AboutMike Expertise I can answer questions about backpacking a snowshoeing in the American West: Mountains, Canyons and Deserts.
Experience I've spent much of my life backpacking, hiking and snowshoeing in the Cascades, Rockies, high Sierras and the red rock canyons of the Southwest.
Publications Just letters to the editor in Backpacker and Outside and my Backpacking homepages
Question Hello, I am going to California this weekend. Is there anywhere within 3 hours of LA that I can hike n set camp without a permit or someplace I am sure to get one. I am just looking for a nice view on the hike if possible. State Parks or National. Yosemite area is out of the question it seems, everyone says it will be very hard to get a wilderness permit, so I beg for your help in telling me where to go and do an overniter without worry. PLease?
Answer Hi,
I'm not terribly familiar with the west side of the Sierras. I was in Yosemite many years ago but only day hiked. Kings Canyon might be a good option or, perhaps, some of the areas around Kings Canyon.
Backpacker Magazine has some good information on "Where to go" ideas.
