Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum - View Single Post - Help! Where should I hike in late October?

Prospector · 09-09-2009, 09:33 PM

Arizona has much to offer that would satisfy your requirements: October is between rainy seasons and is one of the driest months in an already dry state. If you stick to mid-level altitudes (3,000 to 7,000 feet) you will satisfy your temperature preferences (above 7,000 and you're in the mountains with the likelihood of freezing temps at night, and below 3,000 you're in the low deserts which are still fairly warm in October, although not that bad). Also much of the terrain is very wide open with some incredible scenery.

The Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona (which includes the Grand Canyon) is very open and includes mountains, canyons, and windswept plains - a little something for everybody. And don't discount the Grand Canyon either. There are plenty of resources available online to help you plan your trip. I have only day-hiked there myself as I am long past the days of backpacking, but I would if I could. Planning and logistics will be the concerns there, what with backcountry permit requirements, the need to carry large quantities of water, and temperature extremes due to changes in elevation.

There are also vast treks of land just outside the National Park that offer hiking opportunities, but by being in National Forests or National Recreation Areas rather than a National Park the rules and restrictions are much less. Both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are surrounded by large National Recreation Areas, and The Kaibab National Forest extends both North and South of the National Park (although the Northern section will likely be too cold that time of year).

There are other areas in the southwest as well - many other areas - but I have always been partial to the Colorado Plateau region for its incredible scenery. My wife and I just recently returned from a motorcycle trip to Bryce Canyon in Utah, which is also on the Colorado Plateau. Incredible scenery and an area that I would love to hike, but by October it would likely be too cold.

Good luck with your choice and with your adventure.

09-09-2009, 09:33 PM	#5
Prospector I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Mike Location: Arizona's beautiful Verde Valley Posts: 2,500 Trading: (11)	Re: Help! Where should I hike in late October? Arizona has much to offer that would satisfy your requirements: October is between rainy seasons and is one of the driest months in an already dry state. If you stick to mid-level altitudes (3,000 to 7,000 feet) you will satisfy your temperature preferences (above 7,000 and you're in the mountains with the likelihood of freezing temps at night, and below 3,000 you're in the low deserts which are still fairly warm in October, although not that bad). Also much of the terrain is very wide open with some incredible scenery. The Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona (which includes the Grand Canyon) is very open and includes mountains, canyons, and windswept plains - a little something for everybody. And don't discount the Grand Canyon either. There are plenty of resources available online to help you plan your trip. I have only day-hiked there myself as I am long past the days of backpacking, but I would if I could. Planning and logistics will be the concerns there, what with backcountry permit requirements, the need to carry large quantities of water, and temperature extremes due to changes in elevation. There are also vast treks of land just outside the National Park that offer hiking opportunities, but by being in National Forests or National Recreation Areas rather than a National Park the rules and restrictions are much less. Both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are surrounded by large National Recreation Areas, and The Kaibab National Forest extends both North and South of the National Park (although the Northern section will likely be too cold that time of year). There are other areas in the southwest as well - many other areas - but I have always been partial to the Colorado Plateau region for its incredible scenery. My wife and I just recently returned from a motorcycle trip to Bryce Canyon in Utah, which is also on the Colorado Plateau. Incredible scenery and an area that I would love to hike, but by October it would likely be too cold. Good luck with your choice and with your adventure.