Destination Suggestions

[roscobe]

I took my girlfriend on here first 4 day leisurely backpacking trip last month in the eastern sierras (Bishop Pass) and she can’t wait to go again. So on our drive (4x4) from Southern California through Utah to Vail, Colorado at the end of October I am hoping to squeeze in a 2 to 3, possibly 4 day backpacking trip along the way. I know the weather can become an issue this time of year so I am looking for a couple options; perhaps one of the national parks along the way, the deserts of southern Utah and/or mountains of western Colorado (if the weather provides a good window).

Our ideal trip would include:

1) Some incredible natural views and features. Whether it be interesting rock formations, beautiful mountain-top views, isolated lakes/springs, waterfalls, canyons, caves, etc.
2) I’m not completely new to backpacking and I’m certainly not an experts, but it will be my girlfriends second backcountry experience and I don’t want her getting burnt out just yet after buying her all that gear J. So nothing too technical.
3) A couple good fishing holes and consistent water sources would be a plus, but not mandatory. Although I’m not keen on carrying tons of water.

We have done Arches, Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods day hikes, as well as Slick Rock on mountain bike which all seem to be very dry. So far I have come up with Coyote Gulch: Red Well TH to Escalante River or Havasupai, although Havasupai looks like it can get pretty crowded.


Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[roscobe]

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

Welcome roscobe. I hate to see you flapping in the wind here so I'll try to help. I think you'd have better luck if you asked more specific questions. Asking for a 2, 3, or 4 day backpack somewhere between Californnia and Colorado with nice views is wayy too broad. I'm guessing thousands of hikes fit that bill. I'd search the Trip Reports forum here on BCP first and see what places catch your interest (you'll have endless reports from that region to get ideas from). Once you have specific questions about the logistics and planning of a particular hike, I think you'll see that people here are more than willing to help. Best of luck!