alpine – Page 143 – besthike.com

November 25, 2006

which is the largest U.S. National Park?

An interesting graphic posted by ParkRemark.com, “News and Views on the National Park Service” in the States, puts things into perspective.

(via Gadling)

On a possibly related note, George Novak uses the U.S. National Park Service website to research future trips. For example, check out Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, a World Heritage Site.

If you like freedom, know that Backcountry permits are NOT required to hike there. But travelers are encouraged to complete a “Backcountry Itinerary” available at any park office.

November 22, 2006

Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

UPDATE:

Ruhaizad Daud contacted us with excellent information. He’s a Malaysian doctor from Sabah who is passionate about Mount Kinabalu.

Ruhaizad is also the editor of Mount-Kinabalu-Borneo.com, a content rich site with everything you could possibly need to plan a trip. He confirms that "Anybody, I repeat anybody – can reach the summit – provided that they have the best information and preparation."

We’ve subscribed to his blog and newsletter. Ruahizad even publishes a .pdf guidebook which you can download for a small donation.

St. John’s Peak 2005 – photo Ruhaizad Daud

We’ve added Mt. Kinabalu to our list of best hikes in Asia and linked to Ruhaizad’s site.

However, this is just the kind of adventure which tends to attract beginners who may get hurt or killed. A British teenager died there in 2001. Guides are mandatory but the quality of those guides is suspect.

On the other hand, I really want to go to Kinabalu myself.

At over 4000m (13,123ft) it’s South-East Asia’s highest mountain. The photos look very appealing.

Malaysia is the most under-rated country in Asia, in my opinion. I definitely want Kinabalu on my own list of the best hikes in the world.

photo – zbjernak

more great Kinabalu photos on flickr

( via Adventure Blog)

November 22, 2006

Tramping in New Zealand

One of our favourite hiking guidebooks has been updated for 2006.

Hiking 3 months in New Zealand, this book was my bible.

Make tracks across the spectacular range of New Zealand landscapes. The deep valleys of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring beckon, the Marlborough Sounds call, the volcanoes of Tongariro are steaming … explore on foot the natural wonders of this country from coast to Cook. … 53 detailed trail descriptions for trampers of all levels

Amazon.com: Lonely Planet Tramping in New Zealand: Books: Jim Dufresne

For variety, trailhead transport, ease of access, cost â€” New Zealand is the best destination in the world for most hikers.

best hikes in New Zealand – besthike.com

November 20, 2006

should we close Angel’s Landing in Zion?

When I first saw Angel’s Landing from a distance, I wondered how anyone could get up there.

A group exploring Zion in 1916 felt the same way. Frederick Fisher exclaimed, “only an angel could land on it.”

photo by champy1013

It’s a gain of 1700ft (518m) via Walter’s Wiggles, steep switchbacks blasted into the cliff. This is strenuous hiking, almost scrambling.

Despite the narrow ridge walk at the top, sheer drop-offs on either side, this climb is safe for those experienced in mountain hiking.

But it is not safe for the general public who have too easy access. After the death of 29-year-old Bernadette Vander Meer in August 2006, perhaps more safeguards need be added.

Climb to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park and you’ll have an incredible view of Zion Canyon and the surrounding cliffs. You’ll also risk a spell of vertigo if you get too near the edge and glance into the void.

In fact, reaching the top of the landing can be unnerving at times as you have to climb up some steep, and narrow, stretches of rock. The Park Service is well aware of the exposure on these sections and has anchored heavy chains into the most precarious spots so you have something to hang onto.

Over the years five people have died in falls from Angel’s Landing. …

National Parks Traveler: Woman Dies in Fall From Angel’s Landing

On our list of the best hikes in the world, Angel’s Landing is the shortest we include. It’s a fantastic experience for a confident hikers. And only a hop, skip and a jump from Zion Narrows, an even better hike.

I say keep Angel’s open â€” but do a better job of informing “tourists” of the risk.

more photos on flickr tagged “Angel’s Landing”

November 11, 2006May 8, 2016

best of the Canadian Rockies – Emperor Falls

Of many, many highlights hiking Mt. Robson / Berg Lake in the Rockies, getting a shower under majestic Emperor Falls was most special. I’d actually never heard of these Falls before I hiked Mt. Robson. The are the most impressive in Western Canada, I reckon.

Emperor-Falls-is-one-of-the-many-beautiful-waterfalls-along-the-Berg-Lake-trail

It’s positively dangerous. Get as wet as you want.

A good contest for your group is to see who can get closest to the force of the Falls.

I posted a number of Emperor Falls photos on flickr from our 2003 hike.

November 10, 2006

planning for The Towers of Paine, Chile

Many call Paine in Patagonia the single best hike in the world.

We don’t refute that claim.

But organizing an independent hiking adventure in that far off part of the world can be frustrating. Management of the Park is convoluted & confusing. Two private companies (Andescape & Fantastico Sur) share responsibilities with the federal government & run the mountain huts (refugios). A third company Vertice Patagonia runs one large Lodge and campground. Pathagone has some role, as well.

Some of these companies have websites, but none are particularly helpful â€” unless you want to sign on for a guided trek.

In Dec. 2004 we finally had to travel to the jumping off point for Paine, tiny Puerto Natales, Chile. Once there (speaking to the many hikers everywhere in town) it turned out that independent hiking is simple. No reservations are needed of any kind â€” so long as you are tenting. Every campsite is first-come, first-served.

If you want to hike and stay in the huts, good luck. Those beds are generally taken by guided groups. And we have still found no way to book them in advance from abroad.

So … what to do.

The happiest hikers in Paine are carrying their own packs and tents. No hassles. That’s what we did. <photos>

The next best way to do Torres del Paine is to sign on with one of the major trekking companies. For example, Path@gone will take you 5 days, 4 nights staying in refugios for US$330 / person â€” a pretty good price. Email Pathagone@entelchile.net to get a quote from them for your own adventure. No hassles.

For more details, check Paine Circuit and “W” on besthike.com

November 9, 2006

John Muir Trail record attempt(s)

â€œI built a castle in the swamp and it sunk. I built a second castle and it sunk too. I built a third castle and it burned down and then sunk. But the fourth castle, Ahhhh! That one stood.â€

â€”Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Well-written account of an attempt to speed hike the JMT by 49-year-old Al Shaver.

Before my attempt, Reinhold Metzger held the unsupported, unresupplied speed record for the 208 mile John Muir Trail at 5 days 7 hours. I hoped to best his time this September. After three valiant attempts, his record still stands.

I knew I wasnâ€™t necessarily the person best suited to break Reinholdâ€™s record, but I was drawn to the challenge and I thought it was possible. …

As it turns out, the third time is not always a charm. I could take the advice of Mssrs. Cleese et al and try one more time, but I fear I took on a 40 miles a day challenge with 30 miles a day feet.

Results: John Muir Trail (JMT) Record Attempt – Unsupported, Without Resupply @ Backpacking Light

john-muir-trail-unsupported-record-attempt-results-5.jpg
Al Shaver and the gear

(via The Adventure Blog)

November 7, 2006

Ausangate Circuit – Peru

The Botterills from Calgary, Canada are just back from an October hike around Ausangate â€” our favourite trek in Peru.

How did they enjoy it?

“The trek was unreal â€” weather was good â€” no altitude issues.”

They signed on with Sunrise Peru the cost only $360 for 6 days. ($60 / day / person)

“Guide was great, meals were unreal and made from scratch, and the wrangler and assistant were nice.

I give them 10 out of 10. … I can’t think of anything they could have done better.”

more photos on Botterill.com

Sunrise Peru provided great service as well on a Lares trek and a 2-day Inca Trail trek.

That’s good enough for besthike.com â€” we will be recommending Sunrise Peru in future.

Be warned, this trek is high. If you suffer altitude sickness â€” it is difficult to descend.

But if you like challenge, Ausangate is one of the very best in the world: 70km (43.5mi) plus sidetrips, tent 4-5 nights. Hot springs at the start and finish!

Ausangate Circuit on besthike.com

October 28, 2006

Washington State – Ptarmigan Traverse

One of National Geographic’s World’s Best New Adventures, this is a dream trip for a hiker / mountaineer / skier.

The legendary Ptarmigan Traverse begins at Cascade Pass in the shadow of North Cascades National Park’s 8,065-foot (2,458-meter) Johannesburg Mountain and traces nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers) of the Cascades Crest, cutting across ridges and cirques to the north side of 10,541-foot (321-meter) Glacier Peak, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area. It’s the kind of iconic route that experienced Cascades mountaineers have been tackling unguided ever since the area’s Ptarmigan Climbing Club established it in 1938.

Next May, Seattle-based Mountain Madness will guide a tour that makes this North American classic accessible to beginning ski mountaineers. …

“The trip is equivalent to the Haute Route in the Alps, but in a wilderness setting,” says Mark Gunlogson, president of Mountain Madness. “It’s beautiful.”

Washington: Conquering a Cascades Classic