Timing a Trip

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Permalink Reply by Tom Courtney on February 9, 2011 at 2:25pm

Melanie,  I think you better put this one off until summer.  The trail climbs over Carson Pass at 8,576 feet and West Pass at 9,500.  It is a spectacular journey across the Sierra and back in time in the footsteps of the Pony Express and the 49ers.   The trail should still be under several feet of snow in April.

Tom Courtney

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Melanie Breitbach on February 19, 2011 at 10:34am

I figured that out, too.  Are there any other of your hikes you would recommend for April? Thought about the beach one, but we really don't want to do one where we'd run into hoards of people...

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Permalink Reply by Tom Courtney on February 22, 2011 at 11:03am

Melanie,

I share your aversion to the hordes, but I think you might be pleased with the coastal hikes.  Both the Marin Coast and the Mendocino walkabouts would be spectacular in April.  You should have the trails pretty much to yourself, even on the weekends.  The hiking days end in coastal hamlets – Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas on the Marin Coast Walkabout and Albion, Little River and Mendocino on the Mendocino Coast Walkabout.  They are all small, picturesque villages with interesting inns, great dining, and fun pubs.

 It will be getting toward the end of rainy season, so you should take raingear, but early spring is wonderful on both these hikes.   I’d say, go for it.

Happy Trails,

Tom Courtney

 

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Permalink Reply by Eric Renger on August 26, 2011 at 11:25am

I just got back from a backpacking trip in the area of Carson Pass this August, and it is really spectacular this year. There is no way you could have gone in April, because the snow was extremely deep this year, and the cold Spring meant it didn't even begin to melt until much later in the season than usual. There are still some patches of snow even now, but overall the conditions are just great. The weather is very comfortable. The streams are fuller than usual for this time of year. And the wildflowers are putting on the best show in a long time. If you get a chance, you should try to get up to the Sierras this summer. I hope you have an opportunity to do your hike.

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