Catskillmountaineer.com Forum

I've been out there in the snow and the cold a few times last year! Did a nice hike from North-South Lake area up to Stoppel Point and the plane crash. Even though I'm glad I went, I enjoy summer hiking infinitely more! I try to escape to some warmer areas throughout the winter and did Death Valley in December... See western USA section for trip report! I'm trying to figure out where to go in Mar or April that'll be warm and have some good hiking... Or I'll save my vacation for another long summer trip!

Keep the winter trip reports coming please!

Hiking in the Winter can be a mixed situation. If the wind is blowing and it is cloudy, it can be quite cold to go hiking. But, on a warmer, windless, sunny day, you can get very hot hiking. Winter hiking can be quite fun.

Don't get me wrong sneakers, I'm a big sucker for the South West myself!

I've got family in Sedona Arizona, so I can usually get away with a trip there once a year, or so. Have you had a chance to visit "Red Rock Country"? This time a year it does get a little chilly there, but not too bad. And if it's too cold for your taste there is always Tucson and it's surrounding area to the South. The Santa Catalinas and Tortolitas offer amazing hiking opportunities and you can usually get away with shorts/short sleeves this time of year.

I'm just about due for a trip to that part of the country. I've never been to Death Valley. I'd like to go during the spring bloom. Backpackers Magazine and NatGeo have always covered this time of year with insanely beautiful pictures of seas of flowers.

Since you requested some more trip reports, I'll post some here, that are on ADKHighpeaks...

I'm not sure what is actually considered "red rock country." I've been to Nevada and Utah multiple times and love it! Haven't done much in Arizona, but am planning a summer trip to northern Arizona this summer!

I've got the proper clothes, microspikes and snowshoes for winter hiking, but I was wondering if there is any other gear that would be smart to have for winter hiking?

Sneakers - I'm not sure. Sedona definitely falls within the "Red Rock" zone (then again so does Moab, Ut and probably plenty of places in NV). It's safe to say that if there is an abundance of red rock than you are in red rock country.

Trunks- Poles would be a good investment with snow baskets for the tips.

In that case, I have! It's actually my favorite terrain.

I hiked Turtlehead Peak in Red Rock Canyon just outside of Vegas, Zion multiple times (haven't done the narrows hike yet, but it's on the agenda for this summer), Death Valley and a few other areas.

This summer ill hit Valley of Fire, Buckskin Gulch, Zion, Bryce, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Canyon and maybe Havasu Falls. Can't wait!

I working on reading your latest trip reports and pictures, thanks for them!

Nice! There are some places on your list that I'd like to visit. I've been to the South Rim before, but didn't get to dip down into the Canyon itself. I'd love to do a Rim-Rim hike. Haven't been to Bryce, or Zion yet, but have been to Arches (which reminds me I didn't have enough time to go to Canyon Lands on that trip). So much to do, so little time! The South West is one of the most rewarding places to hike in, very subjective yes, but who could argue? haha.

I can't get enough of the southwest and love it as much as the Catskills (and that's a lot). I want to get to Arches and Canyonlands quite a bit, but will not have time if I only go out there once this summer. I will likely take two trips out there to fit them in, a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, am considering a trip to Shenendoah National Park and multiple trips to the Catskills this summer.

More on topic with this thread, the current forecast shows near 50 degrees for this Saturday so I may sneak up to the Catskills for a rare winter hike!

SNEAKers wrote: I may sneak up to the Catskills

you would wouldn't you!

I lol'd