Getting Out There: Spring Break Backpacking Trips
Spring break is right around the corner (March 16–20 to be exact), but if you have no clue what you want to do — don’t worry! There are many great activities to partake in nearby, ranging from exploring local sites to taking a road trip up north. And if a sense of adventure is what you’re looking for, there is certainly no shortage of great backpacking trips in the area. Check out some possible options for a three- to five-day adventure.
Big Sur
If you’re looking to get away for the break, but still hoping to make it somewhere in a day, Big Sur is your best bet — the six-hour drive isn’t that bad and it’s worth it for the great scenery and range of outdoor activities to choose from. For a quick trip that would take about half of your break, hike along the Big Sur River with the Pine Ridge trail — a 23-mile journey that should take about three days to complete. Be prepared to be dwarfed by redwood trees and marvel at Pacific Ocean on this strenuous, but rewarding, trek. Start at the Big Sur station then hike about seven miles to Barlow Flats where you can set camp for the night and enjoy the nearby swimming hole.
Spend the next day hiking three miles to Skyes camp where you can splash around in the hot springs before continuing onto Redwood campsite to spend your second night. Hike eight miles out on your last day to China camps trailhead. One great thing about this trail is the abundance of water along the river, as well as the ability to cool off after hiking with hot springs and swimming holes. A bonus of this hike is that you can take US 1 up the coast for beautiful ocean views.
Lost Coast, Humboldt
Long Coast, Humboldt is one of my dream backpacking trips that I hope to complete one day. Although it is probably the hardest trip on the list aside from the 10-hour drive to the Lost Coast, if you’re up for the drive, you will be rewarded with stunning nature. Don’t be fooled — although you’ll be hiking along the ocean, your trip will be filled with rugged trekking on coastal bluffs and redwoods.
There are two different trails that are roughly the same distance: the northern and the southern. The northern trail is difficult, however much less strenuous than the southern, which is only recommended for those with substantial outdoors experience. For the out and back northern trail, use the Lost Coast shuttle to get back to your car at the end of your trip. Excluding driving, the trek should take four days.
First, start out at Mattole and hike along the secluded beach and pass and abandoned lighthouse. Beware — during this trip, you may have to delay hiking for a few hours during high tide, you may have to wait it out a few hours as you are literally hiking next to the ocean. After six miles, camp at Cooksie Creek. For the second and third days, hike 6.5 miles to Hadley camp then another 7.5 miles to Glitchell creek. On your final day hike a more strenuous four miles to Black Sands beach, which is what its name implies. This solitary trek is aimed to bring you through pure, sublime nature.
Zion
Don’t be daunted by the fact Zion isn’t in California; it is the same distance from campus as Big Sur and Yosemite. Spend three days in the Utah desert surrounded by massive canyons and incredible views. Hike the Narrows for two days then spend two days doing day hikes and exploring the different zones. The Narrows is a trail not meant for those claustrophobia as you will be traversing through 2000-ft. tall, slim canyon walls, as well as wading through the Virgin River.
Get a permit through the NPS and travel top down, starting at Chamberlain Ranch. Hike 8–10 miles downwards and find camp at one of the 12 campsites scattered along the river. The next day, hike around eight miles to the Temple of Sinawava and hike out.
Be prepared to watch the sun illuminate the canyon walls, lighting them up in spectacular pinks and reds.
Yosemite
A perennial California classic, Yosemite has a wealth of options for backpacking, day hiking, or rock climbing. Spend four days backpacking through the valley (21 miles) along part of the 211-mile John Muir trail. Opt for one day climbing up half dome if you’re up for a challenge. Start at Happy Isles then hike 4.7 miles to Little Yosemite Valley Junction 1. Here you have the option of continuing your hike or spending one day climbing Half Dome. This hike is not for beginners. Wake up early for your 14 mile round trip hike and summit by lunchtime then spend another night at Little Yosemite.
If you’re not up for Half Dome, continue on about five miles until you find a nice place to camp for the night. The next day, hike five more miles to Sunrise Lakes and camp with other groups — a nice place to recharge before your last day. Wake up then continue on 10 miles to Tuolumne Meadows to your last campsite. Be awed by the fact that you completed a difficult trek through one of the nation’s most renowned parks.
Make sure you check each park’s website for permit information, as many require them. For more ideas, check out Backpacker.com or Allltrails.com. Happy exploring!
