Hiking suggestions for an 8 day trek
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 1:55 pm
Hi everyone.
We're a Belgian couple headed for San Francisco on Sept 14th, arriving the next day. We'll probably spend a day with our friends who live there but then head for Yosemite for a hike. We were looking into JMT (like a lot of people probably) but it has some downsides: more than 8 days obviously. not circular, crowded and hard to get a permit for.
So we're looking for suggestions as to what we could do. Let me add some answers to the question list mentioned in this forum:
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 2- Some backpacking trips, using trails. We went hiking in Nepal, did Manaslu. However, we did use a porter so we travelled lightweight. We did learn a big lesson about taking too much (even though it looked like we packed light, compared to other porters ours was having a stroll (or he made it look that way at least)). I've done some trekking with a heavier pack, but nothing for more than 3 days.
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
I'd say class 2 terrain. I'm pretty sure we can do a river crossing too, although not experienced (well, I've done some trail running where I had to wade through some cold water right up to the crotch, auch). But never any wild currents.
What is your main interest?
No interests in fishing or actual rock climbing. We just want to see some amazing views, be in the mountains and forests and see some wildlife (from a safe distance in the case of bears).
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery
- Photography
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? about 8
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? We usually put in a decent pace, but we want to enjoy the trip. We were easily doing 10 and over in Nepal. That was lighter packed of course, but also constantly gaining altitude. So I'd say about 10
Have you hiked at elevation before? Any prior issues with Altitude Sickness? Yes and yes. Very mild case of it though, and took about a day or 2. keep in mind that we were constantly gaining altitude at the time. And we still both went over 5100m (16700ft) rather well :-)
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point. A loop would be nice, but public transport or easy hitchiking are definitely an option too. bonus points for easy travelling from & to SF :-)
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in (Yosemite, SEKI, western sierra start or eastern start ect.)? Not really. We'll be happy to take advice on must-see parts. We read some good things about SEKI, but anything goes!
Have you hiked in the Sierra Nevada before, if yes, where? Please list a few of your more difficult hikes, so we can then recommend routes based on your experience level. Nope!
Will you be hiking with a dog? Nope. It's just 2 of us.
We're a Belgian couple headed for San Francisco on Sept 14th, arriving the next day. We'll probably spend a day with our friends who live there but then head for Yosemite for a hike. We were looking into JMT (like a lot of people probably) but it has some downsides: more than 8 days obviously. not circular, crowded and hard to get a permit for.
So we're looking for suggestions as to what we could do. Let me add some answers to the question list mentioned in this forum:
What level of backpacking experience do you have?
Level 2- Some backpacking trips, using trails. We went hiking in Nepal, did Manaslu. However, we did use a porter so we travelled lightweight. We did learn a big lesson about taking too much (even though it looked like we packed light, compared to other porters ours was having a stroll (or he made it look that way at least)). I've done some trekking with a heavier pack, but nothing for more than 3 days.
What terrain are you comfortable/uncomfortable with?
I'd say class 2 terrain. I'm pretty sure we can do a river crossing too, although not experienced (well, I've done some trail running where I had to wade through some cold water right up to the crotch, auch). But never any wild currents.
What is your main interest?
No interests in fishing or actual rock climbing. We just want to see some amazing views, be in the mountains and forests and see some wildlife (from a safe distance in the case of bears).
- Lakes
- Forests
- Big Mountain scenery
- Photography
How many days/nights is your trip, not including travel to trailhead? about 8
How many miles did you want to do a day, any layovers? We usually put in a decent pace, but we want to enjoy the trip. We were easily doing 10 and over in Nepal. That was lighter packed of course, but also constantly gaining altitude. So I'd say about 10
Have you hiked at elevation before? Any prior issues with Altitude Sickness? Yes and yes. Very mild case of it though, and took about a day or 2. keep in mind that we were constantly gaining altitude at the time. And we still both went over 5100m (16700ft) rather well :-)
Do you have a route logistics preference: loop, out and back, point to point. A loop would be nice, but public transport or easy hitchiking are definitely an option too. bonus points for easy travelling from & to SF :-)
Is there a particular area in the Sierra that your most interested in (Yosemite, SEKI, western sierra start or eastern start ect.)? Not really. We'll be happy to take advice on must-see parts. We read some good things about SEKI, but anything goes!
Have you hiked in the Sierra Nevada before, if yes, where? Please list a few of your more difficult hikes, so we can then recommend routes based on your experience level. Nope!
Will you be hiking with a dog? Nope. It's just 2 of us.