My partner and I have to plan our time off a year in advance, and living in California, we usually just take two weeks in September, which is our ideal time in the Sierra. This year we have 9/6 to 9/19. Although it will be many years before we run out of trips on our to do list in California, we're thinking about heading farther afield this year, so I'm looking for advice.
My first instinct is Montana (looking at subsets of Dave C.'s Crown of the Continent Grand Tour) or Wyoming (maybe a split between Wind River and Yellowstone). It seems like we'll be a couple weeks past the prime season for either destination, but both would be doable. I'm feeling like I should investigate the southwest as well, but I haven't yet.
About us:
We're experienced off trail hikers, but slower than a lot of folks here–our "couples" pace is about 9-10 miles per day off trail in the high Sierra, much less in brush in Alaska, up to 14 on trail. We're comfortable with navigation and route finding, although for longer trips we have tended to stick to more established routes (big trip last year was a Brooks Range trip in the Arrigetch, year before was Sierra High Route). We're timid packrafters–when we go together, I'm paddling a scout. Snow experience limited to late-season Sierra snowshoeing.
What I'm asking for:
Advice on which region to head to in that time frame, and general advice about routes (e.g., consider a loop with this ridge and this river). More specific information is fine but not necessary. More detailed advice about travel (airports, trailheads, etc.) also welcome.
Thanks!
