Backpacking Through California

[Risen]

Hey guys. This Spring/Summer I plan to do a rather ambitious backpacking trip through California. My main goals are to spend time in Big Sur, Yosemite, and Lost Coast. I'm also thinking of hitting up Mt. Whitney along the way and maybe some other locales, wilderness or not. I'm not exactly sure what mode of transportation I'll be using to make my way up the state and back, but i surely don't plan to walk/hike the whole way . It'll probably be more of a bus/car ride to each area, and then moving through on foot. My main focus is to see some of the best wilderness CA has to offer, but I don't mind enjoying some civilization along the way too.

This'll be my first time traveling with a pack, and pretty much all the places I'll be going to will be new to me. I guess I'm just looking for some advice and suggestions from those of you who might have experience backpacking, have been to some of these places, or might have some advice/suggestions on where to go, the best way to travel, etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated .

 

[Rail Tracer]

One place that I am thinking of going exploring one day is The Redwood National Park. (I like the Humboldt and Del Norte regions.) I think you are pretty much heading there since your heading to the Lost Coast anyhow. There are lots of forested areas from Mendocino to Del Norte to explore.

It's sort of hard, you've already named quite a lot. The only other places I can think of are semi-hot to hot places during the spring and summer times. I don't know for sure though.
Example?
Lave Beds National Monument
Lassen Volcanic Park

 

[Risen]

Man, checking out that volcano sounds like an awesome idea! I'll have to do some research on the park. It might even be a poor man's yellowstone .

 

[ajblaise]

Take some pics on the way.

If you stop through Humboldt county maybe you can find some goodies.

 

[Thalassa]

There's a zillion hostels in CA. That should be helpful if it starts to rain.

 

[Risen]

There's a zillion hostels in CA. That should be helpful if it starts to rain.

Pfsh, rain just makes it more fun . I'm thinking of using hostels if ever I want to stay in a more populated area/city, or if I just need a good warm shower.

 

[Thalassa]

Pfsh, rain just makes it more fun . I'm thinking of using hostels if ever I want to stay in a more populated area/city, or if I just need a good warm shower.

When I was in Santa Monica I met a guy who was bicycling his way from San Francisco to San Diego, and sleeping outside. He was like 'you have no idea how much this place is like heaven to me, sleeping on the beach gets old.'

Also, ask Gish about the condition he was in when he showed up in Hollywood.

 

[ScorpioINTP]

There is the John Muir Trail that goes through the sierras (I think thats what it is called)..kinda like the appalachian trail. I think it goes thru east yosemite. I highly recommend camping in Toulloume (sp?) meadows section of yosemite. Its spectacular. If you google around you can find some hotsprings too.

 

[lunalum]

Take some pics on the way.

If you stop through Humboldt county maybe you can find some goodies.

LOL, yeah...

But seriously, Mendocino/Humboldt/Del Norte have some cool wilderness to explore.

 

[Spamtar]

Do this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir_Trail

Also if you incorporate hitchhiking into you jaunt limit it to Northern California and get out of the van when the guy tells you the apparently "commonly known" story about the girl in the box.

Wait until at least late spring to start if you go in the high Sierra (i.e. snow issues)

 

[Curator]

[YOUTUBE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glm97au0b_Q"][/YOUTUBE]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glm97au0b_Q
Hooked on humboldt be careful when choosing to travel the northwest coast... even experimenting with humboldt can be extremely dangerous... hugs not drugs! lol...

 

[Risen]

Yea, I'm not into drugs, lol. I think I'll be using my car (or my friend's) to get from area to area. I've heard of the john muir trail. I'll probably do a section of that in Yosemite. I've got just about all the gear I need for an extended backpacking trip like this. I just need to save for gas and food expenses. It could cost me AT LEAST $500 for gas with my 12mpg car.

 

[Curator]

LOL, you should watch the video, its not really about drugs, its funny, but also shows some really beautiful areas up there... its meant to encourage tourism I believe.