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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?

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

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

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

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

jhodlof wrote: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!

writelots wrote: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.

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!

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