even North Face/Patagonia brands.

 

[waiver wire]

Hey!  I was just up in Vancouver last Thursday/Friday.  Good god, is it gorgeous up there.  So many places for you to go!

Mr. krista got this jacket last year and absolutely loves it:  https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/116308/columbia-evergreen-shell-jacket-mens  I see it's only in the XXL at REI right now but you maybe could find it elsewhere.  It's lightweight but completely rain resistant.  In general, I've had some good luck with both Columbia and Mountain Hardwear branded gear as a less-expensive option to the Arc'teryx (crazy expensive) or even North Face/Patagonia brands.

thanks for recommendation , ill check it out 
its crazy on how many trails there are just in the city , then add in all the mountains that are in the lower mainland . ill probably never get to hike on all of them 

if you head up here again , gimme a shout and we can meet up for a hike or a beer . have a good night 

 

[northern exposure]

I just started hiking last year.
I realize how lucky to be living in such a gorgeous area (Vancouver) and wish I would've picked hiking over bars and money when I was younger.
anyone have a recommendation for a good versatile rain jacket , medium priced 

Can't recommend a specific jacket, but I have bought a few over the years from Mountain Equipment Co-op and never been disappointed. I would start your search there.

 

[waiver wire]

Can't recommend a specific jacket, but I have bought a few over the years from Mountain Equipment Co-op and never been disappointed. I would start your search there.

thanks for the reply 

that's usually where I do end up , was just seeing if anyone has had good or bad experiences to help me out with my search

 

[The Future Champs]

Just did three days backpacking on the coast in Olympic Nat’l Park.   Covered about 15 miles on D2 and only saw a single person the whole day.   

One warning - you really need to pay attention to the tides, and plan your hike around them.   On the way out we missed our window on one headland, and were forced to wait five hours for the tide to drop.   Also, plan on no more than 1.5 mph, due to frequent sections of rocky coastline.

 

[krista4]

Just did three days backpacking on the coast in Olympic Nat’l Park.   Covered about 15 miles on D2 and only saw a single person the whole day.   

One warning - you really need to pay attention to the tides, and plan your hike around them.   On the way out we missed our window on one headland, and were forced to wait five hours for the tide to drop.   Also, plan on no more than 1.5 mph, due to frequent sections of rocky coastline.

Ozette?  Cape Flattery?  La Push?  Ruby/Kalaloch?  

 

[The Future Champs]

Rialto, north almost to Norwegian memorial, set camp on the beach for two nights, day hiked day 2, back out at Rialto on third day.   

We might go back in a couple of weeks and hike from ozette to shi shi.

 

[urbanhack]

Nice little hike on Saturday up Tom, **** and Harry...right next to Mt. Hood.  Amazing views.  Able to see Hood, Helens, Adams, Rainier and Jefferson.  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJhJmhUkK7CmOhvR2

 

[CR69]

Not sure how I missed this thread. Spent the last few days reading posts, thank you to everyone for info on trails and gear.

My wife and I have been hiking for a couple of years now, our daughter is the one who really got us started since she loves being outside. When she was three we stuck to 3-3.5 mile loops but now that she's five she's able to handle about 5 miles. She likes to run up the trail a bit and then wait for us to catch up. It's pretty funny to watch her do that at her age while adults are huffing and puffing, struggling to even walk the loops. 

We've done quite a few trails in Oregon as a family. My wife and I have done some just the two of us at Red Rock Canyon and in Belize. We're hoping to head back to Vegas just the two of us in October to do a few more hikes at Red Rock and maybe some others. Anyone have any favorites in that area?

 

[krista4]

Not sure how I missed this thread. Spent the last few days reading posts, thank you to everyone for info on trails and gear.

My wife and I have been hiking for a couple of years now, our daughter is the one who really got us started since she loves being outside. When she was three we stuck to 3-3.5 mile loops but now that she's five she's able to handle about 5 miles. She likes to run up the trail a bit and then wait for us to catch up. It's pretty funny to watch her do that at her age while adults are huffing and puffing, struggling to even walk the loops. 

We've done quite a few trails in Oregon as a family. My wife and I have done some just the two of us at Red Rock Canyon and in Belize. We're hoping to head back to Vegas just the two of us in October to do a few more hikes at Red Rock and maybe some others. Anyone have any favorites in that area?

I think @Osaurus has done some hiking in that area.

 

[IrishTwinkie]

I've posted before about hiking to get ready for Philmont. I've hiked there twice and am getting a crew ready for this year too. Sadly, Philmont is on fire  right now. The center of the scout reservation looks to have gone up in smoke. Thankfully the fire is slowly coming under control. After burning for a week or so, its 66% contained. But some of the places I've hiked/camped are now only memories.  :(

 

[Osaurus]

I think @Osaurus has done some hiking in that area.

Nothing bad in Red Rock.  Just avoid it when the winds are over 25 mph with gusts of 35.  The wild donkeys are cool too.

 

[parasaurolophus]

I think @Osaurus has done some hiking in that area.

I am insulted by this post!!! 

 

[parasaurolophus]

Not sure how I missed this thread. Spent the last few days reading posts, thank you to everyone for info on trails and gear.

My wife and I have been hiking for a couple of years now, our daughter is the one who really got us started since she loves being outside. When she was three we stuck to 3-3.5 mile loops but now that she's five she's able to handle about 5 miles. She likes to run up the trail a bit and then wait for us to catch up. It's pretty funny to watch her do that at her age while adults are huffing and puffing, struggling to even walk the loops. 

We've done quite a few trails in Oregon as a family. My wife and I have done some just the two of us at Red Rock Canyon and in Belize. We're hoping to head back to Vegas just the two of us in October to do a few more hikes at Red Rock and maybe some others. Anyone have any favorites in that area?

I can tell you anything you would want to know about hiking near vegas. I get teased in the vegas thread for my love of hiking there but I keep talking about it. 

What is your fitness level? Heat tolerance? Fear threshold? Trail following ability? What kind of vehicle will you have? Are you ok driving on gravel? How long are you willing to spend? Do you have a gps unit?

One thing I have learned about hiking near vegas is that it can be absolutely miserable for some people if you end up on a trail that is too hot, is hard to follow, and you are paranoid of scree slipping out. It can also be miserable if you end up on a concrete path that is flat and the best view you get is of a bee landing on the one flower in the area and you wanted to see a beautiful strip view all because you didnt realize that the actual trailhead you needed was 300 feet down the road and unmarked.

One site I highly recommend is bird and hike. Not sure if it is kosher to just link it, but it isnt hard to find. Has tons of details and it is free. Some of it is outdated, but I can generally work you around that. He also does a good job of updating. 

 

[waiver wire]

1st hike in june

I just did 18km hike along the Skagit river in manning park in BC yesterday  . overcast day but no rain so it turned out pretty good. 
didn't see any wildlife 

got out for 10 hikes in may 

 

[krista4]

I am insulted by this post!!! 

 I think of you as hiking in Colorado. I don’t read the Vegas thread.

 

[CR69]

I can tell you anything you would want to know about hiking near vegas. I get teased in the vegas thread for my love of hiking there but I keep talking about it. 

What is your fitness level? Heat tolerance? Fear threshold? Trail following ability? What kind of vehicle will you have? Are you ok driving on gravel? How long are you willing to spend? Do you have a gps unit?

One thing I have learned about hiking near vegas is that it can be absolutely miserable for some people if you end up on a trail that is too hot, is hard to follow, and you are paranoid of scree slipping out. It can also be miserable if you end up on a concrete path that is flat and the best view you get is of a bee landing on the one flower in the area and you wanted to see a beautiful strip view all because you didnt realize that the actual trailhead you needed was 300 feet down the road and unmarked.

One site I highly recommend is bird and hike. Not sure if it is kosher to just link it, but it isnt hard to find. Has tons of details and it is free. Some of it is outdated, but I can generally work you around that. He also does a good job of updating. 

Wow, sounds like you know the area extremely well. We're planning on going in late October again so the heat shouldn't be too much of an issue. We'd like to stick to 7-8 mile hikes, less if there is some serious elevation change. We're both in decent shape but could probably use more cardio. We did Calico Tanks last time and climbed up at the end to see the view of the strip. I felt that was pretty adventurous but wasn't too scary if that gives you an idea of our fear tolerance.

We would rent a car for a day or two, would like to spend 5-6 hours going at a pace that allows us to enjoy the scenery, could probably be better at following trails and don't have a GPS unit (yet, but are considering one in the future if anyone has suggestions). 

 

[parasaurolophus]

Wow, sounds like you know the area extremely well. We're planning on going in late October again so the heat shouldn't be too much of an issue. We'd like to stick to 7-8 mile hikes, less if there is some serious elevation change. We're both in decent shape but could probably use more cardio. We did Calico Tanks last time and climbed up at the end to see the view of the strip. I felt that was pretty adventurous but wasn't too scary if that gives you an idea of our fear tolerance.

We would rent a car for a day or two, would like to spend 5-6 hours going at a pace that allows us to enjoy the scenery, could probably be better at following trails and don't have a GPS unit (yet, but are considering one in the future if anyone has suggestions). 

Ok perfect. One quick thought I have is the Las Vegas Overlook Muffin Trail. People always go to red rock and love the views from there, but why not get a view of red rock? 

It is a very well marked trail. It is a bit shorter than what you are looking for, but that's ok because there are two other trails nearby that are short that you can tack on if you want. It is about 1000 feet of elevation gain. (calico tanks is about 500). You cant miss the parking area. It is just a bit past the main entrance to the scenic loop drive at red rock. Big huge sign that says horseback riding. They let you park there for free. 

If after that you still want some more hiking I would recommend continuing westward (so turning left out of horseback riding place). You will see the exit from the scenic loop. There is a parking lot there. I am pretty sure there is also another parking lot before this so make sure you park next to the scenic trail exit (which is easy to determine since obviously you will see lots of cars leaving the park). Parking is free. From that parking lot you will see a series of trails. Take the trail that runs alongside the scenic loop road for a while. You have to cross the scenic loop road to get to it, but you cant miss it. That trail will lead you all the way to first creek parking area entrance. There is a gravel road that you follow. At the end of that gravel road is a bunch of trail heads. Pick any one of them. All very easy to follow. These are all flat at this point with great views of Mescalito and Mt. Wilson.  I actually took my daughter on these trails in a jogging stroller.

If you want some adventurous scrambling take the ones that veer a bit left. You will eventually see a river and there are some very cool tumbled rock trails. 

Another option to add on would be to just continue westward on 159 until you get to Spring Mountain Ranch State park. It costs like 10 bucks a person, but it is something cool and unique. It is almost like a marsh in the middle of the desert. Yep, I said marsh. They have a nice trail system. Mostly flat also, but hey, you already did the tough one right?

If you want to go even further on 159. You can eat in Bonnie Springs. It is like an old west town and you can eat in an old west style saloon. 

Now to head back I recommend continuing on 159 until it hits 160 and then taking 160 back to vegas. You will be turning left from 159 onto 160. The reason I recommend this route is because it drastically increases your chances of seeing wild burros. 

Few things of note. Phone coverage in this area is miserable. So make sure you have a good idea of where you need to go. Do not rely on phone GPS. You are basically only driving on two roads, but just make sure you know in advance. The top of the muffin trail is windy as heck. Always. Not going to blow you off the mountain wind, but if you got sweaty on the way up, you will freeze. Make sure you have another layer to be able to put on. Right by the muffin rocks you can get some shelter from the wind if you want to relax and eat. If you have a halfway decent camera, I reco bringing it because the views of red rock from here are amazing. This guy has some good photos from the hike. You also get a good view of the strip.

 

[CR69]

I love the idea of hiking to have a view of the Red Rock Canyon, the views on the drive up were incredible and somewhat distracting lol.

Thank you for all the tips, might have to plan on 2-3 days of hiking while we're there!

 

[parasaurolophus]

I love the idea of hiking to have a view of the Red Rock Canyon, the views on the drive up were incredible and somewhat distracting lol.

Thank you for all the tips, might have to plan on 2-3 days of hiking while we're there!

Google the hoover dam railroad trail. You can see some amazing lake mead views. You go through like 5 tunnels and you can see the dam. Parking is free. 

 

[Rustoleum]

I've posted before about hiking to get ready for Philmont. I've hiked there twice and am getting a crew ready for this year too. Sadly, Philmont is on fire  right now. The center of the scout reservation looks to have gone up in smoke. Thankfully the fire is slowly coming under control. After burning for a week or so, its 66% contained. But some of the places I've hiked/camped are now only memories.  :(

We just went last summer, but our trek was mostly in the south country. Our last few days we went through some of the areas at the bottom of the fire area (Hidden Valley, Ute Springs, Harlan, Dean Cow). I saw where they cancelled all treks through July 14, but the last update I saw said they only lost some unused buildings, but if we could see the effects of the last big there from however many years ago (15?) I can’t imagine how devastated it is now.

Edit: in positive news, we got a few miles in this morning at California Nature preserve in Cincinnati before the heat of the day set in. Still muggy as all get out though.

 

[Osaurus]

Heading to CO/WY in late October.  Any recommendations for moderate trails near Idaho Springs?  Staying at a B&B near St. Mary’s Glacier for a couple of days before heading up to WY.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Heading to CO/WY in late October.  Any recommendations for moderate trails near Idaho Springs?  Staying at a B&B near St. Mary’s Glacier for a couple of days before heading up to WY.

Mt bierstadt is one of the easier 14ers you can find, which of course isnt easy still. Even if you dont want to try for the top the whole area around it is pretty beautiful. There is a landing maybe a third of the way up with some pretty nice views. Lots of people just hike to that point. 

 

[IrishTwinkie]

We just went last summer, but our trek was mostly in the south country. Our last few days we went through some of the areas at the bottom of the fire area (Hidden Valley, Ute Springs, Harlan, Dean Cow). I saw where they cancelled all treks through July 14, but the last update I saw said they only lost some unused buildings, but if we could see the effects of the last big there from however many years ago (15?) I can’t imagine how devastated it is now.

Edit: in positive news, we got a few miles in this morning at California Nature preserve in Cincinnati before the heat of the day set in. Still muggy as all get out though.

My understanding is Dean Cow is gone. I hiked the northern end and then into Valle Vidal. The forest is recovering from the Ponil Complex fire in 2002, but the damage of that (much bigger) fire is still very evident. The forest is the "bush" stage of recovery. This one ran into the edge of the Ponil Complex areas and slowed that northern edge. 

This year's trek is in the south country. I did see the fire was 77% contained, so maybe there is hope that no more treks will be cancelled.

 

[Niles Standish]

Heading to CO/WY in late October.  Any recommendations for moderate trails near Idaho Springs?  Staying at a B&B near St. Mary’s Glacier for a couple of days before heading up to WY.

St Mary's Glacier is a good hike and you can just hike as far as you want.  Should be snow to play on.

Going over the pass (Guanella) wouldn't be bad and would add a lot of options out 285 or just on the pass.  If you want longer but not too hard for the mileage Abyss Lake is pretty that time of year even if you don't go all the way to the lakes there are aspen that probably will be changing colors.  If you want a peak Squaretop is good.  Just park by the million people by Bierstadt and have a peak pretty much to yourself.  Silver Dollar Lakes are nice if you don't want too tough.  Shelf Lake is also cool.  Chicago Lakes isn't too bad.  Pretty place.

 

[waiver wire]

today I did a simple hike on Mount Thom in Chilliwack BC 

10 km  3 1/2 hr 400 m elevation gain 
lots of up and down so got a decent workout 
nice hike is on Friday 

 

[waiver wire]

Friday was another hike in manning provincial park in BC
17 Km in 5 1/2 hrs that included lunch and snack break + stopping to take pics
we started at lightening lake went past flash lake and had lunch at strike lake
we couldn't get an unanimous vote to go to thunder lake . it would have add another 1 1/2-2 hrs to the day 
 

The Lightning Lakes Chain Trail is a pleasant walk along the shores of four lakes: Lightning, Flash, Strike and Thunder. This lake valley was carved out thousands of years ago when sediments from receding glaciers built up areas of the valley floor, choking off the meltwater to form the lakes.

 

[waiver wire]

we had a bigger hike planned for Tuesday but it was over 30C so decided to do a hike that put us in the trees
did 10km on teapot hill in Chilliwack bc in the cultlus lake provincial park

not a difficult hike but a good work out , lots of ups and down so got a really decent cardio 
since its called teapot hill , people hide teapots along the last part of the upward trail to the look out .
nice distraction to keep your mind off the climb 
 

IG pics from hikes and travels

 

[waiver wire]

since my last post, ive done another 4 hikes with another 1 planned for tomorrow 

Skagit bluffs trail in manning park bc 14km 4%grade 225m elevation in 4hrs
HBC 1849 heritage trail outside hope bc 12km 12% grade 620 m elevation in 4 1/2 hrs
Mt gardner on bowen island bc 19km 22% grade 780m elevation 5 1/2 hrs
bunszten lake - lakeview and bearclaw trails in port moody bc 12km 8% grade 500m cumulative elevation 4 hrs

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Unfortunately I don't get the hiking in that I used to do since moving to Miami 8 years ago from Atlanta which is why I can't wait to spend some time hiking in the Grand Canyon/boating down the Colorado River in a couple weeks. 

I have never been to the Grand Canyon and saw this trip that I wanted to take my son on. I told my wife about it and she ended up wanting to go along also. I was drawn to it after listening to an Outside.com podcast about taking dory's down the Colorado and booked it shortly after. Can't wait. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves so much that we end up booking something a little longer for the next one.

I'm stoked. 

 

[prosopis]

Unfortunately I don't get the hiking in that I used to do since moving to Miami 8 years ago from Atlanta which is why I can't wait to spend some time hiking in the Grand Canyon/boating down the Colorado River in a couple weeks. 

I have never been to the Grand Canyon and saw this trip that I wanted to take my son on. I told my wife about it and she ended up wanting to go along also. I was drawn to it after listening to an Outside.com podcast about taking dory's down the Colorado and booked it shortly after. Can't wait. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves so much that we end up booking something a little longer for the next one.

I'm stoked. 

Have fun, it is my favorite hiking spot.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Always good to see the thread on the first page, I love checking out the pics.  I've been traveling too much for work to get in any trips including time on trails, but do have 100 miles through the San Gabriels in So Cal coming up in 15 days.

But I'm lucky to live in beautiful Marin, with plenty of incredible trails nearby.  I also adopted a husky mix pup a few months ago, and he's not up to running much with me yet but I do take him out on hikes once or twice a week.

A few recent pics (each link has a few pics):

The Marin Headlands two weeks ago

My pup Summit on the summit of my local hill, Mt. Burdell

Trip up to Mt. Tam East Peak

Some gnarly trails up in Napa on and around Mt. St. Helena

 

[prosopis]

I apologize if this has already been asked and answered. I don't feel like reading the whole thread.

I am done with the backpack/camelback setup.

Any recommendations for a fanny pack style day pack? I like to carry the essentials including water for a day hike.

What are you all using?

 

[prosopis]

I would also like to know how to link pics to this thread.