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Off-topic: 3 day backpacking trip near Las Vegas

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 12:22 pm
by Sankaty
I'm planning on heading to Vegas in late April or May and want to detor and get in a 2 or 3 night backpacking trip in the area (3-4 hr drive).

I'm wondering if anyone can offer a suggestion for a starting point for my research. How is Zion NP? Death Valley NP?

Thanks in advance.

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:51 pm
by AlmostThere
Death Valley is usually too hot by May (average is 99F, with a high of 122F). March - April is springtime there. It'll be in 60-70F range during wintertime. Not a lot of backpacking opportunities, tho there are a couple of routes with water sources... if you're not an experienced desert hiker it might not be real fun.

Zion's quite a lot different - wildflowers peak in May. Normal temps will be in the 80s but you have to be prepared for highs into the 100s too...The weather's unpredictable in spring. Might have some pretty cold nights.

A good starting point would be the official website for either park... they have all the climate data, wilderness permit info, and list of trails. Some googling will get you sites like this one.[/url]

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 2:40 pm
by Wickett
Just a thought, post this in the Hiking outside of Yosemite National Park section...

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:19 pm
by LVRAY
I have lived in Vegas for the last 14 years and there is not a lot backpacking that can be done in the immediate area. There are plenty of good day hike opportunities in Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Mt. Charleston, Lovell Canyon, Black Canyon and the Lake Mead area, etc. For a true backpacking experience, I agree with going to Zion National Park. It is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive north of Vegas and most areas should be accessible that time of year. If you have never been to Zion, I would cetainly recomment you see the valley and do some day hikes. For a good 2 night backpack, I would suggest LaVerkin Creek. It should be open that time of year, though I have been snowed on down there as late as the early May.

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:21 pm
by LVRAY
Oops - should have included this link. It is a very good individual's page on the park and its trail. Good info and plenty of pics:
http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/

PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:52 am
by Sankaty
Thanks for the info. I didn't realize there was a section for backpacking ouside of YNP.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:32 am
by Wickett
No biggie. :D