Hiking in California in April
Replies: 4 - Last Post: Jan 21, 2012 8:04 AM Last Post By: LamontCranston
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Hiking in California in April
Hello - I would love suggestions for multi day hikes (up to 4 or 5 days) in California during mid April.We've had a look at part of the John Muir trail in Yosemite. But if there is still lots of snow we probably won't venture out for much more than day hikes. Also, are bears more of an issue during this period?
Also, any suggestions for what the best day hike in Death Valley is?
Any suggestions for other areas would be great! =)
1
There are lots of beautiful trails in the coastal mountains, where the weather is warmer in April. A favorite trail and popular with mountain runners is the Dipsea Trail, which starts with steps up a steep ascent out of Mill Valley up Mount Tamalpais to the top, where you get a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean, then the trail descends down to Stinson Beach. Make sure that the Golden Gate/Marin County Transit buses run between Stinson Beach and your trailhead in Mill Valley near the village mall shopping area, so that you won't need to hitchhike back.Mendocino has the Pygmy Forest trail through rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, bogs with pitcher plants, and stunted trees due to the acid-leached soils,Labrador tea shrubs.
Santa Cruz and the nearby redwood forests also have beautiful trails, plus campgrounds. Big Sur, south of Monterey, also has beautiful redwoods and campgrounds.
There are many guidebooks available about the trails in various parts of California and in the Sierra Nevada. Check http://www.rei.com for guidebooks and topographic maps.
2
You might also consider checking out Joshua Tree National Park (although the need to carry all your water will limit the length of any backpacking trips you'll do).3
The Yosemite high country will likely be snowbound, and even where it's not the chances of fresh snow are fairly good in April. Of course, this year there's been almost no snow so far, so who knows?Dayhikes from Yosemite Valley may be fine or not, depending. But for 4-5 day long backpacking trips you'll want to look elsewhere at lower elevation.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
4
Do you ski ? April is popular for day & multi-day ski trips in the Sierra . There are many interesting routes from Tahoe to Whitney as well as as Trans-Sierra trips. Take a look at the forums at TheBackcountry.net and Telemarktips.com for updates and other info.With current gear and GPS , Winter trips are often more mellow and interesting than the other times of the year.Also check out Rock Creek Lodge . Have a great trip !
