I'm working on the 4000 footers and was looking at how somewhat close the Santanoni and Seward ranges are. I'm wondering if it is possible to connect them by going down to the valley between them to the Cold River, without ripping holes in my pack from tight excessive bushwacking. I've read a couple people bushwacking down to the Cold River along some stream beds from Couchsachraga. I haven't read much about how to get up to the Seward Range (probably up Emmons first). I'm really looking for more info on this, the feasibility, route planning, and any general help. Here are my constraints:
-Hoping for a 3 day backpacking trip, but can push it to 4 (out and back)
-I don't care which direction we travel
-I don't want to rip my pack and tent to shreds (worried about tight bushwacking and getting through with packs). Perhaps wrapping the packs in tarps would help a little.
-I'd like to do this in the shortest distance possible, but realize a straight shot is most likely not going to happen. I'm stating this because I don't reallllly want to go up the NP Trail, around to the north of the Sewards, then hike south to the summits, if I don't have to. Plus this wouldn't be as fun
Anyone have any advice? Should I just scrap the idea and hike those ranges "the normal way"?

Thanks

I agree with Puma. The spruce thickets up there are really thick. Avoid the bushwhack. Santanonis are a reasonable day trip for someone fit. If you are a stud, you can rest for a day and then get in all four Sewards in a day. Most of us would approach the Sewards as Puma suggests above. I think my RT time for the three Santanonis was about 12 hours, and about the same for the three Sewards. Seymour from the trailhead was about 8 hours RT. Good luck!