Trip ideas near or west of Vegas

[Chuck the Mauler]

I'd like to do a multi day backpacking trip in late April. About 5 days. I’m picking a buddy up in Vegas so I’ll be in Nevada. Any suggestions in the area between there and LA that won’t be totally snowed out? I’m trying to do it on the way to Baja.

 

[wsp_scott]

The Inyo Mountains (lower than the Sierra, higher than Death Valley) look interesting from a map point of view but, hard to find very much online (which is also part of the appeal).
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=21880

 

[LarryBoy]

I mean, J Tree is right on the way may be a little hot at the end of the month though...

Inyos have amazing views. That said, I wonder if they're snowed in still, given the big winter in the SW. Maybe call the Eastern Sierra Interagency in Lone Pine? At worst, they can look out the window and tell you if they see white up there

 

[Bob]

Kofa mountains in arizona..you'd have to go a little farther south. Explore old mines around goodsprings nv. Neat stuff all around. South of vegas

 

[Stephanie B]

Kofa mountains in arizona..you'd have to go a little farther south. Explore old mines around goodsprings nv. Neat stuff all around. South of vegas

Agreed, Bob. The Kofa's are really pretty and unique, the mining stuff is cool, and you could easily not see another soul once you get into the mountains. However, Chuck, be aware that the hiking can be very rugged and loose and there's a lot of thorny stuff out there. Best advice is to wear long sleeves and pants, even if it's hot. Oh, and watch where you put your hands and feet.

 

[fossana]

Without a shuttle you'd need to make some modifications, but this is on my to-do list: https://adventureplus.smugmug.com/Backpacking/Lonesome-Miner-Trail-2017/

 

[Miya]

There is Valley of Fire. My friends who live in Vegas love to go to Humboldt-Toiyabe, but I don't know the backpacking rules for either place actually.
You aren't too far from Death Valley, Mojave, and Joshua Tree (like others mentioned). Sure you will find somewhere great!

 

[balzaccom]

In late April, I don't think you can count on anything above about 7,000 feet in the Sierra or the Inyos. There's just too much snow. Head for the desert. Heck, Zion isn't that far away from Vegas...

 

[Bob]

Without a shuttle you'd need to make some modifications, but this is on my to-do list: https://adventureplus.smugmug.com/Backpacking/Lonesome-Miner-Trail-2017/

Looks interesting.... But not being able to download to check them out closer.... Nah.