by AlmostThere » Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:32 am
The problem is, snow is snow, until it's water, and you're planning too high too early in the year. It's a problem we who are not winter campers share with you. I suspect the Trinity Alps and any other mountain range above 5,000 feet will have similar issues. Heck, last month, the coastal ranges got snow at 2,000 - 3,000 feet! it's all melted away now tho.
The only thing I can suggest is to look at places that are not high elevation and full of granite. Like some of southern Golden Trout Wilderness. If you try for Big Basin definitely call first - the trail camps closed this winter and I don't believe they open til May.
The problem you'll run into in lower elevations is that it's a patchwork of private property - cattle ranches, homes, resorts, etc. You'll find some wilderness areas, but fewer and father between.
If you actually want backpacking without snow? You need to give up the granite. Sorry. Not a thing we can do to help you there.