When to go
Summer is a popular choice for backpacking, especially in the mountains. However, California is an excellent state for year-round backpacking. Some even enjoy snow camping! (It's really not that cold.)
| Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer is the glory season of backpacking. | Fall is an excellent time to view the fall colors. | As long as you are prepared, winter can be fun! | Winter spills over to spring, so watch the snow levels. |
Resources
Here are some resources which deal with seasonal considerations:
- The Complete Hiker
This "how to" hiking guide by John Long and Michael Hodgson includes topics such as: basic preparations, gear advice and first aid information. A strength of this book is that it provides climate and terrain specific advice.
- REI Snow Camping Checklist
If you are considering snow camping, this is a great checklist from REI.
- Alpine Skills International
Backpacking in the mountains in winter tends to involve skiing, snowshoeing, and avalanche preparedness. Learn how to do it at this mountaineering school on Donner Summit.