Help me find next summer's hiking destination
Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:01 pm
Hello,
I live in Virgina and would like to start heading west at least once a year (solo) for greater hiking challenges and better views. I started off this year with a few days in Lake Tahoe (http://www.summitpost.org/lake-tahoe-2012/812055) and absolutely loved it. I'm looking at next summer for my next trip and would love to get some suggestions on where to go.
In rough order of importance, here's what I'm looking for:
1) Day hikes. (Probably three in three days, like in Tahoe.) I don't enjoy camping, so these need to be separate hikes each day.
2) Fun hikes! In particular, I love hard climbs up high peaks and the reward of a great view. Lots of elevation gain also a big plus.
3) Class 2-3. Challenging and fun, but no ropes required. (Pyramid Peak in Tahoe was my most memorable.)
4) High peaks. I'm looking at 12-13k territory after having no problems at 11k in Tahoe.
5) Close proximity. Ideally I'd stay in the same hotel for three nights and have lots of hiking options within reasonable driving distance.
6) Reasonably predictable weather. Since I'm flying across the country, rescheduling due to bad (wet) weather isn't much of an option. Places that are dry and snowless in mid-to-late summer (like Tahoe) are preferable.
I'm thinking something in Yosemite may make sense, but I'm totally unfamiliar with the area. Any advice would be appreciated.
I live in Virgina and would like to start heading west at least once a year (solo) for greater hiking challenges and better views. I started off this year with a few days in Lake Tahoe (http://www.summitpost.org/lake-tahoe-2012/812055) and absolutely loved it. I'm looking at next summer for my next trip and would love to get some suggestions on where to go.
In rough order of importance, here's what I'm looking for:
1) Day hikes. (Probably three in three days, like in Tahoe.) I don't enjoy camping, so these need to be separate hikes each day.
2) Fun hikes! In particular, I love hard climbs up high peaks and the reward of a great view. Lots of elevation gain also a big plus.
3) Class 2-3. Challenging and fun, but no ropes required. (Pyramid Peak in Tahoe was my most memorable.)
4) High peaks. I'm looking at 12-13k territory after having no problems at 11k in Tahoe.
5) Close proximity. Ideally I'd stay in the same hotel for three nights and have lots of hiking options within reasonable driving distance.
6) Reasonably predictable weather. Since I'm flying across the country, rescheduling due to bad (wet) weather isn't much of an option. Places that are dry and snowless in mid-to-late summer (like Tahoe) are preferable.
I'm thinking something in Yosemite may make sense, but I'm totally unfamiliar with the area. Any advice would be appreciated.