We love to be outdoors and especially to combine some hiking with other things on all our vacations. Any ideas on where we can go in the U.S. in Jan or Feb that still has great hikes (scenic) but not snow. We don't mind cold - just don't want to hike on ice! Thanks.

Just trying again!

Hmm, Problem is most places with some elevation always have the prospect of snow. Much of the caribbean would suit, as might San Diego or West Texas.

Have you considered Arizona? We've spent 10 -12 days touring Arizona in Feb., hiking in Organ Pipe Nat'l Monument (gorgeous) and all over Tucson. Saguaro Nat'l Park is awesome too. The weather is usually perfect for hiking. The Chirichuaha Mtns (spelling?) in southeastern Arizona is also an amazing place for hiking, although there was snow on the trails when we were there in Feb. but temps were in the 70's.

When we were hiking in So. Utah, we talked with one of the National Park rangers who had worked at Death Valley NP. Some of the day hikes and back country hikes he described sounded really good, and the weather should be more tolerable than the summer months. Check out the Death Valley NP info on www.nps.gov; also search on www.gorp.com. Hope this helps.