Jan/Feb trip recommendations

[Cory Mull]

My work situation dictates that I'm probably going to need to take a week vacation (maybe two, but probably not) in January or February. I've done most of my hiking in the Southeast in warmer weather, but I do have a low-temp sleeping bag, some lightweight down articles, and some good long underwear. I have camped in the 20s before.

I'm looking for recommendations for good places to visit during the winter months which would either A) not require much in the way of winter skills (snowshoeing or cross-country, anything with an ice axe, etc) and be a reasonably full trip (maybe 3-5 days, 10 miles a day or so) or B) some sort of easy trip involving some winter skills like snowshoeing where you could probably get away with not having them (basically a place to dabble in a new experience).

Thoughts had come to mind for the southwest such as Joshua Tree, Mojave, areas around Tucson or lower New Mexico, Big Bend, areas around Tennessee, NC, or VA, etc. Pretty open to suggestions as I don't really know what to do with the time, and I'd like to make it memorable.

[David Chenault]

Go to the Grand Canyon. You'll need microspikes or something similar for the first 1500-2000 vertical down from the south rim, but below that snow is unlikely. Temps can be chilly, but daytimes are mild to pleasant, and the area will be empty.

I'd recommend hiking New Hance down to the Tonto, then back and up the Bright Angel or Hermit. You could easily spend 5-6 days on that route.

[Author]

Posts