Ideas Needed for a Solo Trip

[shadowcat]

I've been saving up for a trip - but I don't know where to go! There are so many beautiful places to see in this country. So, if you guys can give me some ideas; based on your own personal experience or good info. I'd sure appreciate it. What I'm looking for: first, I'll be solo so I would like to go someplace where either I'm involved in a group "eco-adventure" or I'm staying someplace where the activity is nearby. It also has to be someplace where I can feel safe taking off by myself for the day. For example: if I was staying at a location similar to the ADK Lodge; I'd feel comfortable taking off hiking around there by myself or maybe have the opportunity to hook up with others. Obviously I'm looking for good hiking but if there's water and mountain biking that's a real plus. Any place in the US, Canada or maybe even Mexico. But preferably the US! I don't need a big city or shops, just beautiful scenery and the ability to get up in the morning and go do my thing. I suppose I'm dreaming but I know there's places out there - if you know of any -- please let me know. I'll be planning this after the 1st of the year and I'm open on when to go so feel free to recommend the best time to go also.
thanx

 

[Jasonst]

San Juans, Colorado. Fly to either Denver, Albuquerque, or Durango, rent a 4wd, stay in either Telluride, Ouray or Durango. Get a copy of Roach's book on 14ers. Have a blast! Climb as many 13 & 14ers as possible. It's an AMAZING place! Can't wait to go back! (Hopefully the feet have healed?)

O yeah, if you get worn out from hiking, pickup a 4wd map (at any convenience store) and go exploring! You can get to 12 and 13k in a normal jeep or blazer.
Check out this link

 

[ADackR]

A L A S K A

co-signed!!!

 

[kwc]

ditto the A L A S K A

if alaska strikes your fancy, PM me and i'll give ya my son's email address and maybe you can hook up with him for some adventures, he's always good to go for that sorta thing. he lives just outside of fairbanks.

 

[JOD]

Lake Tahoe

Tahoe has it all. Water, sailing, windsurfing; Mountains, hiking, mtb. Lots of people young and old great food and lodging.

Fly into Reno or Sacramento. North Lake Tahoe is my favorite area. South Lake is too honky tonk unless you like casinos, although the motels are cheaper there.

The lake is 6280ft and the mountains are much higher around 9000ft. You won't/ shouldn't have issues with altitude sickness. You will notice some labored breathing but shouldn't be serious.

Jim

 

[spongebob]

I'll agree Alaska is fun. I only checked out the Kenai Peninsula and that rocked! I am going to go back next year to see a different area. It seems to me everyone in Alaska has a little Espresso stand on the side of the road. Heck even the Brown Bears were selling the stuff. The scenery was very nice. I saw so many baby moose I got tired of taking pictures of them.

 

[1ADAM12]

YELLOWSTONE, TETONS

I will say something a bit different from Alaska although that is a great idea! A few years ago I went to Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Mount Rushmore. The best thing about going this time of year is that you beat the crowds. All the kids are back in school....you do not need reservations for hotels or campgrounds. You can just wing it!!!!!! I went the first week in October and the snow was starting to fly. If the weather gets to bad in Yellowstone they close some of the passes in the higher elevations so go soon!!!!!! The wildlife is amazing and you do not have to worry about the crowds scaring the animals. I was up close and personal with a grizzly and it was amazing!!!!!!

 

[trailbiscuit]

Did somebody say Alaska?
Ummm..yeah, Denali. I would go back in half a heartbeat.
Tahoe is a good suggestion. I would combine it with Yosemite. It worked for us.

Did I mention Alaska?

 

[rhihn]

Everyone's saying Alaska which is, I'm sure, wonderful (never been there or done that). If that strikes your fancy, you might want to consider Kluane National Park, Yukon, CA (been there, done that).

 

[Rik]

I'll second the Tetons. With Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the Snake River all near by there are many options for recreation.