Calling all hikers

[hawkeyetraveler]

I’m an avid hiker and had a few exchanges with others here on hikes in the past so I thought it would be worthwhile to have a dedicated thread for the outdoor adventurers among us. What hikes are you planning? What gear do you prefer? Anyone doing anything long distance?

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

@The-Dude-Abides asked me to post about my hike into the Grand Canyon next week. We are doing the rim-to-rim-to-rim hike, Here are the basics:

Day 1: 14 miles South Kaibob trail down into the canyon, and then go partway to the north rim on north Kaibob trail. Camp at the cottonwood campground
Day 2: 13 miles take north Kaibob trail to the north rim and back for another night at cottonwood
Day 3: 14 miles normally this would be a short rest day hiking 7 miles to phantom ranch and camping there. But it is closed for waterline repairs - I hope those are still in the budget (!!!). So we have to hike back partway up south Kaibob to where it meets the Tonto trail and traverse the Tonto trail to get to bright Angel trail, then camp at Havasupai gardens
Day 4: 5 miles climb out of canyon via bright Angel trail

All in all if we don’t do any side hikes it is listed at 46.2 miles and 11k feet of elevation. I suspect we will do a little exploring so guessing more like 50 miles, 12k feet.

I have invested in some ultralight gear so base pack weight is about 15 pounds, with food and water looking 27 pounds or so. But the hardest day which is day 2 I will leave most of my gear at camp and ascend the north rim with only like 10 pounds of stuff.

 

[BrunoMars420]

I’m an avid hiker and had a few exchanges with others here on hikes in the past so I thought it would be worthwhile to have a dedicated thread for the outdoor adventurers among us. What hikes are you planning? What gear do you prefer? Anyone doing anything long distance?

I am not but I would love to start. Any suggestions around central Iowa?

 

[hydro2.0]

Rim-to-rim sounds kinky

 

[blackbones]

62 days until we hit the Black Hills... My wife and I love hiking shorter trails with epic views.

I'm definitely most pumped for the Cathedral Spires trail at Custer State Park.

Our favorite state for hiking would definitely be Utah...


Awsome thread op

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

Rim-to-rim sounds kinky

What can I say, I’m an avid rimmer.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

62 days until I hit the Black Hills... My wife and I love hiking shorter trails with epic views.

Im most pumped for the Cathedral Spires trail at Custer State Park.

Our favorite state for hiking would definitely be Utah...


Awsome thread op

Hit Harney Peak, now known as Black Elk Peak with the name change. Great views after a short hike up to the peak. About an hour to and hour and a half depending how fast or slow you go while looking around.

Black Elk Peak / Harney Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Black Elk Peak / Harney Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering

www.summitpost.org

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

I am not but I would love to start. Any suggestions around central Iowa?

I grew up in Fort Dodge, but left decades ago. I got started hiking in Dolliver State park which I remember fondly but haven’t been there in 35+ years so no idea how it is now or how it would stack up to the hikes I have taken since. Sorry I don’t know more, hoping others may have better ideas.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

62 days until we hit the Black Hills... My wife and I love hiking shorter trails with epic views.

I'm definitely most pumped for the Cathedral Spires trail at Custer State Park.

Our favorite state for hiking would definitely be Utah...


Awsome thread op

Custer State Park would rival some national parks IMO. Great place for hiking.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

I am not but I would love to start. Any suggestions around central Iowa?

One thought for new hikers: head to Sedona for a long weekend. You can do numerous short day hikes with amazing desert views and at night you have all the amenities of a high end community. You can hike one day, have a spa day, great golfing, go horseback riding, etc.

 

[WrigleyHawkeye20]

Won’t happen this year. But looking to do the Colorado Trail in a couple years when my son is a bit older and can do it with me. Just need to convince the wife to let us sneak away for a month to do it when the time comes. Ultimate goal is to do the PCT and/or CDT someday. Probably not until I retire though (that one is a ways off).

Shorter term, hoping to get out to
CO later this summer to knock off some 14ers. Just haven’t gotten around to planning exactly where yet.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

Won’t happen this year. But looking to do the Colorado Trail in a couple years when my son is a bit older and can do it with me. Just need to convince the wife to let us sneak away for a month to do it when the time comes. Ultimate goal is to do the PCT and/or CDT someday. Probably not until I retire though (that one is a ways off).

Shorter term, hoping to get out to
CO later this summer to knock off some 14ers. Just haven’t gotten around to planning exactly where yet.

I would love to do a trail like that someday. My ultimate dream is the Pacific Crest Trail as well, but sneaking away for 4+ months seems far fetched.

The CDT is intriguing to me too but seems much wilder in parts than the PCT. Strangely I don’t have as much desire to do the AT…the views out west just cannot be beat.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

I’ve always enjoyed hiking the short trails here in Decorah and other parts of the Driftless region. I got 12 miles in Wednesday but that wasn’t one continuous loop, it was three separate hikes. I would love to do a full day hike, hopefully sometime soon. Unfortunately my wife is having some knee issues again and will probably have surgery again so I’ll be going solo or have to convince a buddy to go along. Great thread OP.

 

[WrigleyHawkeye20]

I would love to do a trail like that someday. My ultimate dream is the Pacific Crest Trail as well, but sneaking away for 4+ months seems far fetched.

The CDT is intriguing to me too but seems much wilder in parts than the PCT. Strangely I don’t have as much desire to do the AT…the views out west just cannot be beat.

Agree on the AT. Don’t have any desire to do it. Definitely more interested in the bigger peaks and landscapes out west. Definitely a huge time commitment to knock any of the triple crown thru hikes out. Which is why it’ll have to wait until retirement. Just hope I’m physically able to do it when the time comes.

 

[blackbones]

One thought for new hikers: head to Sedona for a long weekend. You can do numerous short day hikes with amazing desert views and at night you have all the amenities of a high end community. You can hike one day, have a spa day, great golfing, go horseback riding, etc.

The Boyton Vista trail was our favorite short hike in Sedona... The Bell Rock hike was also awsome. Sedona is great for short hikes with great views.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

The Boyton Vista trail was our favorite short hike in Sedona... We loved Sedona for short hikes. The Bell Rock hike was also awsome.

I loved Boynton canyon, it’s kind of crazy how the deeper into the canyon you go the more the foliage changes, when we were there last fall parts of it looked like you could be in the Midwest deep in the canyon.

Didn’t do Bell Rock, so will have to check that out in a future trip. Devil’s bridge was great, but the trail was super crowded so moves very slow, especially where you have to climb up some rocks.

 

[lilhwkgld]

Had the chance to do this hike with a couple buddies a few years back. Video is about a half hour of footage. Started at ~4am and finished around 6pm. Extremely beautiful hike through the alpine mountains. Saw mountain goats, a lot of different birds, snakes, and marmots. Aasgards Pass was a challenge, especially hitting that section after a decent climb over the first 5 miles of the hike. I was a month out from a spinal fusion so I was definitely the slow one in our group and we took a decent amount of breaks just to enjoy the views and take a lot of pics. Lots of places to fill water, so bring a filter, as well as sturdy hiking boots.

We did another hike that week prior where we camped that you can find on this channel, it was on the western portion of the state and a completely different biosphere. Lots of fun!



I am not the owner of this channel, but am in it.

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

I am not but I would love to start. Any suggestions around central Iowa?

Not a lot of backpacking trails in Iowa but any state park has decent trails to get your fix or start in this case. Backbone has enough trails to keep you walking for a good chunk of the day.

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

62 days until we hit the Black Hills... My wife and I love hiking shorter trails with epic views.

I'm definitely most pumped for the Cathedral Spires trail at Custer State Park.

Our favorite state for hiking would definitely be Utah...


Awsome thread op

We did Sunday Gulch. It was nice. Wanted to do Black Elk Peak but never made it because it snowed. Labor Day Weekend a few years ago…

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

I’ve always enjoyed hiking the short trails here in Decorah and other parts of the Driftless region. I got 12 miles in Wednesday but that wasn’t one continuous loop, it was three separate hikes. I would love to do a full day hike, hopefully sometime soon. Unfortunately my wife is having some knee issues again and will probably have surgery again so I’ll be going solo or have to convince a buddy to go along. Great thread OP.

We went to Devils Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin last year and did 13 miles. The rock formations and views were just different than here in Iowa…

 

[blackbones]

We did Sunday Gulch. It was nice. Wanted to do Black Elk Peak but never made it because it snowed. Labor Day Weekend a few years ago…

I'm thinking we're going to do at least part of that Sunday Gulch trail... What I've seen online looks very cool.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

We went to Devils Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin last year and did 13 miles. The rock formations and views were just different than here in Iowa…

That looks cool, only 2.5 hours from me too, so could definitely do a day trip.

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

That looks cool, only 2.5 hours from me too, so could definitely do a day trip.

Part of the maze of trails at Devils Lake is the Ice Age Trail. If there is ever a possibility of me doing a National Scenic Trail it would be that one.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail Wisconsin | Ice Age Alliance

Our mission is to conserve, create, maintain, & promote the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Become a member to support our mission & get members-only perks.

www.iceagetrail.org

My daughter got me this book on the National Scenic Trails.

 

[jonesy5960]

My favorite hikes have been in Glacier National Park. Spectacular scenery and wildlife like Grizzlies and Moose up the interest factor on trips out of the Many Glacier campground. If you're going I highly recommend Iceberg Lake or Grinnel Glacier. Each are around 10 miles round-trip, easily doable in a day.

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

My favorite hikes have been in Glacier National Park. Spectacular scenery and wildlife like Grizzlies and Moose up the interest factor on trips out of the Many Glacier campground. If you're going I highly recommend Iceberg Lake or Grinnel Glacier. Each are around 10 miles round-trip, easily doable in a day.

Don’t the Grizz make you nervous? I was a little nervous in The Smokies with the large black bear population, although we had no issues…

 

[LuciousBDragon]

@The-Dude-Abides asked me to post about my hike into the Grand Canyon next week. We are doing the rim-to-rim-to-rim hike, Here are the basics:

Day 1: 14 miles South Kaibob trail down into the canyon, and then go partway to the north rim on north Kaibob trail. Camp at the cottonwood campground
Day 2: 13 miles take north Kaibob trail to the north rim and back for another night at cottonwood
Day 3: 14 miles normally this would be a short rest day hiking 7 miles to phantom ranch and camping there. But it is closed for waterline repairs - I hope those are still in the budget (!!!). So we have to hike back partway up south Kaibob to where it meets the Tonto trail and traverse the Tonto trail to get to bright Angel trail, then camp at Havasupai gardens
Day 4: 5 miles climb out of canyon via bright Angel trail

All in all if we don’t do any side hikes it is listed at 46.2 miles and 11k feet of elevation. I suspect we will do a little exploring so guessing more like 50 miles, 12k feet.

I have invested in some ultralight gear so base pack weight is about 15 pounds, with food and water looking 27 pounds or so. But the hardest day which is day 2 I will leave most of my gear at camp and ascend the north rim with only like 10 pounds of stuff.

< 30 lbs including food & water is very good. But, how much water you plan to start with? +\- 100 oz’s ?

Desert hikes are great with the exception of water management.

 

[jonesy5960]

Don’t the Grizz make you nervous? I was a little nervous in The Smokies with the large black bear population, although we had no issues…

Oh yeah. I've had grizzly walking (at a human running pace) parallel and right towards us before and that will definitely get the hair on the back of your neck standing straight up!

 

[RollingBallofButcherKnives]

Oh yeah. I've had grizzly walking (at a human running pace) parallel and right towards us before and that will definitely get the hair on the back of your neck standing straight up!

I would have a hard time getting that out of my head, thinking one could claw my face off at any moment…

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

Oh yeah. I've had grizzly walking (at a human running pace) parallel and right towards us before and that will definitely get the hair on the back of your neck standing straight up!

Were you armed? Bear spray at least?

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

< 30 lbs including food & water is very good. But, how much water you plan to start with? +\- 100 oz’s ?

Desert hikes are great with the exception of water management.

I will have capacity for 5 liters, but not planning to have that much when I go in. Planning 2 liters to get me down to the Colorado river. I swear by my sawyer squeeze filter which does a great job filtering out harmful bacteria, pollutants etc,The rest of the day 1 hike follows bright Angel creek so shouldn’t need more than that as I can always stop and refill along the way.

All 5 liters will get filled for day 2 though as there is a long water carry until you get to the north rim and you are working hard going up 4K feet.

 

[jonesy5960]

Were you armed? Bear spray at least?

Probably bear spray. I don't really recall as those incidents were a long time ago. I just remember being scared to death. Heart racing, head pounding kind of thing.

 

[jonesy5960]

I would have a hard time getting that out of my head, thinking one could claw my face off at any moment…

So, yeah. It's kind of a spirit altering experience. It reminds you of how weak as a species we really are when we venture out of our domain and that truly wild places still exist in this world. It also reminds you not to do dumb things like venture out in the evening and when someone tells you there's a grizzly bear ahead on the trail that it's serious shit and to turn back without delay.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

Probably bear spray. I don't really recall as those incidents were a long time ago. I just remember being scared to death. Heart racing, head pounding kind of thing.

 

[jonesy5960]

Is that the cocaine bear?

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

Is that the cocaine bear?

Yes sir.

So, yeah. It's kind of a spirit altering experience. It reminds you of how weak as a species we really are when we venture out of our domain and that truly wild places still exist in this world. It also reminds you not to do dumb things like venture out in the evening and when someone tells you there's a grizzly bear ahead on the trail that it's serious shit and to turn back without delay.

Not starting an argument, because I agree with you that we modern citizens of first world countries are definitely weak. However there are still humans living in jungles and other remote locations that aren’t weak.
I often think of the indigenous peoples and the primitive weapons they had to fend off wolves, mountain lions and bears. It’s fun to fantasize about living that kind of life, but it’s a scary prospect.

 

[jonesy5960]

Yes sir.

Not starting an argument, because I agree with you that we modern citizens of first world countries are definitely weak. However there are still humans living in jungles and other remote locations that aren’t weak.
I often think of the indigenous peoples and the primitive weapons they had to fend off wolves, mountain lions and bears. It’s fun to fantasize about living that kind of life, but it’s a scary prospect.

And they died. All the time. Just as people do today who forget that the only rules of the wild are who is physically stronger, faster and more ferocious. You see dumb ass tourists getting up close to buffalo or even bears for that perfect vacation pic.

Take away our modern weapons and we drop down the food chain pretty quickly.

 

[billanole]

I’m an avid hiker and had a few exchanges with others here on hikes in the past so I thought it would be worthwhile to have a dedicated thread for the outdoor adventurers among us. What hikes are you planning? What gear do you prefer? Anyone doing anything long distance?

I have done a number of AT, Virginia Highlands, and Smoky Mountain trails. We love the Highlands in summertime where we gather berries and apples to supplement grub.
Doing the AT was once kind of a goal, but unlikely. I have had multiple people ask me to do that walk with them, but truthfully my back would likely not cooperate.
I retired my old exterior frame pack prolly 12 years ago and now use a Hyperlite SW and went with titanium stuff from Vargo to trim ounces. Mostly hike in shorts with old school gaiters to keep the mud and briars at bay.
I am thankful that our parents taught us woods craft as soon as we could walk. It is such a sanctuary to be out on trail, if only for the afternoon.

 

[CarolinaHawkeye]

I am not but I would love to start. Any suggestions around central Iowa?

Start with Ledges.

 

[CarolinaHawkeye]

Don’t the Grizz make you nervous? I was a little nervous in The Smokies with the large black bear population, although we had no issues…

My daughter was hiking there and sensed something was checking on her. Later a mountain lion bolted across the trail a ways in front of her.

 

[Ivan D]

Won’t happen this year. But looking to do the Colorado Trail in a couple years when my son is a bit older and can do it with me. Just need to convince the wife to let us sneak away for a month to do it when the time comes. Ultimate goal is to do the PCT and/or CDT someday. Probably not until I retire though (that one is a ways off).

Shorter term, hoping to get out to
CO later this summer to knock off some 14ers. Just haven’t gotten around to planning exactly where yet.

I’ve done Longs Peak twice & I recommend that for one of your 14ers in CO. It took me 14 hours the first time & 12 hours the second time.