Best US place to hike in October?
Jul 11th, 2005, 04:46 PM
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Best US place to hike in October?
We'll be flying out of Philadelphia and would like to go somewhere and dayhike for about 4 or 5 days. We're looking for places we can fly directly to and then drive <3 hours. We're thinking about Zion and Bryce. Any other suggestions? We don't like hiking in snow. Thanks!
Jul 11th, 2005, 08:14 PM
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This Philly resident looks forward to each October in order to hike in Shenandoah NP, when the colors are at their peak and the crowds are hard to find. You wouldn't even have to fly; it's just a day's drive down there.
Jul 11th, 2005, 09:04 PM
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Zion. The aspens will be turning so you'll get your fall color, too. I'd try to avoid the weekend, though. I did this same type of trip last Novemeber as was amazed at the crowds in Zion-it's so close to Vegas it gets lots of weekenders.
If you can stretch your drive time just a little I'd actually suggest Arches and Canyonlands (flying to SLC). The crowds will be gone, the weather great, and the nearby La Sal Mts. have beautiful fall colors.
If you can stretch your drive time just a little I'd actually suggest Arches and Canyonlands (flying to SLC). The crowds will be gone, the weather great, and the nearby La Sal Mts. have beautiful fall colors.
Jul 12th, 2005, 07:32 AM
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I hiked part of the Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon about the third week of October (6 years ago). It was nippy near the top, but I met sweat-covered people in tank tops toiling their way up. Beautiful scenery.
Jul 12th, 2005, 09:58 AM
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We love hiking also. Last year we did wonderful hiking in Sedona (a snowstorm prevented us from hiking the Grand Canyon)and the Canadian Rockies. One hike I have always wanted to do though is Havasu Falls by the Grand Canyon and I would think that it would be wonderful hiking that in October. I believe there is a write up of that hike on a personal website www.naturalbornhikers.com and also www.hikearizona.com
October would also be a great time to hike in the northeast.
October would also be a great time to hike in the northeast.
Jul 12th, 2005, 01:41 PM
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I'd second the NH/VT suggestion, except that the weather is so unpredictable up on the peaks that it can be a bit risky if you aren't prepared for snow. Even early in October I've been snowed out of day hikes at times. But there are plenty of nice hikes that don't go up to the Presidentials/Franconia Ridge that would be fine weatherwise in early October.
And as others have said, the foilage really can't be beat.
And as others have said, the foilage really can't be beat.
Jul 12th, 2005, 02:16 PM
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my vote goes to utah, the weather is fine in october, even a little warm sometimes....at lower elevations than bryce. canyonlands is my favorite place to hike (near montecello utah) next arches in moab, then capitol reef, then zion. outside of utah, montana but not in october, much rain and snow!
Jul 12th, 2005, 05:06 PM
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You can probably fly directly to Las Vegas from Philadelphia, drive an easy 3 hrs to Springdale and find great hiking in Zion and Bryce. It's the perfect trip for 4-5 days. And Springdale is a great little town.
Jul 12th, 2005, 07:22 PM
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I vote for Utah also! We stayed at this all - inclusive, inexpensive ranch several yrs ago. Their property is adjacent to Zion Park...and they have a shuttle that takes you to the TOP of the mesa and you hike down instead of up, like most of the hikers in the park. They meet you at the bottom and take you back to the ranch. Other terrific activities on the ranch to do also...wonderful sunset horseback ride to the edge of the mesa looking down into Zion!
http://www.zionponderosa.com/
Not the Ritz-Carlton, but clean and comfortable. Ask the desk for their best cabin with a view.
If you opt for staying in a motel/hotel..there are 2 wonderful places in Springdale.
http://www.desertpearl.com/
and
http://www.cliffroselodge.com/
As one mentioned, flights to Las Vegas are very cheap if you fly midweek. Spend a night (also cheap because gamblers are there on the weekends) to experience it...next day, rent a car and drive the gorgeous 3 hours up to Springdale area. Park yourselves and hike for 2/3 days. Glorious weather and not too many hikers during week.
You will just be WOWED by the views!
Oh, and forgot to mention...the fall foliage will be just as pretty as in New England or the Smokeys.
http://www.zionponderosa.com/
Not the Ritz-Carlton, but clean and comfortable. Ask the desk for their best cabin with a view.
If you opt for staying in a motel/hotel..there are 2 wonderful places in Springdale.
http://www.desertpearl.com/
and
http://www.cliffroselodge.com/
As one mentioned, flights to Las Vegas are very cheap if you fly midweek. Spend a night (also cheap because gamblers are there on the weekends) to experience it...next day, rent a car and drive the gorgeous 3 hours up to Springdale area. Park yourselves and hike for 2/3 days. Glorious weather and not too many hikers during week.
You will just be WOWED by the views!
Oh, and forgot to mention...the fall foliage will be just as pretty as in New England or the Smokeys.
Jul 13th, 2005, 04:27 PM
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Thanks for all the great suggestions! VT/NH sounds wonderful, but I think we're going to opt for UT. If we can get a cheap flight to SLC, we'll go to Arches/Canyonlands. We really like the idea of missing the crowds, but chances are the vegas flight will turn out to be cheaper and we'll end up at Zion/Bryce. Thanks again!
