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Wow, the beetles have really done a number on those trees, haven't they? I had thought that it wasn't as bad when you got further south, more into CO. Guess I was totally wrong on that.

Sounds like she's about ready for a Highline Trail thru-hike! Great report. Love the "sitting around in pajamas by the lake" idea.

If you can swing a copy (my local public library has one) check the route out in Peter Potterfield's book too: 25 Classic Hikes of North America. The Rae's Lakes Loop is included there.

As a follow up for myself, although probably also helpful to LoriB; what are some of the better Cedar Mesa area destinations? I've got the Trails Illustrated map, and as you say, it seems that there's a lot to choose from. What are some of the ones that should be prioritized?

Oh, they're not secret; there are tons of great books on what to see in Yellowstone. One of these days, I'd love to summit Electric Peak, for instance. But for my money, if I'm looking for scenery, Yellowstone is not at all my first choice. The Tetons or the Wind Rivers, or even the Shoal...

Typically you go to Yellowstone for the weird volcanic springs and for the wildlife. You go the Tetons or the Wind Rivers for the scenery.

Yellowstone isn't actually super scenic, if you mean Yellowstone National Park itself. Now, if you mean the greater Yellowstone area, that's a totally different story. It's tough to beat the Tetons, the Wind Rivers, the Beartooths, some of the Abarokas, etc.

I tend to get a lot of cloudy evenings in the Uintas when I've been. If seeing stars is a major part of what you want to accomplish, I suggest somewhere on the Colorado Plateau in the desert. I did a great high adventure trip at Coyote Gulch once when I was a teenager, and we had perfectly...

i as in it bantick, not eye for me.

Wow, the Needles looks really green!

Sigh. Word tends to get out, I suppose.

Well, yeah—but you get to live close enough where last minute weekend trips are conceivable. For me, backpacking in the mountains (or the desert) is an epic journey by default, because I have to get there first! And backpacking in the eastern hardwood forests isn't completely without its...

By coincidence, my brother IMed me yesterday to suggest Grand Canyon in March; a Rim to Rim trip.

FYI, the Rim Hike, which is shorter but more "grand" is described fairly well here: http://www.greatoutdoors.com/published/hiking-texass-big-bend-national-park

Water is ALWAYS a concern in Big Bend. The Outer Mountain Loop is the premier backpacking trip there, I'd say, although add the South Rim to that (it's probably another day.) You may have to cache water, or carry a lot. There's a very narrow window where you have a chance at finding water...

That's the top tourist season for places like Coyote Gulch, which have become highly popular backpacking destinations. The Fish-Owl canyon loop might still be relatively unknown. http://www.utah.com/hike/fish_creek.htm

It may seem really early to start talking about next summer, but since I live "back east" getting to the Rockies is a major event, and I need plenty of time to plan for it. My brother is also keen to join me this next year, which will be good. I'm tossing around some destinations for—hopefully...

I was only semi-serious, but I do actually prefer older, more mechanical cars and one of these days a restored older Willys sounds like a great buy, if I can find one that's not too badly beat up and worn down. The fact that Jeep is now rolling out software controlled brakes across their...

Man, LOVING that old Jeep. I'd love to get my hands on a vehicle like that, and outfit it with a lifted suspension, bit mudder tires, a skid plate and maybe a snorkel.

Castle's supposed to be a relatively easy 2+, and probably the easiest in the Elks. What did you think? I'm giving serious thought to making the Elks my major destination next summer for a longer trip, and I'd like to bag either Castle or Snowmass.