Hiking Thread

Yes, hopefully, the climatic "gods" will bless you on both fronts, i.e. enough rain and absence of prolonged scorching heat to turn the high country into a tender box and, then, in September, dramatic day/night temperature extremes, without undue wind or premature hard frosts, to fuel a superb fall color show.
 
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Yes, hopefully, the climatic "gods" will bless you on both fronts, i.e. enough rain and absence of prolonged scorching heat to turn the high country into a tender box and, then, in September, dramatic day/night temperature extremes, without undue wind or premature hard frosts, to fuel a superb fall color show.

What has the weather been like out there this summer so far? Does it look like it is going to be extra dry? Weather here has been weird. Me and my son were in Cades Cove on the 4th and it was in the high 70s to low 80s and sunny most of the day.
 
What has the weather been like out there this summer so far? Does it look like it is going to be extra dry? Weather here has been weird. Me and my son were in Cades Cove on the 4th and it was in the high 70s to low 80s and sunny most of the day.


I haven't really kept track of it. The desert southwest, of course, has periodically experienced incredibly high temperatures, even by their standards. I was looking, however, at that Glacier message board and there were comments to the effect that unseasonably warm temperatures and drying weather would soon lead to elevated fire hazards. I haven't specifically heard of any fires yet in the greater Glacier ecosystem. A lot of squirrely things can still happen between now and your departure, for better or worse, that could impact the quality of fall foliage. One year that we went to Glacier, I remember park personnel informing us that they had gone through a series of cycles of unusually cold overnight temperatures, followed by much warmer periods, all of which preceded the onset of the traditional fall season, that collectively, "confused" aspen, to the point that many of their leaves browned before turning to their traditional gold. There was still fall color worth seeing, but the damage had already been done.

In short, no two years are the same in terms of predicting the quality or timing of fall foliage.

Incidentally, there appears to be one sparsely visited message board on Trip Advisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g143029-i1019-Grand_Teton_National_Park_Wyoming.html) pertaining to the Tetons); you might check on it periodically and/or GTNP's website to chart unusual weather patterns and/or fire hazards in the area.
 
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I haven't really kept track of it. The desert southwest, of course, has periodically experienced incredibly high temperatures, even by their standards. I was looking, however, at that Glacier message board and there were comments to the effect that unseasonably warm temperatures and drying weather would soon lead to elevated fire hazards. I haven't specifically heard of any fires yet in the greater Glacier ecosystem. A lot of squirrely things can still happen between now and your departure, for better or worse, that could impact the quality of fall foliage. One year that we went to Glacier, I remember park personnel informing us that they had gone through a series of cycles of unusually cold overnight temperatures, followed by much warmer periods, all of which preceded the onset of the traditional fall season, that collectively, "confused" aspen, to the point that many of their leaves browned before turning to their traditional gold. There was still fall color worth seeing, but the damage had already been done.

In short, no two years are the same in terms of predicting the quality or timing of fall foliage.

Incidentally, there appears to be one sparsely visited message board on Trip Advisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g143029-i1019-Grand_Teton_National_Park_Wyoming.html) pertaining to the Tetons); you might check on it periodically and/or GTNP's website to chart unusual weather patterns and/or fire hazards in the area.

Thanks
 
I just re-checked that Glacier message board and found these comments, which were posted on July 10th:

"We actually have fires in the greater Flathead area as well. There are a couple burning between Kalispell and Libby, as well as one up the North Fork in the Moose Creek drainage. There is also at least one bigger fire in central Montana, not that it should effect Glacier. We had a good snow year (average or a bit better), followed by a lot of rain in April. Plants greened up nicely this spring.

Unfortunately none of that means much when the temperatures are in the 90's and no rain for weeks on end. Things dry up pretty quickly here. The Flathead National Forest and Glacier increased the fire danger to High recently. The current 15-day forecast calls for mid-to-high 90's and no real chance of rain. Based on that, the fire danger will probably be elevated again and I wouldn't be surprised if fire restrictions are put in place before the end of the season if conditions persist" (http://www.glacier.nationalparkschat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9553).
 
Ulysses, I forgot the most obvious resource: weather.com. In the run up to your departure, I would make it part of my daily routine to check their current and long-term forecast for Jackson and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Right now, you could not ask for a better forecast: 81-83 as highs for the next three days and overnight lows in the mid-40s (https://weather.com/weather/today/l/USWY0088:1:US). Their extended forecast for the next ten days calls for highs to creep upward into the mid- 80s, with overnight lows ranging from 43-52. The only local alert they currently have posted is for grass pollen (moderate).

Incidentally, for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite anytime soon, there is a bad fire burning in the foothills west of the park:

"A massive wildfire in the foothills west of Yosemite National Park has forced thousands to flee their homes and destroyed dozens of structures, officials said. The blaze is burning in the Central Valley of California and has been named the Detwiler fire. Just 7 percent contained, the inferno has torched more than 75 square miles, destroyed 29 structures and damaged another five, according to Calfire.

The fire, which began Sunday afternoon, forced all 2,000 residents in the town of Mariposa to evacuate, unsure of the fate of their homes. As many as 1,500 structures are threatened, officials told the Associated Press. Up to 5,000 people overall have evacuated since the fire began burning, according to KPIX.

"I may or may not have a home to go home to," resident Janet Kirkland told the L.A. Times. "This is the worst one we’ve had in 30 years. I’ve had ’em burn right up to my driveway, but nothing like this."
 
I just re-checked that Glacier message board and found these comments, which were posted on July 10th:

"We actually have fires in the greater Flathead area as well. There are a couple burning between Kalispell and Libby, as well as one up the North Fork in the Moose Creek drainage. There is also at least one bigger fire in central Montana, not that it should effect Glacier. We had a good snow year (average or a bit better), followed by a lot of rain in April. Plants greened up nicely this spring.

Unfortunately none of that means much when the temperatures are in the 90's and no rain for weeks on end. Things dry up pretty quickly here. The Flathead National Forest and Glacier increased the fire danger to High recently. The current 15-day forecast calls for mid-to-high 90's and no real chance of rain. Based on that, the fire danger will probably be elevated again and I wouldn't be surprised if fire restrictions are put in place before the end of the season if conditions persist" (http://www.glacier.nationalparkschat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9553).

I watch the Jackson Hole and Yellowstone webcams a lot, and I had noticed how all I've seen for the last few weeks is bright sunny days.
 
For people who can only travel during summer, due to children's school schedule or other commitments, here is the link to an important article: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.o...-considering-reservation-system-manage-crowds. Due to the unprecedented crowds that have begun to descend upon the parks in the last decade, several national parks are beginning to seriously consider a reservation system, just for admission to the parks. Their rationale is to preserve quality of visitor experience and resource management.
 
For people who can only travel during summer, due to children's school schedule or other commitments, here is the link to an important article: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.o...-considering-reservation-system-manage-crowds. Due to the unprecedented crowds that have begun to descend upon the parks in the last decade, several national parks are beginning to seriously consider a reservation system, just for admission to the parks. Their rationale is to preserve quality of visitor experience and resource management.

It would be better if they would just try to encourage/advertise to get people to go to equally beautiful, but much less visited National Parks like Great Basins or Black Canyon. We always pick a shoulder season. Weather is iffier, but there is so much more elbow room. I'm again this by the way. I would hate to never get to see Yosemite at it's best just because I couldn't get a reservation.
 
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It would be better if they would just try to encourage/advertise to get people to go to equally beautiful, but much less visited National Parks like Great Basins or Black Canyon. We always pick a shoulder season. Weather is iffier, but there is so much more elbow room. I'm again this by the way. I would hate to never get to see Yosemite at it's best just because I couldn't get a reservation.


Agreed. It strikes me as being positively un-American. Then again, I have become a fall foliage connoisseur when it comes to visiting the high country, so I won't be significantly impacted either. On the other hand, it is hard to believe that the population of the United States has practically doubled in my lifetime (1956-present). In 1950, the population was listed at 161,325,798 and, in 1960, it was listed at 189,323,175 (http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h980.html). As of July 4,2016, our numbers had grown to 323,148,587 (https://www.census.gov/popclock/). We may, unfortunately, be on the verge of a movement that, for summer travelers, will reduce access to selected national parks to random chance, rather than an American freedom.
 
Agreed. It strikes me as being positively un-American. Then again, I have become a fall foliage connoisseur when it comes to visiting the high country, so I won't be significantly impacted either. On the other hand, it is hard to believe that the population of the United States has practically doubled in my lifetime (1956-present). In 1950, the population was listed at 161,325,798 and, in 1960, it was listed at 189,323,175 (http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h980.html). As of July 4,2016, our numbers had grown to 323,148,587 (https://www.census.gov/popclock/). We may, unfortunately, be on the verge of a movement that, for summer travelers, will reduce access to selected national parks to random chance, rather than an American freedom.

If casual travelers that don't really give a crap about them, but have money and time, so they just go there to have something to do would just go somewhere else..that would help a lot.
 
But I don't really travel during the busiest time of Summer, so it doesn't really affect me much. When our kids were still home we left on trips within a week or two of school letting out. It is amazing the difference it makes.
 
But I don't really travel during the busiest time of Summer, so it doesn't really affect me much. When our kids were still home we left on trips within a week or two of school letting out. It is amazing the difference it makes.

One of the reasons September is my favorite month in the Tetons is the reduced crowds.
 
For people who can only travel during summer, due to children's school schedule or other commitments, here is the link to an important article: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.o...-considering-reservation-system-manage-crowds. Due to the unprecedented crowds that have begun to descend upon the parks in the last decade, several national parks are beginning to seriously consider a reservation system, just for admission to the parks. Their rationale is to preserve quality of visitor experience and resource management.

I of course expected Yosemite Valley to be overly crowded last week, but was still a little surprised at the number of people. My friends had never been to Yosemite so I suggested they must see it from the Valley perspective, but we spent very little time there.
 
I of course expected Yosemite Valley to be overly crowded last week, but was still a little surprised at the number of people. My friends had never been to Yosemite so I suggested they must see it from the Valley perspective, but we spent very little time there.

It would be better if they would just try to encourage/advertise to get people to go to equally beautiful, but much less visited National Parks like Great Basins or Black Canyon. We always pick a shoulder season. Weather is iffier, but there is so much more elbow room. I'm again this by the way. I would hate to never get to see Yosemite at it's best just because I couldn't get a reservation.

We've only been in May and September and the Valley was horrendous. We have stayed in the valley and even at our cabin, parking was iffy. To try to go to the Ranger Station etc, in the Valley was impossible to find a place to park. September is a little better, but last time we even had trouble parking at the Ahwanee...or whatever they are calling it now:).

And another great park Big Bend; Saguaro is nice too, and what is the one with Frijole Ranch...just below Carlsbad? And Joshua Tree. People just don't know what they are missing. Lassen Volcanic is nice but need to camp, very poor lodging there.

Have fun UMc. Hope your FIL is doing better and also the job situation🙏🙏💕.
 
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I haven't hiked in a while because of peak season. Even the lesser known trails are packed
 
We've only been in May and September and the Valley was horrendous. We have stayed in the valley and even at our cabin, parking was iffy. To try to go to the Ranger Station etc, in the Valley was impossible to find a place to park. September is a little better, but last time we even had trouble parking at the Ahwanee...or whatever they are calling it now:).

And another great park Big Bend; Saguaro is nice too, and what is the one with Frijole Ranch...just below Carlsbad? And Joshua Tree. People just don't know what they are missing. Lassen Volcanic is nice but need to camp, very poor lodging there.
Guadalupe mountains national park
Have fun UMc. Hope your FIL is doing better and also the job situation������.
Yes my FiL is doing really good, job situation is a work in progress..Thank you so much for asking.
 
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We've only been in May and September and the Valley was horrendous. We have stayed in the valley and even at our cabin, parking was iffy. To try to go to the Ranger Station etc, in the Valley was impossible to find a place to park. September is a little better, but last time we even had trouble parking at the Ahwanee...or whatever they are calling it now:).

And another great park Big Bend; Saguaro is nice too, and what is the one with Frijole Ranch...just below Carlsbad? And Joshua Tree. People just don't know what they are missing. Lassen Volcanic is nice but need to camp, very poor lodging there.

Have fun UMc. Hope your FIL is doing better and also the job situation������.

That place in Texas is Guadalupe mountains national park. We went there and Carlsbad a couple of times when I was a kid, but I don't remember anything about it much, my dad wasn't a hiker/outdoors type.
 
That place in Texas is Guadalupe mountains national park. We went there and Carlsbad a couple of times when I was a kid, but I don't remember anything about it much, my dad wasn't a hiker/outdoors type.

That's it. I couldn't remember and TO wasn't around to ask. There are the remains of a pony express station, the Frijole Ranch, a nice hike up along a stream, just some fun things to see and do. We did Big Bend, along the Rio Grande, Joshua Tree, up to Carlsbad (not my thing, I don't like caves, but for caves this is a good one👍), then Guadalupe, Sagurao, Channel Islands (strawberry time in California, oh my!), then Yosemite, King's Canyon, Sequoia, Death Valley, and home through the Painted Desert (I think, TO not available again😃). Every time we travel out west it seems like we go through Badlands or Painted Desert, can't just drive by you know😉.
 
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If you are traveling through Arizona and New Mexico via I-40, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park are pretty much unavoidable; the two sections of the park literally straddle the interstate. And, of course, if you're driving west on I-90 through South Dakota, the Badlands really are the first thing truly worth seeing.

What time of year did you go to Saguaro? The only time I have been there was in spring, April I believe, and I was fortunate enough that the big cacti and other desert wildflowers were then in bloom.
 
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If you are traveling through Arizona and New Mexico via I-40, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park are pretty much unavoidable; the two sections of the park literally straddle the interstate. And, of course, if you're driving west on I-90 through South Dakota, the Badlands really are the first thing truly worth seeing.

What time of year did you go to Saguaro? The only time I have been there was in spring, April I believe, and I was fortunate enough that the big cacti and other desert wildflowers were then in bloom.

We were very fortunate, left in early May (I think 2010) went to Big Bend and the cacti were blooming, then when we got to Joshua Tree, the trees and cacti were blooming, then down to Saguaro.....and the Saguro were blooming! The rangers we talked to couldn't believe it. They all said it was a real rarity to get to see all three parks in bloom on one trip. One heck of a fun trip!
 
The desert southwest is the one exception to my preference for fall vacations. In the spring, you get to see the desert in its most colorful state, long before temperatures begin to creep into the obscenely hot range for which they are justly renowned.
 
Smallvol#1, here are links to a few photo threads that beautifully illustrate why I have placed such emphasis on the portion of the San Juan Skyway that runs from Ridgway to Telluride, including the Dallas Divide area, as a fall foliage destination: https://backcountrypost.com/threads/dallas-divide-to-telluride.2518/, https://backcountrypost.com/threads/fall-colors-on-owl-creek-pass.2506/ and https://backcountrypost.com/threads/dallas-divide-owl-creek-pass.1379/. Note: The Owl Creek Pass/Cimarron Mountains area is where much of the original True Grit was filmed.
 
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Smallvol#1, here are links to a few photo threads that beautifully illustrate why I have placed such emphasis on the portion of the San Juan Skyway that runs from Ridgway to Telluride, including the Dallas Divide area, as a fall foliage destination: https://backcountrypost.com/threads/dallas-divide-to-telluride.2518/, https://backcountrypost.com/threads/fall-colors-on-owl-creek-pass.2506/ and https://backcountrypost.com/threads/dallas-divide-owl-creek-pass.1379/. Note: The Owl Creek Pass/Cimarron Mountains area is where much of the original True Grit was filmed.

How scary is that drive? Is the road paved or dirt?
 

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