Looking for a good 1-4 week backpacking destination in the US with good weather in the winter

solo trippin wrote:

Roy- that was a place I was considering but the outer rim trail or whatever it's called seemed short and I was looking for something longer. Have you done it before? Could you suggest an itinerary? And give me any tips you may have? Thanks a million

Most of the trails in Big Bend are day hikes. People will camp out on the trail in the Chisos mountains more because it is fun than because they have to. I did the rim trail (@12-13 mi) in one day with no problem. So, most people will do a day hike and then return to a camp ground at night. You can put together at least a dozen different day hikes and never see the same terrain twice.

If you are a very skilled backcountry desert camper, you can just go wherever you want and camp wherever you want (as long as you stay in the National Park and do not cross into private property or Mexico). There are some trails, but you are mostly having to navigate using the NPS topographical maps. You will need to inform the NPS where you are going. They do have "zone" camping":

You really don't just go out and wander around. You will need to plan your backcountry trip very carefully to make sure that you get to spots where water is available in plenty of time, especially when hiking through the lower desert elevations. But that is what makes backcountry hiking in Big Bend so special. You can go out and hike for days and not see a single person.

If you want to do it, check in with the local outfitters for advice and also post on the Big Bend message board:

People out in Big Bend are a different breed of off the grid types. It may take a few tries, but you will eventually find someone out there who will talk your ear off and show the best routes for backcountry hiking.

Thanks a million Roy. Even if I don't go there on this trip, this info will be extremely useful to me in the future becuase Big Bend looks like a place I'm going to have to see. Thanks again.

Big question is what is your experience level with backpacking? There's a huge difference even between backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park and a true wilderness. The loop in CO I did this summer, we only saw 4-5 people during the entire trip. When I was in RMNP last year, I saw people every 30 minutes or so.

I am moderately experienced. I am by no means an expert and I would never attempt anything that I'm not comfortable with but I feel confident in my abilities. I have done solo backpacking and with groups of people. I'm from the east coast so I haven't done a ton of super technical stuff.

illinoisphotographer wrote:

Big question is what is your experience level with backpacking? There's a huge difference even between backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park and a true wilderness. The loop in CO I did this summer, we only saw 4-5 people during the entire trip. When I was in RMNP last year, I saw people every 30 minutes or so.

Big Bend is a very good suggestion.

I have been to the Grand Canyon 4-5 times during Feb and March. There are a lot of hikes from the south rim that are outstanding. It can be a bit dicey near the top if there is snow and ice, but just get some micro-spikes and you'll be out of it and into perfect hiking weather in a few hours. So, even if you have been there before, there are many hikes starting from other trailheads (Tanner, Grandview, Hermit) that are awesome. Permits aren't easy -- and I think you have to go for them 4 months in advance, so if you go that route get planning now.

I have also done Zion that time of year, which is great but can be a bit colder.

Death Valley might be a good one as well.

I have to add that the person suggesting the JMT is nuts. That hike is incredible, but it would be almost a death wish in Feb or March unless you are very experienced.

There's no way in hell I'd do the JMT that time of year haha. It looks amazing but I'm not dealing with 14,000ft solo in the winter haha. I am not ready for that. Looks amazing for sure.

2 words: The Maze.