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June 5 day backpack ideas

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 5:19 am
by e-doc
Would like to do a 5 day hike, 2 dads with two 13yo. The boys have been backpacking since age 8 and we are all going this weekend to Mt Rogers (forecast highs 20's, lows 10's, wind and snow). Would like to do something in mid June that is not impassable by snow, bone dry or overrun with bugs or heat. I'm aware conditions always change year to year.

We had thought about River no Return in Idaho but not sure about bugs/snow. The Winds, Sierras, Uinta's, etc may have an abundance of bugs, Needles have no water and heat. Options I thought of would be Cascades: South Sister/St Helens/Mt Adams, Olympics, Paria Canyon, circumnavigation of Navajo Mt on the North and South Rainbow trails (Rainbow Bridge), Dark Canyon, the Maze, Grand Canyon, Escalante?
Just looking for ideas. send me a PM

PostPosted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:16 am
by Scott
The Winds, Sierras, Uinta's, etc may have an abundance of bugs


Not sure if the Sierra are quite as bad, but that's definately true of the Winds and Uintas, unless they are still buried completely in snow (unlikely so far this year since it's been a dry year).

Options I thought of would be Cascades: South Sister/St Helens/Mt Adams, Olympics,


There's usually a lot of snow that time of year, but it's a good time to climb if you know how to use an ice axe.

Paria Canyon


The lower end might be hot, but the upper end and Buckskin Gulch would be nice with the water and shaded canyons.

circumnavigation of Navajo Mt on the North and South Rainbow trails (Rainbow Bridge)


It would be hot in places, but there are plenty of swim holes and waterfalls around so it would be a good time of year to go. Also, consider combining Aztec Creek/Frobidding Canyon as part of the loop rather than coming up the South Rainbow Trail. Aztec Creek would be perfect at that time of year and is very spectacular.

Dark Canyon


Dark Canyon is perfect in June, at least below Black Steer Canyon. With all the swim holes and waterfalls, June is perfect. The best section of Dark is between Lost and Youngs Canyon.

the Maze



The Maze is nice, but skip it in June. It's way too hot then and there isn't much water around.

Grand Canyon


I would skip the Grand Canyon in June as well. If you are in that area in June, head to the canyons around Sedona such as West Clear Creek, Wet Beaver Creek and West Fork Oak Creek.

Escalante


June is perfect for many of the routes. A few are Boulder Creek, Death Hollow and 40 Mile Canyon. All have swimming and June is the best time to go.