April or May Backpacking out West?

[jostream]

It doesn't look like I'll be able to hit my annual Yosemite backpacking trip until the fall this year. I don't think I can make it that long without a decent long over-a-weekend excursion. I love trees, mountains, and of course water. Fishing would be cool, not a requirement. I've done an overnight trip in Zion which was cool, but I'd like to try something new this time. I'm thinking of a loop of around 30-40 miles over several days. Flying and renting a car is an option.

What are my options at this point in the season? I realize that April and May are still pretty cold at higher elevations...Does that rule out the Rockies and Yellowstone?

[Jim]

Yes, it does. Go to the Gila NF in NM.

[PaleoRob]

We're doing Rainbow Bridge in April. Not much in the way of mountains, except Navajo Mountain, though.

[jostream]

Yes, it does. Go to the Gila NF in NM.

I'm not familiar at all with it...Any suggested routes or further reading?

[writelots]

Yes, it does. Go to the Gila NF in NM.

I concur - though push it to May if you can, as they will still get good snows in April at the higher elevations.

I like "Hiking New Mexico's Gila Wilderness" Falcon Guide. Lots of great sounding routes in there. I've only done a little in the range myself, but everything has been drop dead spectacular. Jordan Hot Springs, on the Middle Fork Gila, is an incredible destination - spring is a great time to hit it, too. You can go up the Catwalk at Whitewater Canyon and down to Jordan and the Cliff Dwellings with the right car shuttle...

Good luck!

[big_load]

I like "Hiking New Mexico's Gila Wilderness" Falcon Guide. Lots of great sounding routes in there.

Yes, that's a good one. When they say frequent stream crossings, they mean it. The canyons of the Middle Fork are gorgeous. That water is cold in late November.

[nonot]

Rockies will have snow at about 10k or lower through may. April...bust out your snowshoes.

I would guess that in general it will depend on your elevation but your most enjoyable times might be:
April: 2000-4000 ft
May: 4000-6000
June: 6000-8000 ft
July: 8000-10000 ft
August: 10000-12000 ft

Which is why you can always find somewhere to hike in AZ!

[jostream]

Thank you all...the book has been ordered and I've got a buddy of mine signed up.