National Parks and Camping (advice for me + general discussion)

[slickpoppa]

Hey EDGD,

I'm gonna have some free time this summer between taking the bar exam and starting my first job as a lawyer. I'm strongly considering using a couple of those weeks in August to do some hardcore camping out West. I think as of now I'd like to pick two national parks and spend one week at each of them, but I am an eastcoaster and have no idea about which ones to go to. The names that immediately spring to mind are Yellowstone and Yosemite, but that's probably cause they are the most famous. The only criteria I have is that I have is I want to avoid the deserts or any places that will be regularly greater than 100 degrees. Other than that, I am open-minded. I'm going to be starting my trip in Colorado for a wedding and want to end the trip in Vegas, so that might eliminate places like northern Washington and Montana.

I have very little camping experience other than a trip I took before freshman year of college, but I am in very good shape and not afraid to get dirty.

In addition to which places to go, I've got a lot of logistical questions, many that are probably noobish:
- I'll be doing this by myself, so what precautions should I take to ensure I don't end up like that guy who had to saw his own arm off?
- Once you get to the parks, how much freedom do you have in picking your own route? Are certain areas off limits to camping?
- What kind of supplies should I be getting? I've got a really good pack and a 40 degree sleeping bag (warm enough), but thats about it. Is a tent necessary?

Thanks in advance.

Also, feel free to use this thread for more general discussion, posting pictures, etc.

[turnipmonster]

I highly recommend getting a jetboil stove. it's the most efficient thing I own. you will also need a compass, cooking/eating utensils, paper towels, a good lighter, and a million other little things I am forgetting.

as far as camping, there are two ways to camp in most national parks. you can apply for a backcountry permit, which means you can set up camp wherever you want within a designated (but very large) area. some parks have seasonal restrictions on fires for backcountry campers.

the other way to do it is reserve a campsite. a campsite consists of a fire ring, grill type thing, flat space for your tent, parking space and nearby bathrooms/dishwashing stations/etc. usually these campsites are a mix of ppl with RVs and tent campers.

there is usually a separate "hiker's camp" which is normally a lot further away from cars (no parking spots nearby) and cheaper.

car campsites will run you 15-25/night, hiker's camps are around 5 bucks. backcountry permits are sometimes free, sometimes 5-10 bucks. you can usually apply for a receive a backcountry permit the same day you want to camp. if you want to get a car campsite, for that time of year you will need to reserve far in advance. there will be a *lot* of other people camping. I am not kidding or exaggerating.

[SoulPower]

[ QUOTE ]
I highly recommend getting a jetboil stove.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going with a group of 3 to Yosemite for 5 days in two weeks. Is it really worth the extra $$ for the JetBoil, or would a cheaper alternative suffice if none us are planning on doing any serious camping in the near future?

[suzzer99]

You can also rent camping gear.

[***]

At REI you can get tons of good advice about both about how to choose the equipment that is right for you, as well as the actual things you should know to do while camping. Their advice page is here.

I've never shopped with them, but they are one of the best online resources for beginner information about camping. Have fun - the western parks are really beautiful.

[turnipmonster]

probably not. a jetboil is nice because it's super compact, light, and extremely efficient meaning you use much less gas than you would with another brand stove.

it's really not necessary unless you are backpacking, but it is the best camping stove I've ever used.

with a large group, especially if you are staying in one place you probably won't use a stove too much and cook over the campfire. it's much better to have a stove if you're by yourself and don't want to make a big fire just to cook dinner.

[ThaSaltCracka]

suzzer, thank you for posting that trip report. Amazing photos.

[slickpoppa]

Ok, I've decided on Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone. Now I just need to map out my route. I can probably spend 5-6 days at each. Any advice on which trails to go for would be great. Also, I'll have a car and am willing to spend a day or two driving around and hitting up the touristy spots.

[idrinkcoors]

Since you are already going to be in Colorado, I'd reccommend Rocky Mountain National Park. Your weddding is probably in Denver/Colorado Springs? So RMNP is only a 2 hour drive or so away.

I grew up near there so I may be biased, but I think it's pretty underrated as far as parks go. Regarding your other questions:

1) You won't have to saw your arm off. Leg, maybe. No, just get a good map of the park. Not a tourist, drive-by map, a detailed map. I assume you have a compass or GPS. I'm not sure if there is any type of cell recepition there. I would be suprised if there were. The only other thing I would tell you is to not get into a serious rock climbing there, because you're toast if something goes awry and you are alone.

2) There may be wildlife migrations that cause officials to prohibit some areas from camping. The ranger station will let you know about this. In fact, you may want to check with them before your trip as far as getting a permit. I don't know what those rules are nowdays.

3) Tent? Yes. The major road in the park, Trail Ridge Road usually opens on Memorial Day. Why so late? Because of all of the snow. Snowing in June is not uncommmon. Regardless of what mountian park you visit, don't underestimate how cold it can get at night at 12,000 feet.

Well I'm done with my pitch for Rocky Mountain National Park. Good luck wherever you go. It sounds like one of those trips you can look back on when you're 85 and brag to the grandkids about.

[slickpoppa]

Clarification: I'm looking to stay on foot and generally stay away from busy campsites. I probably want to avoid any heavy climbing for safety reasons.

Thanks for the great replies so far.