Northern California Backpacking in January

December 25, 2006 11:29 PM

Is there a good place to go backpacking in January in Northern California that doesn't involve a lot of snow?

I have a week off in early January (1/9-1/15) and I'd like to go backpacking for 3 to 4 days. I'd rather avoid snow camping if possible and it would be nice if it's within a 5 hour drive of the San Francisco bay area.

Any ideas?

posted by fdhidalgo to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

Big Sur
posted by hortense at 12:01 AM on December 26, 2006

Eureka Dunes, winter is a great time to visit the desert. previously
posted by hortense at 12:11 AM on December 26, 2006

Apparently you and salvia should start planning trips together.
posted by tkolar at 12:41 AM on December 26, 2006

Redwood National Park typically has lots of rain, not snow. But, really I'd head for the desert if possible.
posted by fieldtrip at 12:15 PM on December 26, 2006

I second Big Sur. Not a long drive and a great place to be. I'd go to China camp and hike from there.
posted by special-k at 1:48 PM on December 26, 2006

I'd recommend the Lost Coast. Big Sur would also be good. Check the weather reports before you leave to make sure you won't get rained on the whole time, but I can almost guarantee no snow...
posted by mhespenheide at 4:48 PM on December 26, 2006

There's also Henry Coe State Park, which is rugged, remote, and definitely off the beaten path in January. Unless you are a masochist craving maximum vertical footage, enter from either the Coyote Creek or Bell Station entrances, whose trails are merely "steep". Do not expect to see many/any people mid-week, perhaps some mountain bikers on the weekend. I love this place for its solitude, excellent pond fishing, and challenging terrain; YMMV.
posted by mosk at 4:48 PM on December 26, 2006