Howdy!
Been lurking the forums for a while, finally decided to sign up to get some advice. I'm looking for a few training hike suggestions that are:
-Within driving distance of the Monterey Bay Area (day trip or weekend overnighter)
-Start at a fairly high altitude
-Somewhere to familiarize myself with an ice axe and crampons around late April-May (doesn't have to be the same hike)
-Dog friendly is a huge plus
I was drawn for a four day Whitney Trail permit for the last week of June. Went ahead and bought snow gear "just incase". Even if I don't need it come June, having it allows me to expand my hiking horizons - stoked on that. I've been day hiking about 100 miles a year for the past three years in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Big Sur area, but there's not really any snow or altitude worth mentioning
. If all else fails, I'm just going to do some backpacking in Big Sur before Whitney comes around (along with my usual gym, cycling, etc,) but I'd love to see some altitude and snow if I can.
Thanks!